PINEVILLE, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A routine traffic stop in Pineville turned into a foot chase Friday evening after deputies spotted a vehicle with no visible registration.
At approximately 5:30 p.m., Deputy M.T. Perry and Sgt. C.B. Hedinger of the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department were monitoring traffic on Route 10 in East Pineville when they observed a gray vehicle heading toward town. As the vehicle turned into the Save A Lot parking lot, the male driver exited and attempted to flee on foot through a nearby alley.
Deputies issued verbal commands, and the suspect — later identified as Corey Paynter — complied and was detained without further incident.
According to the report, deputies detected a strong odor of alcohol on Paynter’s breath and noted other signs of intoxication, including bloodshot eyes. Paynter admitted to consuming “a pint” of alcohol prior to driving.
Field sobriety tests confirmed signs of impairment, and a preliminary breath test showed a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .133. Paynter was placed under arrest for DUI and transported to the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department, where a secondary test registered a .142 BAC — well above the legal limit.
Paynter’s vehicle was impounded by C&T Towing. He now faces DUI and other potential charges related to the attempted flight and vehicle registration issues.
