MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Mercer County man was arrested Monday after allegedly making a false emergency report claiming two armed men were attempting to shoot him outside his camper.
According to authorities, Sgt. Addair, Lt. Ellison, Deputy Presley, and members of the West Virginia State Police responded to Meadows Hill Road in Princeton on May 18, 2026, following reports of an active assault involving a firearm.
Dispatchers with Mercer County E911 advised officers that the caller, identified as Warren Lester, claimed two men — identified as Steven Meadows and Manor Meadows — were outside his camper attempting to shoot him after a dispute. Lester reportedly told dispatchers one of the men was armed with a pistol and described the suspects as two white males, one short and heavyset and the other taller in stature. He also stated a female may have been involved.
Due to the seriousness of the call and continuous updates from the caller indicating the incident was ongoing, law enforcement responded urgently to the scene.
When officers arrived, they reportedly found no individuals outside the camper. Authorities then made contact with Lester, who officers said appeared highly nervous, was sweating heavily, and continuously looked around the area.
According to the report, Lester later apologized and admitted he was “extremely high.” He allegedly told officers he heard noises outside but never actually saw anyone.
Following the investigation, Lester was arrested and charged with falsely reporting an emergency incident.
While officers were escorting Lester to a patrol vehicle, a woman identified as his sister exited a nearby trailer and reportedly told officers Lester frequently becomes intoxicated or under the influence and has made similar false reports in the past.
Lester was transported to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department for processing before arraignment.
