FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A woman was arrested early Thursday morning following a police pursuit that began in Fayette County and ended at the Raleigh County line after officers say she drove recklessly, struck road signs, and nearly crashed multiple times along U.S. Route 19.
According to Sgt. J.M. Pauley, the incident began around 1:23 a.m. on May 21, 2026, when Fayette County dispatch issued a BOLO for a silver Ford SUV after reports that the vehicle had struck a guardrail between Lochgelly and Summerlee Road before continuing southbound on U.S. Route 19.
While stationed near the intersection of U.S. Route 19 and Legends Highway, Pauley observed a vehicle matching the description nearly hit another guardrail and a tractor-trailer traveling in the fast lane.
After getting behind the SUV, Pauley reportedly observed the vehicle repeatedly swerving onto rumble strips before initiating a traffic stop near Cafego Road. Authorities said the driver failed to stop despite emergency lights and sirens being activated.
Police say the SUV continued southbound in a “reckless manner,” running off the roadway multiple times and nearly striking several guardrails and road signs as the pursuit continued past Glen Jean and toward Mount Hope.
Corporal Bias later joined the pursuit as the vehicle crossed toward Raleigh County. Authorities said the SUV nearly entered a ditch line and struck multiple road signs before finally stopping near the Raleigh County line.
Officers conducted a felony stop and deployed K-9 Raven while giving commands to the driver to exit the vehicle. The driver was identified as Stephanie Hopkins.
According to the report, Hopkins initially resisted commands by questioning officers before eventually complying after being warned the K-9 would be deployed.
Officers took Hopkins into custody without further incident.
Police reported finding multiple open containers of Pabst Blue Ribbon beer and White Claw alcoholic beverages inside the vehicle in plain view.
Hopkins was transported to the Oak Hill Police Department for processing before being taken to Southern Regional Jail to await arraignment.
