PRINCETON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Mercer County man is facing multiple charges after authorities say he crashed into another vehicle, slammed into a house, tore off his license plate, and attempted to flee on foot — all while under the influence of cocaine.
The chaotic chain of events unfolded on Monday, December 8, 2025, after a 911 call reported an impaired man sitting in a vehicle in the Walmart parking lot on Greasy Ridge Road.
Suspect Left Walmart Before Officers Arrived
EMS arrived first and identified the driver as Bobby Lee Hazelwood, who they reported was in a “highly impaired state.” Before sheriff’s deputies could arrive, Hazelwood left the scene in a black Saturn sedan.
Deputies soon discovered debris scattered across Greasy Ridge Road at the U.S. 460 intersection. Dispatch then notified the responding sergeant that Hazelwood had crashed into another driver, fled the scene, and was being followed toward Princeton.
Car Crashes Into House, Gas Meter Damaged
The pursuit ended on Oliver Avenue, where deputies found Hazelwood’s Saturn had crashed into a house, run over a natural gas meter, and caused significant property damage. Gas was leaking from the mangled meter.
As deputies approached, Hazelwood was seen removing the license plate from the vehicle before running.
Foot Chase Ends in the Snow
Hazelwood fled on foot but slipped in the snow and fell. When he tried to get up, the sergeant grabbed him and restrained him. Deputies say Hazelwood had rapid, slurred speech and displayed other signs of heavy impairment.
Hazelwood admitted at the scene that he had used cocaine before driving.
Field Sobriety Tests Confirm Impairment
At the Princeton Detachment, deputies conducted three field sobriety tests — the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk-and-Turn, and One-Leg Stand. Hazelwood reportedly failed all three, showing numerous indicators of impairment.
After being read his Miranda rights, Hazelwood admitted to:
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Driving the vehicle
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Being involved in the crash
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Taking cocaine before driving
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Using 1–2 grams of cocaine daily
Hazelwood was taken into custody. Charges are expected to include DUI involving controlled substances, hit-and-run, fleeing, and destruction of property.
