MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A high-speed chase ended in a dramatic crash and multiple charges after a driver fled from law enforcement, crashed into a home, and a passenger allegedly lied to officers about who was behind the wheel.
According to the West Virginia State Police, a sergeant was traveling westbound on Glenwood Park Road when a Chevrolet pickup truck sped past going 62 mph in a 35 mph zone. The trooper activated his emergency lights just before the truck passed, but instead of stopping, the driver accelerated in an attempt to flee.
The chase ended when the truck veered across the center line, then swerved toward the fog line and lost control. It left the roadway, hit a white Dodge pickup, crashed through a fence, and slammed into the corner of a house at 1301 Glenwood Park Road.
At the scene, troopers encountered Dakota Mullins and Leslie Lee Cecil exiting the wrecked vehicle. Cecil was seen pulling two young children out of the truck. She then approached the trooper and insisted she had been driving—claims backed by Mullins. However, a witness who had followed the vehicle from Green Valley Country Store told officers he had seen Mullins behind the wheel and driving recklessly. The witness said Mullins sped out of the parking lot, spinning his tires, and confirmed he was in the driver’s seat.
Police say the vehicle lacked insurance, and Mullins was driving on an expired license that lapsed in November 2023. His reckless driving, attempt to flee, and failure to maintain control of the truck put both children in serious danger, according to investigators.
Leslie Lee Cecil is now facing charges for providing false information in an attempt to obstruct the criminal investigation. Authorities are also pursuing additional evidence, including surveillance footage from the store.
The incident remains under investigation.
