Man arrested after throwing bowl of cereal at roommate

LEADING CREEK, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Randolph County man faces charges following an altercation with a family member involving a bowl of cereal.

According to Deputy Pingley of the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department, on Monday, March 20, 2023, 911 dispatched a domestic situation in the Leading Creek area of Randolph County. Reports indicate that a family member had returned home where they were physically attacked by another family member in the residence.

Responding to the location, Deputy Pingley met with the victim outside the residence. The victim advised that they had returned home after being out of town at approximately 7:20pm, and that upon entering the residence came into contact with Nathanial Mearns.

Mearns was alleged to have come out of his bedroom “in a rage” and to have thrown a bowl of cereal at the victim. The bowl struck the victim and spilled milk on his pants. Mearns then allegedly proceeded to attempt to fight the victim, wrestling him to the ground.

Deputy Pingley observed the left hand of the victim which exhibited swelling and discoloration. The victim declined EMS examination.

Entering the residence, Deputy Pingley called out for Mearns who did not respond. He observed spilled milk in the hallway area of the residence consistent with the victim’s version of events.

Opening the door to Mearns’ room, the subject could be observed lying in bed next to a small bag containing a crystal-like substance consistent with methamphetamine. The room was also reportedly filled with used, uncapped needles, and on a dresser to the right of the room was what appeared to be a pill bottle containing a white crystal-like substance consistent with methamphetamine.

Mearns was instructed by the responding deputy to walk out to the hallway so that all involved could avoid risk of injury due to the amount of uncapped needles in the room, to which he complied.

Based on Deputy Pingley’s observations at the scene and the statement of the victim, Mearns was arrested and transported to Tygart Valley Regional Jail.

Nathaniel Mearns has been charged with Domestic Battery and Possession of a Controlled Substance.