WYOMING COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A traffic stop on Alpoca Bottom Road led to the arrest of a man on multiple charges, including driving under the influence (DUI) and drug possession, on Sunday evening.
At approximately 7:32 p.m. on January 12, 2025, a state trooper encountered a white Chevrolet Cavalier stopped in the middle of the roadway. The vehicle’s operator, identified as Bernard Thomas, was found inside the car and admitted to stopping because he was urinating in the road.
Signs of Impairment
The trooper observed that Thomas had slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and the odor of alcohol on his breath. An open bottle of Peach Bootlegger was found in Thomas’s hand, and an empty bottle of the same beverage was seen on the dashboard.
Thomas admitted to drinking and said he had also taken medication earlier in the day but was unable to identify the medication. He further stated that he was unable to walk or stand for field sobriety tests or complete a preliminary breath test due to breathing difficulties.
Drugs and Cash Discovered
While investigating, the trooper noticed a green bag on the dashboard. Inside, the trooper found three pill bottles. Two of the bottles were properly labeled with Thomas’s name and contained Gabapentin, a Schedule V controlled substance, and 7.5mg Oxycodone Hydrochloride, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The third bottle, which had no label, contained 15 tablets of 15mg Oxycodone Hydrochloride. Thomas was unable to produce a valid prescription for these pills. Additionally, $916 in cash was found inside the bag.
Arrest and Charges
Deputy Ellison from the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office assisted in securing Thomas and transporting him to Welch Community Hospital for a blood draw. Thomas later signed out of the hospital against medical advice and was taken to the Welch Detachment for processing.
Thomas faces multiple charges, including:
- DUI, first offense
- Possession of a Schedule II controlled substance with intent to deliver
- Possession of a Schedule V controlled substance with intent to deliver
