MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Mercer County man is facing charges after deputies say he assaulted his mother during a domestic disturbance before attempting to conceal his identity from law enforcement.
According to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to 800 Fayette Street in the Princeton area on July 4, 2026, following reports of an active domestic incident.
Mercer County 911 advised that Auston Johnson was arguing and yelling at the caller, identified as Tuesday Skeens, and his mother. Before deputies arrived, Skeens relocated to 813 Fayette Street, where officers made contact with Johnson’s mother, Andreana Whitlow.
Whitlow told deputies her son had been drinking and became belligerent during the altercation. She alleged that Johnson punched through a window in an attempt to strike her, causing shattered glass to cut her hand.
Deputies observed a cut on Whitlow’s left hand that they said was consistent with her account of the incident.
Investigators were directed to a camper where Johnson had reportedly been staying. Deputies found the glass in the camper’s front door had been shattered but received no response after knocking and announcing their presence.
After searching the area without locating Johnson, deputies spotted a man walking toward the residence who matched the suspect’s description.
According to the criminal complaint, when deputies asked the man to identify himself, he claimed to be Ethan Johnsonand told deputies he had a twin brother named Auston Johnson. Deputies later determined the man was actually Auston Johnson.
Johnson was taken into custody without further incident. Deputies reported he was unable to provide a coherent statement during the investigation.
Johnson was transported to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office for processing before being booked into Southern Regional Jail, where he awaited arraignment.
He has been charged with domestic assault and obstructing an officer.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and Johnson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
