PRINCETON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A neighborhood dispute in Mercer County turned violent Monday evening, resulting in the arrest of a woman on a malicious assault charge.
Deputies responded around 6:25 p.m. on January 12, 2026, to the Shady Oaks Way area in the Princeton section of Mercer County following reports of an altercation between neighbors.
The initial caller contacted Mercer County 911 to report concerns about her neighbor’s living conditions, including a lack of heat, and said she feared the situation could turn violent. Moments later, the caller called again, alleging her neighbor, Mary Burger, had stabbed her in the head with a fork.
When deputies arrived, Martin said she had gone to Burger’s residence earlier in the evening to help her look for food at Burger’s request. While there, Martin recorded video of the condition of the home and part of a verbal argument. Martin told deputies the argument escalated and she was struck in the head with a fork. At that time, Martin declined to press charges but asked deputies to explore mental hygiene options.
Deputies also spoke with Burger at her residence. Burger claimed Martin came to her home regarding items previously given to her while Martin was intoxicated. Burger accused Martin of believing she was being stolen from and said Martin attempted to hit her with a walking stick. Burger admitted she had been drinking alcohol that evening. Both parties initially declined to pursue criminal charges and were advised to separate for the night.
The situation escalated again around 8:45 p.m., when Martin called 911 a second time, reporting Burger had come to her residence and cut her face. Martin told deputies she pushed Burger out and shut the door but was unsure what object was used, describing the wounds as burning.
Deputies observed multiple small lacerations to the right side of Martin’s face. Martin told officers that Burger first attacked her with a fork earlier in the evening and later returned to her home under the pretense of apologizing, only to cut her two or three times with what she believed may have been a dull object such as a screwdriver, screw, or nail.
Martin was evaluated by emergency medical personnel but declined further treatment. A second individual, Thomas Martin, who was also present, provided a written statement that was added to the report.
Deputies were unable to locate the object allegedly used in the second assault. Burger, who appeared visibly impaired due to alcohol consumption, was unable to clearly explain Martin’s injuries when questioned. Burger declined to speak with EMS.
Based on the investigation, Mary Burger was placed under arrest and charged with one count of Malicious Assaultunder West Virginia law. She was transported to Southern Regional Jail.
