MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Mercer County man is facing felony charges after deputies say he intentionally drove a pickup truck into a Princeton-area home, causing significant damage and narrowly avoiding more serious injuries to a woman in a wheelchair inside.
According to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, the incident happened around 11:20 a.m. on Aug. 3 at a home on Beechtree Street.
Emergency dispatchers initially reported that a man had driven a truck through the front of a residence. Callers also advised authorities that the driver had reportedly been drinking and that a woman in a wheelchair was inside the home.
When deputies arrived, they found extensive damage to the front porch and entrance of the residence, along with a green GMC pickup truck parked nearby. Witnesses directed officers to a neighboring home, where the suspect, identified as Thomas Hammonds, was taken into custody without incident.
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Hammonds allegedly admitted to investigators that he had consumed “two and a half beers” but claimed he was not intoxicated. He told deputies he had appeared in court earlier that morning and had been given 30 days to leave the property.
According to investigators, Hammonds admitted he “flipped out” and intentionally drove the truck into the residence to damage it, allegedly stating, “If I’m going to lose it, she is going to lose everything.” He told deputies he intended to destroy the property and did not intend to hurt anyone.
Investigators also interviewed multiple witnesses, including Kaytlin Lester and Amanda Shrewsbury, who said they saw Hammonds intentionally drive the truck into the home after returning from court.
Inside the residence, deputies spoke with homeowner Cynthia Combs and her home health aide, Robin Noe. Combs, who is paralyzed on her right side following a previous stroke, was seated directly in front of the home’s entrance when the truck struck. Noe told deputies that shattered glass landed on Combs, causing minor abrasions, but she was not seriously injured.
Authorities estimated the damage to the home exceeds $2,500.
Hammonds was arrested and charged with felony destruction of property and intimidation and retaliation against public officers, employees, jurors, and witnesses.
The investigation remains ongoing.
