BRENTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A routine encounter at a Brenton gas station Tuesday evening led to the arrest of two individuals on DUI and multiple drug possession charges.
On August 5, 2025, at approximately 5:10 p.m., a West Virginia State Trooper was refueling at the Brenton EZ Stop when he began speaking with Derek Lester, who was putting gas into a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. A female passenger in the vehicle appeared startled at the trooper’s presence and began hiding items over the seat.
While speaking with Lester, the trooper observed a pipe and aluminum foil on the vehicle’s dashboard. Lester displayed erratic arm movements and claimed to have “jelly legs.” When asked for his license, the trooper saw a large piece of aluminum foil sticking out of Lester’s wallet, which Lester admitted contained methamphetamine.
The female passenger, Ms. Dean, exited the Jeep and also identified herself. Both occupants admitted to recent possession of controlled substances.
Lester underwent three Standardized Field Sobriety Tests — the horizontal gaze nystagmus, one-leg stand, and walk-and-turn tests — all indicating impairment. He was placed under arrest for driving under the influence and possession of a controlled substance.
The female passenger also admitted to having methamphetamine and fentanyl under her seat. Both substances were seized, and she was arrested on two counts of possession of a controlled substance.
A further search of the vehicle uncovered a small bag of marijuana, which Lester claimed as his.
Both suspects were transported to Welch Community Hospital for a DUI blood draw for Lester before being taken to the West Virginia State Police Welch Detachment for processing.
