BLUEFIELD, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A domestic disturbance in Mercer County escalated into a violent assault and major drug seizure, leading to the arrest of a Bluefield woman Sunday.
According to police, officers responded to a residence on Stowers Street on April 5, 2026, after reports of a disturbance inside the home.
Upon arrival, officers spoke with Nyasia Hanley, who said her sister, identified as Zaniah Hanley, became extremely agitated and began destroying property, including a television and several glass plates. The situation quickly escalated when Zaniah Hanley allegedly grabbed a large kitchen knife and advanced toward her sister.
Police say the suspect then swung the knife, cutting the victim’s hand and causing a deep laceration. Officers noted the injury was consistent with a sharp-edged weapon and could have resulted in serious bodily harm.
Zaniah Hanley was later located a short distance away and taken into custody without incident.
During a search incident to arrest, officers discovered multiple individually packaged bags of suspected narcotics in her possession. Authorities say the substances included approximately 8 grams of a white powder believed to be cocaine, along with two additional bags totaling more than 18 grams of suspected fentanyl and fentanyl mixed with a cutting agent.
The drugs were packaged in a manner consistent with distribution, according to the report. Officers also recovered $25 in cash found near the narcotics, which was reportedly stained with blood.
Investigators say the presence of blood on both the victim and the currency further supports that the suspect had possession of the weapon and drugs at the time of the incident.
Zaniah Hanley is facing charges including malicious wounding and possession with intent to deliver controlled substances, including fentanyl and cocaine.
The investigation remains ongoing.
