LASHMEET, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Mercer County woman has been arrested after West Virginia State Police say a family dispute escalated into a stabbing Sunday afternoon in Lashmeet.
According to the West Virginia State Police, troopers were dispatched at approximately 2:27 p.m. on June 21 to a reported stabbing at a residence on Jasper Street.
While en route, Mercer County 911 advised responding troopers that Crystal Tooley had been identified as the suspect and had reportedly fled to her mother’s nearby residence following the incident.
Troopers located and detained Tooley before continuing their investigation.
According to investigators, Tooley told troopers she and the victim had been involved in an argument earlier that day at her mother’s residence. She said the argument continued after he left and returned to his own home on Jasper Street, where another confrontation took place before she went back to her mother’s residence.
Troopers also interviewed the victim, who said he had been visiting his mother’s home for breakfast when Crystal Tooley allegedly began damaging items inside the residence. He told investigators he attempted to calm her down by grabbing her, at which point the suspect’s daughter allegedly began punching him.
According to the complaint, the victim then left and returned to his own residence. Once there, he moved his vehicle to make it appear he was not home.
Investigators say the victim reported seeing Crystal Tooley and her daughter approach his residence a short time later. When he opened the door, he alleged that Crystal Tooley became aggressive and produced a knife.
According to the complaint, he attempted to stop her by grabbing her arm, but she stabbed him in the right hand. During the struggle, investigators say the daughter allegedly approached with a second knife and stabbed him in his right side.
Troopers said the victim was able to disarm both individuals and kept the knives in his yard until law enforcement arrived.
Despite suffering injuries, he reportedly declined emergency medical treatment multiple times.
State Police photographed the victim’s injuries and collected both knives as evidence.
Crystal Tooley was arrested and transported to the West Virginia State Police Princeton Detachment for processing before being taken to Southern Regional Jail to await arraignment.
The criminal complaint details allegations against Crystal Tooley. She is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. The investigation remains ongoing.
