PRINCETON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Mercer County woman is facing multiple charges after being arrested on a warrant at a local restaurant and later identified as the suspect in a hit-and-run investigation, according to the West Virginia State Police.
On Monday, April 20, 2026, at approximately 6:00 p.m., a trooper received information that Teresa Meadows was inside the Applebee’s and had an active warrant. Troopers arrived around 6:10 p.m., made contact with Meadows, and confirmed the warrant through WVSP Communications. She was taken into custody without incident.
While on scene, restaurant staff reported that Meadows had allegedly stolen a large package of napkins. According to the report, a relative retrieved the napkins from Meadows’ purse. After being read her rights, Meadows admitted to taking the napkins from a shelf inside the restaurant. A waitress also told troopers she witnessed the incident. Meadows is now charged with one count of petit larceny.
The arrest comes just days after Meadows was identified as the driver in a separate hit-and-run incident.
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, at approximately 6:27 p.m., troopers responded to a report of a vehicle leaving the scene after striking property at First Community Bank. A witness told authorities a dark blue SUV crashed into concrete barriers and a sign in the ATM drive-thru before fleeing the area.
The vehicle, identified as a 2026 Honda CR-V registered to Meadows’ mother, was later located at a residence on Doyle Circle. Troopers noted the engine was still warm upon arrival. Meadows initially denied involvement, but a witness later positively identified her as the driver.
Investigators also received information from a family member alleging Meadows had been using her mother’s vehicle without permission and may have been involved in prior fraudulent activity.
The hit-and-run investigation remains ongoing.
