MERCER COUNTY, W.Va. — A West Virginia state trooper was involved in an altercation Wednesday in the picnic area of a Mercer County shopping center that resulted in authorities contacting law enforcement.
Police say Georgia native Michael Lowrey, 54, became combative after he was approached by Senior Trooper J.R. Tupper of the Princeton Detachment of the West Virginia State Police. Tupper allegedly asked to see Lowrey’s identifcation, and Lowrey hit Tupper several times in the head with the trooper’s extendable baton.
Tupper and some citizens were able to get Lowrey under control. Additional troopers arrived, and Lowrey became combative again and had to be subdued.
Several charges could be brought against Lowrey including unlawful wounding and battery or an officer. Tupper was taken to Princeton Community Hospital but was in stable condition.
Alcohol is expected to have played a role in the incident.