PRINCETON, W.Va. — A West Virginia state trooper is recovering from an altercation that occurred Wednesday at a Mercer County shopping center.
“He’s doing well. He’s going to have some scars. He’s a little sore, but his spirits are high,” said Sgt. A.P. Christian of the West Virginia State Police on Thursday’s MetroNews “Talkline.”
Michael Lowrey, 34 of Georgia, became aggressive after being approached by Senior Trooper J.R. Tupper of the state police’s Princeton Detachment. Christian said Tupper responded to a “fairly normal call” of a vagrant. When he asked to see Lowrey’s identification, Lowrey beat Tupper several times in the head with the trooper’s baton.
“The gentleman just kind of went crazy on him,” said Christian.
Christian said Tupper had to fight against the man and suffered heavy blows to the head. Both Tupper and residents were able to get Lowrey under control before additional troopers arrived.
“We got good citizens here in southern West Virginia. They jumped right to his aid and helped him hold the gentleman down until we could get some police back up there to assist in making the arrest.”
Several charges could be brought against Lowrey, including unlawful wounding and battery or an officer. Alcohol is expected to have played a role in the incident.
Tupper was taken to Princeton Community Hospital but was in stable condition.