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Moundsville Police Arrest Suspected Drunken Driver Who Drove Into Trailer, Injuring Resident

Moundsville police arrested a man suspected of striking an occupied trailer while driving heavily intoxicated.

Around 10:30 p.m. March 9, police received a call of a driver who had driven off 12th Street in town and run into a shed. At the scene, police found a residential trailer that had a car driven into it, and witnesses said the driver and passenger fled on foot.

Police determined the car’s owner as Austin Lightner, 21 of Moundsville who was located by a Marshall County Sheriff’s deputy. Police said Lightner admitted to have been drinking at a local event that evening. Lightner allegedly registerd a blood alcohol content of .277 percent on a breath test.

The resident of the trailer man was found on the floor with a futon on top of him, according to a police report. The man was treated and released from WVU Medicine Reynolds Memorial Hospital.

Lightner was charged with DUI with serious bodily injury, destruction of property, leaving the scene of an accident with property damage and failure to maintain control. He posted $5,000 bond.

His preliminary hearing is set for March 26 before Magistrate Zach Allman.

Earlier on March 9, deputies responded to an unrelated call claiming that a drunken man was causing issues. Eric Downs, 52, of Moundsville was allegedly so drunk that the caller took his keys to prevent him from going back for more alcohol.

The caller said Downs had gone to his mother’s, but returned shortly after, forcing his way through a locked door. The caller attempted to call 911, but Downs allegedly placed her in a choke hold to stop her. The caller said she was able to stomp on Downs’ foot and headbutt him, which made him release her, and allowed her to call for help.

Downs was charged with domestic assault, burglary, and interfering with emergency communications. He remains lodged at the Northern Regional Jail in lieu of $7,500 bond. His preliminary hearing is set for Wednesday before Magistrate Thomas Wood.

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