At approximately 00:46 a.m. on Oct. 5, officers of the Morgantown Police Department were patrolling High Street and observed two (2) females engaged in a fight near Fayette Street. Officers were able to determine that the aggressor in this incident was originally operating a Subaru Forrester and nearly hit pedestrians in the area. Words were exchanged as a result of that incident and the driver got out of the vehicle and was assaulting another female in the area when officers arrived and separated the individuals.
Officers found the driver of the vehicle to be intoxicated and they attempted to secure the vehicle, which was left running in the middle of the street with the driver door open. Officers found open containers of alcohol inside of the vehicle. Following further investigation, it was determined that the driver’s operator’s license was suspended for DUI.
The driver was identified as Jessica HAMPLE, 30 years of age of Morgantown. Officers summoned EMS to treat HAMPLE for a bloody nose, believed to be the result of the fight. HAMPLE refused EMS treatment and due to her combative nature was transported to the Monongalia County Sheriff’s office to await transport to the North Central Regional Jail.
A short while later, HAMPLE requested to be treated at the hospital and Morgantown Police Officers returned to the Sheriff’s office along with EMS Personnel. While a Morgantown Police Officer was at the holding facility, HAMPLE assaulted the officer and EMS workers. Following a brief struggle HAMPLE was sedated and transported to Ruby Memorial Hospital for evaluation. The officer was treated for a hematoma, contusions and bruises and she has been placed on light duty for several days.
HAMPLE is currently pending charges for Battery on a Government/Health Care Official, Battery on a Police Officer, Disorderly Conduct, Driving Suspended for DUI, and Public Intoxication.