Man found using dating app while married landed him behind bars

PRINCETON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A domestic altercation between a married couple in the Princeton area ended with one person in custody after deputies responded to a call on Phelps Street Sunday evening.

At approximately 8:25 p.m., Deputies J.A. Brooks and Presley of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department arrived on the scene and spoke with Michael Compton, who reported a heated argument with his wife over ongoing marital issues.

Michael stated that the dispute began inside the home and escalated outside to their vehicle, where he claimed his wife tried to stop him from leaving by grabbing the car keys from the ignition. He alleged that when he thought she was about to drive off, he stood in front of the vehicle and leaned on the hood to block her. He also admitted to tussling with her over her phone, which led him to call 911.

The wife told deputies that the argument stemmed from discovering Michael using a dating app despite still being married. She claimed Michael grabbed her by the wrist and threw her to the pavement while still in the vehicle when she took the keys. She added that he later jumped on the car hood, tried to rip off the license plate, and eventually grabbed her and took her phone, causing a cut on her hand and deleting video evidence before throwing the phone onto the porch.

Deputies observed visible injuries on the victim, including a cut on her left ring finger, bruising on her wrist, and dirt marks on her clothing consistent with her account.

Based on the evidence and statements at the scene, Michael Compton was arrested for domestic battery and transported to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department for processing.