Woman swallows ‘8-ball’ while resisting arrest after drug deal interrupted by trooper

HUNTINGTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Cabell County woman faces multiple charges following an altercation with a West Virginia State Trooper on Tuesday.

According to WVSP documentation, at approximately 6:38pm on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, WVSP Trooper T.A. Ellis was conducting road patrols in the Huntington area and observed two individuals in an alleyway between 10th Avenue and Doulton Avenue.

The individuals in question appeared to be engaged in a “hand to hand” exchange of potential illegal substances when Trooper Ellis drove his cruiser into the alleyway, at which point at least one of the two individuals “frantically” attempted to flee.

The individual – later identified via fingerprint scan as Briana Maryann Sparks – was taken to the ground following a foot chase, initiating a physical altercation which led to the trooper being struck multiple times by the suspect’s hand and foot. These actions reportedly were “consistent with a high level of drug impairment.”

During the struggle, the suspect was observed placing a tin foil package in her mouth and swallowing it. The package was later revealed to be an “8-ball” containing what had been said to be heroin.

Sparks was eventually handcuffed and placed in Trooper Ellis’ cruiser to be transported to Cabell Huntington Hospital to receive treatment. While at the hospital, Sparks is reported to have said, “how high is my heart rate? I took speed and I’m fast as f*ck.”

Sparks was successfully identified at the facility by a Barboursville Police Department officer as well as through the use of a fingerprint scanner. It was advised that Sparks had two Capias warrants for missing court on previous charges including Fleeing from Officer, Possession of Controlled Substance, and Obstruction.

Briana Sparks has been charged with Battery on an Official, Assault on an Officer, Fleeing from Officer, Public Intoxication, Obstruction, and Possession of a Controlled Substance.