The Martinsburg Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance in regards to two burglaries that occurred on Thursday July 24th 2008. Both of these are believed to be related in regards to their time frame and general location.
One of the burglaries occurred at a residence in the 900 block of West Race Street Martinsburg WV. Entry was made via an outside rear door and several items were taken.
The other burglary occurred at a residence in the 300 block of North Louisiana Ave. Martinsburg WV. Entry was made via a basement window some items were taken from this residence as well.
Anyone with information regarding these burglaries is urged to call the Martinsburg Police Department at 304 264 2100 and or Berkeley County Crime Solvers at 304 267 4999.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Drug Arrest
On Tuesday, July 22, 2008, Ptlm. English stopped a vehicle in the 600 block of Third Street. During the stop, Ptlm. English searched the vehicle and located Oxycodone, a controlled prescription medication that did not belong to the driver and small amount of marijuana. The drugs were possessed by the driver. The driver, identified as Courtney Fay Whittington, was then arrested and charged with driving without a license and two counts of possession of controlled substances.
Arrested:
Courtney Fay Whittington
DOB: 01/29/81
31 Fletcher Court, Martinsburg WV
Arrested:
Courtney Fay Whittington
DOB: 01/29/81
31 Fletcher Court, Martinsburg WV
Friday, July 18, 2008
Person Wanted
The Martinsburg Police Department is requesting the community’s assistance in locating Samuel Lee Rose Jr., who is wanted for one count of Delivery of a Controlled Substance. The warrant was obtained following a controlled purchase of crack cocaine from the suspect in May 2008 by use of a confidential informant. Anyone with information regarding Samuel Lee Rose Jr. or his whereabouts is urged to contact the Martinsburg Police Department at 304-264-2100 or Berkeley County Crime Solvers at 304-267-4999.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Armed Robbery and Kidnap Warrants Obtained
On July 17th 2008 Martinsburg Detectives obtained warrants for Armed Robbery and Kidnapping from State Magistrate Sandra Miller. These warrants were issued in regards to an incident which had occurred on November 16th 2007 at a residence in the 600 block of West Virginia Ave. Martinsburg WV.
In the complaint for warrant Det Lt GB Swartwood alleges that this robbery occurred at a residence in the 600 block of West Virginia Ave. It is alleged that the two (2) suspects forced the female resident into her home at gun point and then forced her through her residence to the basement where she was tied up by the suspects.
The suspects then took the victim’s wallet and her vehicle. A white and gray Ford F-150 pick up truck and fled the area. A short time later two subjects matching the description as the robbers involved attempted to enter an area bank but were unsuccessful. The victim’s vehicle was later recovered off of Fairfax Street in Martinsburg WV.
Later in the investigation detectives were in contact with Hagerstown Maryland Police Dept detectives who were working a bank robbery in which a suspect was apprehended, this information was shared with Martinsburg authorities.
It alleges in the warrant that an individual was recently able to identify one of the subject’s from the Martinsburg area bank surveillance film and provided his identity and other information to Martinsburg police detectives.
A warrant was then obtained for this subject and Martinsburg police are still actively investigating this matter to gain more information in regards to the second suspect. Martinsburg Police urge anyone with information regarding the July 17th 2007 West Virginia Ave. robbery to contact the Martinsburg Police Department at 304 264 2100 and or Berkeley County Crime Solvers at 304 267 4999.
The warrants on the charges of armed robbery and kidnapping were issued for David Wilbert Shanton DOB of 1 10 55 and is believed to be currently incarcerated in Maryland on a charge unrelated to the Martinsburg robbery.
In the complaint for warrant Det Lt GB Swartwood alleges that this robbery occurred at a residence in the 600 block of West Virginia Ave. It is alleged that the two (2) suspects forced the female resident into her home at gun point and then forced her through her residence to the basement where she was tied up by the suspects.
The suspects then took the victim’s wallet and her vehicle. A white and gray Ford F-150 pick up truck and fled the area. A short time later two subjects matching the description as the robbers involved attempted to enter an area bank but were unsuccessful. The victim’s vehicle was later recovered off of Fairfax Street in Martinsburg WV.
Later in the investigation detectives were in contact with Hagerstown Maryland Police Dept detectives who were working a bank robbery in which a suspect was apprehended, this information was shared with Martinsburg authorities.
It alleges in the warrant that an individual was recently able to identify one of the subject’s from the Martinsburg area bank surveillance film and provided his identity and other information to Martinsburg police detectives.
A warrant was then obtained for this subject and Martinsburg police are still actively investigating this matter to gain more information in regards to the second suspect. Martinsburg Police urge anyone with information regarding the July 17th 2007 West Virginia Ave. robbery to contact the Martinsburg Police Department at 304 264 2100 and or Berkeley County Crime Solvers at 304 267 4999.
The warrants on the charges of armed robbery and kidnapping were issued for David Wilbert Shanton DOB of 1 10 55 and is believed to be currently incarcerated in Maryland on a charge unrelated to the Martinsburg robbery.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Malicious Wounding Arrest
Officers responded to the lobby of Martinsburg City Hall for a person who was reporting a stabbing. The victim was at the police station with a stab wound to his upper right shoulder area and medics were called. The victim was James N. Jordan of 270 Rockyford Road Clear Brooke Va. age 32. He said the stabbing occurred at 302 W. Race Street Martinsburg. The victim said he was stabbed by a person he knows as Charles Redman.
Officers went to W Race St. and found evidence of the stabbing. A witness confirmed that it happened and Redman was still at this location. There appears to be some type of relationship with the parties involved. As a result of an argument, not involving Redman he became involved and stabbed Jordan in the shoulder area. The weapon used was a folding knife that officers believe has been recovered inside the apartment.
Jordan was being treated at City Hospital for this wound which is non-life threatening. Charles Redman age 40 with no fixed address was arrested and charged with Malicious Wounding and was taken to the Eastern Regional Jail to await arraignment.
Officers went to W Race St. and found evidence of the stabbing. A witness confirmed that it happened and Redman was still at this location. There appears to be some type of relationship with the parties involved. As a result of an argument, not involving Redman he became involved and stabbed Jordan in the shoulder area. The weapon used was a folding knife that officers believe has been recovered inside the apartment.
Jordan was being treated at City Hospital for this wound which is non-life threatening. Charles Redman age 40 with no fixed address was arrested and charged with Malicious Wounding and was taken to the Eastern Regional Jail to await arraignment.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Drug/Gun Arrest
On July 8th 2008 at 6:50 PM Martinsburg Police Officers PFC S. Everhart and Ptlm. D. English encountered two subjects in the area of East Race Street and Centre Street Martinsburg WV.
Upon investigation involving these people one of the subjects ran from Ptlm. English and fled on foot. This person was apprehended shortly thereafter and was charged with obstructing an officer. The other person was not charged with any criminal offense and allowed to leave the area.
It was said in the complaint for warrant that the suspect that fled was seen throwing a magazine to a handgun as he was fleeing. This item was recovered along with the firearm it belonged to. This was found to be a loaded semiautomatic Taurus .22 caliber pistol.
This person had been arrested before for carrying a concealed and dangerous weapon. A small amount of Marijuana was also discovered on this person.
He was charged with;
Obstructing an Officer
Felony Possession of a Concealed Dangerous Weapon
Simple Possession of Marijuana
He was processed and taken to the Eastern Regional Jail to await arraignment later in the evening by a State Magistrate.
Arrested: John Courtney Hardy aka Jackie
DOB 9 12 76 He lists no fixed address. 
Upon investigation involving these people one of the subjects ran from Ptlm. English and fled on foot. This person was apprehended shortly thereafter and was charged with obstructing an officer. The other person was not charged with any criminal offense and allowed to leave the area.
It was said in the complaint for warrant that the suspect that fled was seen throwing a magazine to a handgun as he was fleeing. This item was recovered along with the firearm it belonged to. This was found to be a loaded semiautomatic Taurus .22 caliber pistol.
This person had been arrested before for carrying a concealed and dangerous weapon. A small amount of Marijuana was also discovered on this person.
He was charged with;
Obstructing an Officer
Felony Possession of a Concealed Dangerous Weapon
Simple Possession of Marijuana
He was processed and taken to the Eastern Regional Jail to await arraignment later in the evening by a State Magistrate.
Arrested: John Courtney Hardy aka Jackie
DOB 9 12 76 He lists no fixed address.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Info Needed on Prior Homicide
The Martinsburg Police Department is still actively seeking information in regards to a homicide case which occurred on September 14th 2004, in the area of Cumberland Valley Place (behind the 400 block of Winchester Ave) Martinsburg WV.
This homicide occurred at approximately 3:46 AM on September 14th 2004 and upon the arrival of police the decedent was located in a tan in color Toyota truck slumped in the driver’s seat, apparently unconscious and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was taken to the Martinsburg City Hospital by Martinsburg Fire Department personnel where he was later pronounced deceased from gunshot wounds. The cause of death was later ruled as homicide by the State Medical Examiner’s Office.
The decedent was identified as Bart Gilbert Bannar DOB of 11 04 43 formerly of 801 Virginia Ave. Martinsburg WV.
Anyone with information concerning this homicide is urged to call the Martinsburg Police Department at 304 264 2100 or Berkeley County Crime Solvers at 304 267 4999.
The following is a photograph of the decedent Bart Gilbert Bannar.
This homicide occurred at approximately 3:46 AM on September 14th 2004 and upon the arrival of police the decedent was located in a tan in color Toyota truck slumped in the driver’s seat, apparently unconscious and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was taken to the Martinsburg City Hospital by Martinsburg Fire Department personnel where he was later pronounced deceased from gunshot wounds. The cause of death was later ruled as homicide by the State Medical Examiner’s Office.
The decedent was identified as Bart Gilbert Bannar DOB of 11 04 43 formerly of 801 Virginia Ave. Martinsburg WV.
Anyone with information concerning this homicide is urged to call the Martinsburg Police Department at 304 264 2100 or Berkeley County Crime Solvers at 304 267 4999.
The following is a photograph of the decedent Bart Gilbert Bannar.
Drug Arrest
On Monday, July 7, 2008, officers from the Martinsburg Police Department responded to the area of High Street and Pennsylvania Avenue after receiving a call from dispatch advising of possible narcotics trafficking at that location. Upon arrival, officers located a subject matching the description of the person reported to be selling narcotics. Officers searched the subject and located a large sum of currency on his person. A search of the surrounding area of the suspect resulted in a plastic bag of crack cocaine being found. The subject, identified as Brandon Spaur, was arrested for Possession of Crack Cocaine with Intent to Deliver.
Arrested:
Brandon Lee Spaur
DOB: 10/23/86
627 Third Street, Martinsburg WV
Brandon Lee Spaur
DOB: 10/23/86
627 Third Street, Martinsburg WV
Arson Arrest
On July 8th , 2008 at 9:40 AM Martinsburg Police Detectives Det. Lt. GB Swartwood and Det. Cpl S Doyle arrested a person while he was at a local area hotel after a warrant was secured by police for his arrest for 1st Degree Arson.
The defendant was arrested without incident and brought to the Martinsburg Police Department
for processing and later arraigned by Magistrate Joann Overington. His bond was set at $50,000 cash only and he was then taken to the Eastern Regional Jail in lieu of bond.
This warrant was issued after an investigation performed by the Martinsburg Police Department in cooperation with Chief Fire Investigator Gregory Hoover of the Martinsburg Fire Department. It is alleged that the defendant did commit 1st degree arson by setting fire to his residence of 703 South Raleigh Street Martinsburg WV on July 1st 2008.
It is alleged in the warrant that the fire investigator determined that the fire was incendiary in nature and had two separate points of origin. It was also alleged that several juvenile aged children and the defendant’s wife were at home at the residence at the time of the fire.
No physical injuries were sustained by the occupants of the residence.
Arrested: Darren Eugene Butler DOB 7 2 70 formerly of 703 South Raleigh Street Martinsburg WV
The defendant was arrested without incident and brought to the Martinsburg Police Department
for processing and later arraigned by Magistrate Joann Overington. His bond was set at $50,000 cash only and he was then taken to the Eastern Regional Jail in lieu of bond.
This warrant was issued after an investigation performed by the Martinsburg Police Department in cooperation with Chief Fire Investigator Gregory Hoover of the Martinsburg Fire Department. It is alleged that the defendant did commit 1st degree arson by setting fire to his residence of 703 South Raleigh Street Martinsburg WV on July 1st 2008.
It is alleged in the warrant that the fire investigator determined that the fire was incendiary in nature and had two separate points of origin. It was also alleged that several juvenile aged children and the defendant’s wife were at home at the residence at the time of the fire.
No physical injuries were sustained by the occupants of the residence.
Arrested: Darren Eugene Butler DOB 7 2 70 formerly of 703 South Raleigh Street Martinsburg WV
Monday, July 7, 2008
Drug Arrest
On July 6th , 2008 at 12:42 AM Martinsburg Police officers Derek English and
Ptlm. Scott Shelton were in the area of the Mix It Up Club located in the 300 block of Wilson Street when they saw a person urinating in public outside of the Mix It Up Club.
As they approached him they saw he had an open container of alcohol with him. Ptlm. English noticed that he had the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath when speaking to him. He was placed under arrest for having an open container of alcohol and for public intoxication.
He was arrested and patted down for weapons when one of the officers removed a large bundle of currency from his pocket and a cigarette pack. At that time the defendant grabbed the cigarette pack and the money and told the officers they could not pat him down.
The defendant continued to struggle with the officers and was subdued and then stopped resisting and was handcuffed and placed in the back of the police vehicle. Once on station a large amount of controlled substances was located upon the defendant.
Approximately 7.7 grams of Crack cocaine, 18.3 grams of Cocaine powder, and 10 Ecstasy pills were found Some of the items were individual packaged as they would be for sale. The defendant also had $4,102 in currency. All of the above items were seized as evidence.
The defendant was charged with: Possession With Intent To Deliver Crack Cocaine, Possession With Intent To Deliver Cocaine powder, and Possession With Intent To Deliver Ecstasy pills. He was processed and taken to the Eastern Regional Jail to await arraignment later in the morning.
Arrested: Christopher Darnell Alexander DOB 6 8 81 and listing an address of 1000J Heather Ridge Drive Apt. 113 Frederick Maryland.
Ptlm. Scott Shelton were in the area of the Mix It Up Club located in the 300 block of Wilson Street when they saw a person urinating in public outside of the Mix It Up Club.
As they approached him they saw he had an open container of alcohol with him. Ptlm. English noticed that he had the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath when speaking to him. He was placed under arrest for having an open container of alcohol and for public intoxication.
He was arrested and patted down for weapons when one of the officers removed a large bundle of currency from his pocket and a cigarette pack. At that time the defendant grabbed the cigarette pack and the money and told the officers they could not pat him down.
The defendant continued to struggle with the officers and was subdued and then stopped resisting and was handcuffed and placed in the back of the police vehicle. Once on station a large amount of controlled substances was located upon the defendant.
Approximately 7.7 grams of Crack cocaine, 18.3 grams of Cocaine powder, and 10 Ecstasy pills were found Some of the items were individual packaged as they would be for sale. The defendant also had $4,102 in currency. All of the above items were seized as evidence.
The defendant was charged with: Possession With Intent To Deliver Crack Cocaine, Possession With Intent To Deliver Cocaine powder, and Possession With Intent To Deliver Ecstasy pills. He was processed and taken to the Eastern Regional Jail to await arraignment later in the morning.
Arrested: Christopher Darnell Alexander DOB 6 8 81 and listing an address of 1000J Heather Ridge Drive Apt. 113 Frederick Maryland.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Drug Arrest
On Wednesday, July 2, 2008, members of the Martinsburg Police Department stopped a vehicle in the 300 block of North Queen Street for a traffic infraction. Upon speaking with the occupants, consent to search was given and conducted. Located between the driver and passenger seats was a small bag of marijuana. Both occupants were issued citations for Possession of Marijuana. Cited were:
Rachel Savelli
DOB: 03/22/84
6824 Hedgesville Rd., Hedgesville WV
Jameson Tannon
DOB: 07/15/85
257 North Queen St., Martinsburg WV
Rachel Savelli
DOB: 03/22/84
6824 Hedgesville Rd., Hedgesville WV
Jameson Tannon
DOB: 07/15/85
257 North Queen St., Martinsburg WV
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Drug Arrest
On June 27th 2008 at 7: 50 PM Martinsburg Police officer Derek English encountered an individual in the area of the 300 block of Raleigh Street who was acting in a suspicious manner by continually walking up and down the same area of the street. This individual was also known to the officer to have been previously involved in drug trafficking offenses.
During his initial contact with this subject and investigation the subject was reportedly acting in a nervous manner and was attempting to stuff something down the back of his pants when approached by Ptlm. English. During the investigation the suspect refused to obey commands after he gave Ptlm. English consent to perform a pat down search of his person. After failing to keep his hands on the police vehicle he was arrested for obstructing an officer and brought to the Martinsburg Police Department.
Located after the arrest was 3.5 grams of crack cocaine on the suspect along with $85.00 in currency.
The suspect was then arrested on the charge of Possession With Intent To Deliver a Controlled Substance (Crack cocaine). He was processed at the Martinsburg Police Department.
He was later transported to the Eastern Regional Jail to await arraignment by a State Magistrate later in the evening.
Arrested: Christian Kanzler DOB 10 23 83 and listing an address of 6485 Tuscarora Pike
Martinsburg WV.
During his initial contact with this subject and investigation the subject was reportedly acting in a nervous manner and was attempting to stuff something down the back of his pants when approached by Ptlm. English. During the investigation the suspect refused to obey commands after he gave Ptlm. English consent to perform a pat down search of his person. After failing to keep his hands on the police vehicle he was arrested for obstructing an officer and brought to the Martinsburg Police Department.
Located after the arrest was 3.5 grams of crack cocaine on the suspect along with $85.00 in currency.
The suspect was then arrested on the charge of Possession With Intent To Deliver a Controlled Substance (Crack cocaine). He was processed at the Martinsburg Police Department.
He was later transported to the Eastern Regional Jail to await arraignment by a State Magistrate later in the evening.
Arrested: Christian Kanzler DOB 10 23 83 and listing an address of 6485 Tuscarora Pike
Martinsburg WV.