Death of PFC Roger E. (J.R.) Butcher and Funeral Arrangements

Death of PFC Roger E. (J.R.) Butcher
by : Chief T.C. (Ted) Anderson

With deep regret, the Martinsburg Police Department announces the death of PFC Roger E.(J.R.) Butcher, age 30, late Thursday evening, January 29, 2009, at City Hospital in Martinsburg, WV. J.R. was surrounded by family and friends at the time of his passing.

Over the past year, J.R. has fought a valiant fight against cancer. His spirit and determination never waivered and each day he looked forward to and expressed optimism in returning to his full duties at the Martinsburg Police Department.

J.R. was a nine (9) year veteran of the Martinsburg Police Department. During his career, J.R. performed a number of assignments for the Martinsburg Police Department. These include the following:

School Resource Officer at Martinsburg High School
Assistant Firearms Instructor
Member Emergency Response Team
Advisor-Martinsburg P.D. Explorer Post #27
Martinsburg P.D. Bicycle Unit
Past Coordinator-“Bigs in Blue” Program with
Big Brothers/Big Sisters

J. R. was an August 2000 graduate of the 107th session of the Basic Police Training Class at the West Virginia State Police Academy.

J.R. loved his profession and enjoyed helping the community, most especially young people and adolescents. He was an outstanding role model and mentor and received numerous positive reviews as the 1st School Resource Officer at Martinsburg High School prior to his illness.

J.R. was well-respected and admired by his peers in the law enforcement- criminal justice community.

During his cancer battle, J.R. and his family received an enormous amount of support from the community in various forms such as financial, emotional and spiritual.

During his professional career, J.R. also worked for 4 months as a Deputy Sheriff with the Berkeley County Sheriffs Office.

Friday, January 30, 2009---2:00 P.M.
Issued by: Chief T.C. (Ted) Anderson

Funeral arrangements for PFC Roger E. (J.R.) Butcher, who passed away Thursday, January 29, 2009, has been completed.

Viewing for PFC Butcher will be held on Monday, February 2, 2009, at the Brown Funeral Home, 327 West King Street, Martinsburg, WV. The viewing will occur in two sessions. These sessions will be between the hours of 2:00 P.M-4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M.-9:00 P.M.

The funeral service will be conducted on Tuesday, February 3, 2009, at 12:00 P.M. (noon). This service will be conducted at the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks & Recreation Center, 273 Woodbury Avenue, Martinsburg, WV.

Interment will be at Pleasant View Memory Gardens, St. Rt. 9 East of Martinsburg, WV across from the Veterans Administration Medical Center.

The family has requested donations in lieu of flowers be made to the following
entities:

"J.R. Care Fund”
c/o Bank of Charles Town
9738 Tuscarora Pike
Martinsburg, WV 25403

Martinsburg-Berkeley Co. Boys & Girls Club
105 West John Street
Martinsburg, WV 25401


Big Brothers-Big Sisters of the Eastern Panhandle
117 North Queen Street
Martinsburg, WV 25401

“

Officer Stabbed

In the early morning hours of Jan 26, 2008 Ptlm. Eric Neely was patrolling the Norbourne Cemetery on S. Queen St and found several people trespassing. Neely got out of his vehicle to speak to them and was rushed by one of them and knocked to the ground. Neely was able to defend himself and chased his attacker to the concrete wall along Wilson St.

Ptlm. Neely attempted to arrest this person and he was stabbed with a folding knife by this unknown person. Neely received slash wounds to his left leg which were superficial and other puncture marks on his uniform. Neely was taken to City Hospital for treatment and was released. The person responsible for this was able to get away.

His attacker is described as a white male, late 20’s, wearing a dark hooded jacket. He was about 6-0 tall and has blond hair. There were two other people in the Cemetery. They were a black male with a book bag and another unknown male. All persons had on dark clothing. Anyone with information on the identity of these people please contact the Martinsburg Police Dept.

Delivery of Controlled Substance

On Thursday, January 22, 2009, the Martinsburg Police Department conducted a controlled purchase of narcotics utilizing a confidential informant. During the course of the investigation, the confidential informant met an unidentified male and made an arrangement to purchase an amount of marijuana in the 300 block of North Maple Avenue. A short time later, the confidential informant and unidentified male met with another individual and completed a transaction in which currency was exchanged for marijuana.

Following the transaction, officers approached and took into custody the initial unidentified male, which was determined to be a 16 year old juvenile. The second subject sought in the investigation fled the scene as officers approached to make arrests.

The 16 year old juvenile was arrested, charged with Delivery of a controlled substance (Marijuana) and was detained in a juvenile detention center.

Vehicle Accident

On Friday, January 16, 2009 at 10:03 a.m. Officers of the Martinsburg Police Department responded to a two vehicle crash involving a Berkeley County School Bus and a Plymouth Voyager van in the 1300 block of Del Mar Orchard Road.

The investigation concluded that the van, operated by a 16 year old Martinsburg male, was traveling north on Del Mar Orchard Road and lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle entered the opposing traffic lane and collided head on with a Berkeley County School Bus traveling south. There were two juvenile passengers within the van in addition to the driver. All three were transported to City Hospital with incapacitating injuries, but none appeared to be life threatening. The female driver of the school bus was not injured. There were no children on the bus.

The driver of the van has been charged with Failure to Maintain Control, Driving Left of Center, Seatbelt Violation and No Proof of Insurance. Also responding to assist at the scene was the Martinsburg Fire Department and EMS, the Berkeley County Ambulance Authority, the West Virginia Division of Highways and the City of Martinsburg Public Works Department.

Armed Robbery / Grand Larceny Arrests

On January 14th 2009 Martinsburg Police arrested three individuals on warrants for Armed Robbery and Grand Larceny in association with two home invasion type robberies which recently occurred at residences within Martinsburg.

The warrants were issued by State Magistrate Sandra Miller and were brought forth after Martinsburg Detectives, Lt GB Swartwood and Detective S. Doyle were able to identify all three suspects through witness identification, statements and physical evidence from both robberies.

The first home invasion robbery occurred on January 3rd 2009 at 104 Swartz Street Martinsburg WV. The second home invasion occurred on January 11th 2009 at 1013 South Raleigh Street apartment 6 Martinsburg WV. Both robberies were similar in method of operation and suspect descriptions.

One of the suspects was already incarcerated in the Eastern Regional Jail for one of the robberies. The other two suspects were arrested at an area retail store after allegedly shoplifting and being detained. They were then arrested on the outstanding warrants for robbery and grand larceny by Ptlwm. Kristal Barrett and Ptlm. Erin Gibbons.

A silver pellet pistol was also recovered at the place of arrest from the suspects and believed to be one of the weapons utilized in said robberies.

Arrested:
Leonard Anthony Wooten aka “Woo” DOB 7 9 67 who lists no fixed address. He was arrested for 2 counts of Armed Robbery and 2 counts of Grand Larceny.

Megan Renee Ryman DOB 4 2 87 who lists an address of 137 West King Street Martinsburg WV. She was arrested for 2 counts of Armed Robbery and 2 counts of Grand Larceny.

Henry Allen Payton DOB 8 1 68 who lists and address of 323 East Moler Ave. Martinsburg WV. He was arrested for 1 count of armed Robbery and 1 count of Grand Larceny.

All three subjects were incarcerated in the Eastern Regional Jail awaiting arraignment.

Robbery

The Martinsburg Police Department received a call at 2:17am on Jan 11, 2009 for a robbery which had occurred at a residence located on S. Raleigh Street (the exact address is not being released at this time). Information was provided that the unknown suspects had entered wearing ski masks and displaying a handgun. Officers arrived and spoke with the victim Martin Merritt age 50 who said that he was missing several items from the residence and the suspects took his keys and his 1997 Cadillac Sedan. Officers were told that a B/M W/M and two females where involved in this robbery. At this time this investigation continues.

Malicious Wounding Arrest

On Monday, January 12, 2009, members of the Martinsburg Police Dept. responded to 104 Swartz Street for a report of a stabbing. Upon arriving at the scene, the victim and several witnesses stated that while the victim was at the residence, an argument ensued between the victim and the resident, Richard Taylor. Mr. Taylor grabbed a knife and stabbed the victim once in the abdomen. The victim then fled the residence and a witness called 911. Neither the victim nor suspect would say what the argument was about.

Richard Taylor was later found at his residence and was taken into custody without incident. Mr. Taylor was arrested on the charge of malicious wounding and transported to ERJ to await arraignment. The victim was transported to CHI where he was admitted with non life threatening injuries.

Arrested: Richard Charles Taylor of 104 Swartz Street
DOB: 10-11-1955

Distribution of Cocaine Arrest

On Monday January 5th 2009 at 3:20 PM Martinsburg Police arrested an individual wanted on the charge of Distribution of Cocaine. The original case was investigated by members of the Potomac Highland Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force.

Martinsburg Police Officers Ptl. Brian Rouse and Det Lt GB Swartwood were notified by FBI Special Agent Ray West of a possible location for the suspect.

After performing surveillance at this residence the aforementioned officers made contact with the owner of the residence located at 205 North Tennessee Ave. Martinsburg WV. Entry was allowed to the residence and the suspect was located in a bedroom.

The suspect was arrested and taken into custody and then turned over to members of the US Marshall Service.

Arrested: Yarletta Santiago DOB 12/30/70 listing a former address of 195 Argyle St. Keyser WV.

Home Invasion Burglary

On Saturday, January 3, 2009 at approximately 2332 hours, members of the Martinsburg Police Department responded to 104 Swartz Street for a home invasion. The resident was at his apartment when a female knocked on the door. The victim opened the door and a black male then displayed a handgun and forced his way into the apartment. The victim was ordered to the living room and placed face down on the floor. Another black male then entered the apartment and the subjects then rummaged through the apartment asking the victim where the money was. The victim advised them that he did not have any money and the suspects stole the victim’s television and car. The vehicle was later located unoccupied and recovered by the Martinsburg Police.

Suspect 1 is described as a white female, 25-30 years old, approximately 5’7” and weighed about 120-130 pounds.

Suspects 2 and 3 are described as black males, in their late 30’s and weighing approximately 170 pounds.

Anyone with any information about this incident in asked to contact Pfc. J.S. Everhart or Detective Swartwood of the Martinsburg Police Dept at 304-264-2100 or Crime Solvers at 304-267-4999.

Robbery Suspect Arrested

On Saturday, January 3, 2009 Officer J. L. Harper arrested the suspect in a recent attempted armed robbery of Domino’s Pizza located at 1002 Winchester Avenue. Jeffrey Keith Hancock, Jr., 20 years of age, of 33 Sopwith Way, Martinsburg was arrested at his residence without incident stemming from the December 17, 2008 attempted armed robbery of the business in which the suspect held a knife to the neck of one of the employees as the suspect demanded money. The employee sustained a minor injury as a result of the assault. Hancock is charged with Attempted Armed Robbery and Assault During the Commission of a Felony. He was transported to the Eastern Regional Jail to await arraignment by a Berkeley County Magistrate.

Traffic Accident / Fatality

A 50 year old Martinsburg man died as a result of a single vehicle crash on Friday, January 2, 2009. Rasikbhai Patel, of Winchester Avenue, had been operating a 2005 Honda Odyssey traveling north on Winchester Avenue at approximately 12:32 PM The vehicle left the roadway at the intersection with Alonzo Drive and struck two utility poles on the east side of Winchester Avenue. The vehicle then reentered the roadway and overturned. The Martinsburg Police Department and the Martinsburg Fire Department responded to the scene. Patel was transported by fire department personnel to City Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined and remains under investigation by the Martinsburg Police Department.

Fugitive from Justice Arrest

On Jan 1, 2009 at 7:45 PM Ptlm. Shelton of the Martinsburg Police Dept stopped a vehicle on N. Foxcroft Ave for not having headlights on. He checked the driver and found that she was a wanted person from Allegheny County Maryland for Failing to Appear in court for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Paraphernalia.
Charged with being a Fugitive from Justice was:

Anna Steele
352 Wilkes Ave
Berkeley Springs WV
Age 21

She was taken to the Eastern Regional Jail to await arraignment

Attempted Armed Robbery

On Jan 1, 2009 at 2:30 PM the Martinsburg Police Dept responded to the alley behind the 100 block of North Rosemont Ave for a reported Attempted Armed Robbery.
A male Hispanic victim age 40, a Charlestown resident, came to the area at the request of another Hispanic male with the possible name of “Guerrero”. The victim was contacted by Guerrero on the pretense of buying a vehicle from him. When the victim arrived the suspect spoke with him about the vehicle then got out of the vehicle and went around to the driver’s door and opened it and used a knife to repeatedly cut the victim on his face and arms while beating him in an attempt to steal money from the victim. The victim was able to fight off his attacker and run to a nearby house for help. Police and medics were called and the victim was taken to the hospital for treatment. A Martinsburg Police Dept K-9 was called in to attempt to track the path of the suspect after he fled. The suspect was not located.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his mid 20’s wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans.
The victim was treated and released from City Hospital.
Anyone having seen the suspect or having any knowledge of this crime is urged to call the Martinsburg Police Department at 304 264 2100 or Berkeley County Crime Solvers at 304 267 4999.

Poss with the Intent to Deliver

On Saturday, December 27, 2008 the Martinsburg Police Department received a complaint of indecent exposure at 412 South Illinois Avenue. Officer E. L. Chrisman and Officer C. R. Williamson responded to investigate the complaint. Officer Chrisman spoke with a female complainant in the area who advised that there was a male individual inside 412 South Illinois Avenue who repeatedly flashed the lights on and off and that once they would look out he would masturbate in front of her children.

The officers responded to the residence in question and made contact with an individual identified as Allen Rogers Emmert III, 53 years of age, of 107 Rosewood Drive, Martinsburg. While speaking with Emmert Officer Chrisman suspected the individual to be under the influence of some type of drug or medication. The officer noticed a white powder residue under Emmert’s nose. Officer Chrisman asked the individual what type of drug he had been snorting. Emmert replied cocaine. The Officer inquired about the location of additional cocaine and Emmert led him to the kitchen where Emmert pointed out a small amount of cocaine. The individual granted the officers consent to search the residence and additional cocaine totaling approximately 10 grams was located in a bathroom cabinet. Emmert was arrested and charged with one felony count of Possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Emmert was transported to the Eastern Regional Jail to await arraignment by a Berkeley County Magistrate.