Unlawful Wounding

On Tuesday, December 28, 2010, the Martinsburg Police Department responded to the area of Porter Avenue and Mall Drive in reference to a possible shooting.  Initially, officers were advised that a shooting victim was at Wal-Mart but it was quickly determined that the incident and victim were at the aforementioned location, not at Wal-Mart.  Upon arriving on scene, officers located a 16 year old male with an injury to his groin that was later determined to be the result of being shot with a bb gun.  The male was transported to City Hospital for further medical care. 

As a result of the investigation, officers were able to determine that a small red compact vehicle occupied by two white males had driven by the victim and had fired a bb gun from the vehicle, causing the victim to be struck in the groin.  From further investigation, officers were able to identify both suspects.  The first suspect identified was Mason Jones, who admitted to being involved in the bb gun shooting.  Mr. Jones was charged with unlawful wounding and was taken to Eastern Regional Jail to await arraignment.  The second suspect has not been charged at the time of this release but charges will be forthcoming. 

Officers were also able to recover the bb gun used in this incident. 

Arrested:

Mason David Jones

DOB:  05/18/90

340 Gregory Drive, Mtsbg WV

Charge:   Unlawful Wounding

Armed Robbery

On Wednesday, December 22, 2010, officers from the Martinsburg Police Department responded to Pizza Hut, located at 1309 Old Courthouse Square, Martinsburg WV, in reference to a robbery that had just occurred.  Upon arrival, it was advised that a store employee had opened the business and had been followed in by an unknown black male.  The employee then told the male that they were not to be in the business as it was not yet opening time.  At that time, the male demanded money from the employee, who complied and provided an undisclosed amount of currency.  The male also advised that he had a firearm, although none were displayed.  The male then proceeded to exit the business via a backdoor and left in an unknown direction. 

The male is described as a dark skinned black male, 6’0 tall, late 20’s or early 30’s and having scruffy facial hair.  The suspect was wearing a dark knit hat, black gloves and a blue jacket. 

Anyone with information regarding this incident are urged to contact the Martinsburg Police Department at 304-264-2100.  

Bank Robbery

 On Friday, November 05, 2010 at approximately 10:12am, the Martinsburg Police Department responded to the Mountain Heritage Federal Credit Union, located within the Martinsburg Mall in reference to a robbery that had occurred.  Upon arrival, officers were advised that a white female in her 20’s had approached the teller and passed a note which demanded money.  The teller complied with the demand and gave the female an undisclosed amount of money.  The female was also accompanied into the bank by a white male in his 20’s who stood near the doorway. 

After receiving the money, both subjects exited the bank and proceeded to the parking lot, where it is believed that they entered a grey 2 door sedan with temporary registration.  The pair was observed traveling south on Foxcroft Avenue.

Anyone with information regarding the bank robbery are urged to contact the Martinsburg Police Department at 304-264-2100.  Tips can also be submitted anonymously to the Martinsburg Police Department by email to martinsburgpd@martinsburgpd.org

Suspect 1

Suspect 2

Vehicle Pursuit - Arrests

On Friday, 10-08-10 at 0243 hrs, Ptlwn S M Spiker attempted to stop a vehicle in the 900 blk of Kaufman Ave for erratic driving.  The driver fled the stop.  Spiker continued to try and stop the vehicle as it fled.  The driver ran multiple stop signs and drove in a reckless manner. The vehicle eventually crashed into a concrete wall at the intersection of E Liberty St and N. 3^rd St.  The driver and passenger were then apprehended by Spiker and additional police officers that responded to assist.  The driver was believed to be driving under the influence of alcohol and illegal drugs due to his erratic driving and other observations and evidence discovered by officers at the scene.  During the investigation into the crash, officers found property that was believed to have been stolen a short time prior from vehicles on E Burke St.  It was also believed that the vehicle had been stolen because the steering column had been punched out.  Both subjects were transported to the police station for processing.  While at the police station the driver refused a secondary breath test.  The stolen property was photographed, cataloged and then returned to the owners.  While completing the report for the arrests, Spiker was contacted by the owner of the vehicle and reported his vehicle as stolen. 

Arrested: Lonnie Andrew Gregory, 41 years old, of E Race St in Martinsburg, WV.Charges: DUI, Fleeing while DUI, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle Pending charges: Possession of Stolen Property, Reckless Driving, Left of Center, Failure to stop at a stop sign (x4), Failure to use a turn Signal (x5), Failure to Maintain Control, False Information to a Police Officer, and Driving Revoked for DUI

Arrested: Roger Whittington, 56 years old, of E Race St in Martinsburg, WV.

Charge: Possession of Stolen Property

Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine

On September 6^th 2010 at approximately 6 p.m., Patrolman Harper of The Martinsburg City Police Department responded to the area of Woodbury Corners, in the 200 Woodbury Avenue , for a suspicious vehicle. The vehicle, a tan Nissan with MD registration, had been reported as a suspicious vehicle at other locations in the area before.

Patrolman Harper made contact with the vehicle and its occupant, who was identified as George Milton Mcduffie (35).  Mcduffie gave Patrolman Harper conflicting stories about why he was in the parking lot. Mcduffie consented to a search of his vehicle. Inside Mcduffie’s vehicle officers located 17 grams of suspected crack cocaine, over 200 dollars in U.S. currency, multiple cellophane baggies, which are commonly used for transporting narcotics and a digital scale, which is used for weighing narcotics.

After being arrested, Mcduffie later admitted to buying the narcotics in Washington D.C.and transported them to Martinsburg to sell. Mcduffie was charged through Berkeley County Magistrate Court with Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack Cocaine and Transportation of a Controlled Substance into the State. 

Fugitive from Justice Arrest

On September 2, 2010 at approximately 10:30 pm Officer E.L. Chrisman of The Martinsburg City Police Department conducted a traffic stop in the 900 block of Winchester Avenue for defective equipment. 


Officer Chrisman was assisted by Patrolman First Class B.L. Rouse.  Officer Chrisman made contact with the vehicle operator, who originally gave a false name and date of birth. After a brief investigation officers identified the driver as Julia Lynn Waddell (35) of 345 Kerns Street Inwood, WV 25428. A license and warrant check revealed the Waddell had a suspended operator’s license and was wanted through Shenandoah County Sheriffs Department, Virginia for Failure to Obey a Court Order. 


Waddell was charged through Berkeley County Magistrate Court as a Fugitive from Justice. Waddell was transported to Eastern regional jail, where she is awaiting arraignment.

Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana Arrest

On Monday, August 30, 2010, after midnight, Ptlm. B. Rouse of the Martinsburg Police Department was on patrol in the area of the Martinsburg Mall and observed a suspicious vehicle with occupants, parked in the parking lot.  Upon approach of the vehicle, Ptlm. Rouse could detect the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. 

A short time later after making contact with vehicle, the occupants were removed and searched.  During the search of one occupant, identified as Edward Miles, a bag was located in his pants that contained approximately 20 smaller bags of marijuana.  Also located on Mr. Mile’s person was $1,678 in currency.  Mr. Miles was subsequently arrested and charged with Possession with intent to deliver Marijuana.  He was then remanded to the custody of the Eastern Regional Jail for arraignment. 

Arrested:

Edward Miles

DOB:  01/23/92

1974 Pawlet Drive, Crofton MD 21114

Charge:  Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana

Grand Larceny, Conspiracy, D.O.P. Arrests

On August 14, 2010, Ptlwn. M. J. Somers and Sgt. Witt of the Martinsburg City Police Department responded to Klee Drive in the area of Apple Harvest Drive for a report of a larceny from a vehicle and destruction of property that was in progress. Once at the scene it was determined that nine (9) batteries and other items had been stolen from various construction vehicles and several windows had also been broken on the vehicles.

During the investigation a description of the vehicle and the registration number was provided by a witness and the vehicle was located and stopped by Deputies from the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office on Foxcroft Ave. in Martinsburg. Ptlm. Shelton and Ptlm. Ruffner of the Martinsburg City Police also responded to that area. Some of the stolen property was recovered from the vehicle at the time of the stop. Two of the vehicle’s occupants were arrested and transported to the Martinsburg City Police Station for processing. One of which is a 17 year old juvenile, the other is Kim Anthony Kozak, 21, of Martinsburg. The third subject, Robert Lee Bender,25,  was released at the scene. Warrants have been obtained for Robert Bender’s arrest.

All three suspects are being charged with Grand Larceny, conspiracy to commit Grand Larceny, Destruction of Property and conspiracy to commit Destruction of Property. All four charges are felonies.

Kim Kozak

Burglary/Conspiracy Arrests

On Thursday, August 12, 2010, officers from the Martinsburg Police Department were on patrol in the area of Martinsburg Station sub division, located off of Delmar Orchard Road and saw two males dressed in black fleeing on foot.  Officers were on a pro active patrol after receiving reports of thefts to vehicles occurring earlier in the week.  As officers arrived to patrol, two males dressed in black were observed running on foot. 

Officers were soon able to locate a vehicle believed to belong to the suspects and were able to conduct surveillance.  A short time later, two occupants were seen entering the vehicle and leaving on Klee Drive.  Officers stopped the vehicle, a red Mustang and identified its occupants as Joseph Maness and Michael Reid.  Officers searched the vehicle and located GPS units, electronic equipment and other items.  These items were identified as belonging to vehicles and residences in the Martinsburg Station sub division that were stolen earlier on this date.  Both subjects were arrested and charged with Burglary, Conspiracy and various other charges through the Berkeley County Magistrate Court.

As a result of the arrests, information was learned that linked both of the two suspects and a third person to vehicle and residential thefts in Martinsburg Station that occurred on 08/10/10.  Additional criminal charges are pending.

The Martinsburg Police Department is currently attempting to identify several GPS units that are believed to be to be stolen on or around these dates and possibly from the Martinsburg Station sub division area.  If you have any information to assist with this investigation, please contact Det. S.F. Doyle at the Martinsburg Police Department at 304-264-2100.

Arrested:

Michael Thomas Reid                                                                      

DOB:  07/28/91                                                                                   

51 Reynard Rd, 

Kearneysville WV 25430

Joseph Brett Maness

DOB: 06/20/86 

39 Hunt Ridge Dr

Summit Point WV

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Threats of terrorist acts arrest

On Friday August 13^th 2010 Martinsburg Police arrested an individual on the felony charge of Threats of terrorist acts at 106 South Raleigh Street Martinsburg WV at approximately 1:00 PM.

This incident occurred on Friday July 23^rd 2010 at 106 South Raleigh Street. Police officers responded to the residence in reference to a disturbance along with EMT personnel from The Martinsburg Fire Dept. A suicidal threat had been made and a firearm taken from this subject, Matthew Ball.

It was also later learned that Mr. Ball had allegedly made statements to EMT personnel regarding future actions while being transported to Martinsburg City Hospital. He said that he had recently purchased a 9 MM handgun and also that he owned a hunting rifle. He said that he was feuding with his family and that the next time it happened he would take both firearms into his bedroom and would lock the door. Mr. Ball also stated that if the police were called, that he would shoot whoever came to the bedroom door to get him.

Since the issuance of this threat the Martinsburg Fire Dept. had changed policy in accordance with this threat and stated that EMT'S will not enter the residence without it first being cleared by the Martinsburg Police Department. It was advised that the threat was received as credible and legitimate to both the Martinsburg Fire Department and the Martinsburg Police Department and that both agencies are agencies of the Municipality of Martinsburg WV. 

Therefore based on the fact that Mr. Ball had previously been taken to City Hospital for suicidal threats, and has access to two firearms and by him stating he would shoot officers if they responded to his residence it was the belief of the police that Mr. Ball did make a terroristic threat  in violation of WV State Code.

A warrant was issued for his arrest by State Magistrate Joan Bragg on 8 13 10. He was taken into custody at his residence and was later arraigned by a State Magistrate.

Arrested: Mathew Edward Ball DOB 3/25/87 listing an address of 106 South Raleigh Street Martinsburg WV 

Robbery was a False Report

 On Friday July 16 2010 Officers responded to Wal-Mart on Foxcroft Ave for a robbery which had just occurred. Officers responded to the area minutes after the incident had allegedly occurred. All areas were checked and video surveillance was obtained.

The victim, Identified as Mr. William Arthur Leland (DOB 11/10/53), advised officers on scene that he had been sitting in his vehicle in the Wal Mart parking lot when a White male brandished a revolver in his face and demanded $800 cash. He advised he turned the money over to the male, who fled towards Sears.

The video was later reviewed and there was no evidence of a robbery taking place.

 Mr. Leland was interviewed at the Martinsburg Police Department on 7/26/10 during which time he confessed to calling in a false police report. He advised that the money, which was allegedly robbed from him, was in fact a combination of his and his physically handicapped sisters whom he takes care of. He advised that he had gambled the money, and lost, at a local gambling establishment.

Mr. Leland was arrested on this day. He was arraigned by Mag. R. Smith and given a PR bond of $2500.  He was charged with Falsely reporting an emergency incident. 

Arrests

 As of yesterday’s date Clifford Lee Hutchinson (DOB 7/27/64), has been extradited back to the Martinsburg ERJ. Mr. Hutchinson was wanted for two burglary charges stemming from burglaries, in which he is the defendant, from December 2009 in Martinsburg WV

 Mr. Hutchinson was arraigned by Mag. Snow for two felony burglary charges, from the Martinsburg Police Dept, He was also arraigned on one felony escape charge,  through the Berkeley County Sheriffs Dept.

Mr. Hutchinson has been wanted since December 2009. He had fled to western states and was eventually arrested.

Today  Mr. Hutchinson was served with another arrest warrant for Felony Transferring Stolen Goods. This charge also stems from the burglary incidents. He has been served on this day and awaits arraignment by Magistrate J. Overington. He is currently incarcerated in the ERJ. 

Escapee Found

On Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 10:02pm, officers from the Martinsburg Police Department responded to the Vicki Douglas Juvenile Detention Center in reference to a missing juvenile.  Upon arrival, it was advised that at approximately 8pm, a 17 year old juvenile male who was being detained at the facility, was determined to be missing.  A subsequent search around the exterior of facility resulted in clothing from the juvenile being located near a dumpster and a nearby wood line. 

Officers then began looking for the juvenile and located him at approximately 2:09am in a wooded area near Rolling Meadow Drive.  The juvenile was then taken back to the Vicki Douglas Detention Center.   

Arson

On Tuesday, July 06, 2010, at approximately 3:20am, members from the Martinsburg Police and Martinsburg Fire Department responded to a commercial property located in the 600 block of North Queen Street, Martinsburg WV, in reference to a structure fire.  Upon arrival, officers were able to observe a shed structure which was engulfed with flames on the property.  Firefighters from the Martinsburg Fire Department quickly extinguished the fire, which was determined to be arson.

The Martinsburg Police Department is currently investigating the fire and is asking anyone with information to contact Det. Lt. G.B. Swartwood of the Martinsburg Police Department.  The Martinsburg Police Department is also seeking information regarding to recent graffiti to the commercial property, that may be related to this incident.    Anyone with information regarding this incident can contact Det. Lt. G.B. Swartwood at 304-264-2100. 

Fugitive from Justice Arrest

On Thursday, June 24, 2010, the Martinsburg Police Department arrested a female identified as Lauren Elbin as a Fugitive from Justice.  The charged stemmed from an incident in 2004 in Hagerstown Maryland in which she was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.  Ms. Elbin was arrested at her residence without incident and was arraigned before Magistrate Sandra Miller.  Ms. Elbin was given a 10,000 cash only bond and was taken to the Eastern Regional Jail.

 Arrested:

Lauren Brooke Elbin

DOB:  12/10/82

108 E. John St., Martinsburg WV 25401

Charge:  Fugitive from Justice

Drug Arrest

On Friday, June 11, 2010, the Martinsburg Police Department executed a search warrant at 304 South Raleigh Street, Apartment 1, Martinsburg WV in reference to an ongoing drug and prostitution investigation. During the course of the search warrant, a quantity of heroin and drug paraphernalia items were located. The occupant of the residence, Timothy Stover, was subsequently arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance and charged through the Martinsburg Municipal Court. Mr. Stover was given a $500 cash only bond and was taken to the Eastern Regional Jail.

Arrested:

Timothy Wayne Stover
DOB: 05/09/66
304 S. Raleigh St., Apt. 1, Mtsbg WV
Charge: Poss. Of a Controlled Substance (Heroin)- Martinsburg Municipal Ct.

Arrests made on Multiple Cases

On May 11th 2010 at 9:45 pm members of the Martinsburg Police Department and the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force arrested an individual wanted on numerous felony and misdemeanor warrants which were obtained from the Martinsburg Police Department, Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department and the West Virginia State Police.

Det Lt George B Swartwood, Ptlm. Eric Neely (MPD) and Det Sgt Kevin Miller (EPDVCTF) arrested Joshua Daniel Stevens at a North Queen Street convenience store parking lot.



The initial investigation to locate the suspect was for his alleged involvement in an arson to a residence off of Central Avenue and the destruction of property and theft to a Martinsburg Police vehicle on April 23rd - 24th 2010.

The arrest came after information was gained advising that the suspect would be hiding in the back of a pickup truck on its way to the convenience store on North Queen Street.

The officers staked out the area and observed said vehicle and located the suspect in the back of the pickup truck. The suspect was arrested and processed at the Martinsburg Police Department and later taken to the Eastern Regional Jail to await arraignment by a State Magistrate. He was later arraigned by Magistrate Overington and his bond was set at $115,000 cash only. He is currently still incarcerated at the ERJ.

The Martinsburg Police Department would like to thank the community for all of its assistance into this investigation and still seeks any information in regards to this or any arson investigations.
Arrested: Joshua Daniel Stevens DOB 5 30 79 and listing an address of 76 Ritter Drive Martinsburg WV was arrested on the following 12 charges.

Arson 1st degree
Burglary
Grand Larceny
Destruction of Property
Petit Larceny
Malicious Wounding
Armed Robbery
Petit Larceny
Breaking and Entering
Breaking and Entering of an Auto
Domestic Battery
Domestic Battery

Arrests in Concert Scam

On this day both Mr. Sherman L. Loy and Mr. Dean R. Desana were arrested by this agency. Both subjects have been charged with a felony charge of obtaining money by False Pretenses.

The defendants each cooperated by turning themselves in, at separate times, to the Martinsburg Police Department. Both subjects were processed and brought to the Berkeley County Magistrate courthouse, where they were arraigned by Magistrate J. Overington. Both subjects were released on bond, each posted by a bonding agency.

These arrests are from an ongoing investigation involving the above individuals and the alleged concert which was to take place on April 24, 2010 and to feature both celebrities Lady Gaga and Adam Lambert. The event, however, did not take place and no tickets were ever distributed.

It was found, through investigation that from March 16 – 18, individuals traveled to the Hair salon, “Hair by Luke”, and paid money for tickets which were supposed to arrive in the mail for the concert.

The investigation is continuing.

Juvenile with Handgun Arrested

On Thursday, May 06, 2010, the administration at South Middle School contacted the Martinsburg Police Department in regards to information they had received regarding a 14 year old student. The information that was received, alleged that the 14 year old juvenile had shown a handgun at a residence on the previous date and had made statements regarding brining it to school to resolve matters with students who were picking on him. Upon hearing the information, the administration contacted the Martinsburg City Police and then removed the student from class. A search was then conducted of the student’s personal effects and no firearms were located.

Officers from the Martinsburg Police Department then responded to the juvenile’s residence and conducted a search, which yielded a .22 caliber handgun and ammunition under his bedroom mattress.

As a result of the firearm being located, the juvenile was charged with being a Minor in Possession of a Deadly Weapon and was subsequently detained at the Vickie Douglas Center, per the request of the Berkeley County Prosecutor’s Office.

Due to the immediate response by both the administration at South Middle School and the Martinsburg Police Department, a potential dangerous situation was resolved.

Warrants Obtained for Multiple Crimes - Public Assistance needed

On Wednesday, April 28, 2010, the Martinsburg Police Department obtained arrest warrants for Joshua Stevens for the offenses of 1st Degree Arson, Burglary, Grand Larceny, Petit Larceny and Destruction of Property.

The charges stem from several incidents that occurred in Martinsburg on the evening of Friday, April 24, 2010 through the morning of Saturday, April 25, 2010. During the time frame, it is alleged that Stevens broke into a Martinsburg Police Department cruiser that was parked in the area of Moler Avenue and took multiple personal belongings from the vehicle. After breaking into the vehicle, it is alleged that Mr. Stevens broke into a residence located at 910 North Central Avenue, Martinsburg WV. While in the residence, Stevens broke multiple items inside and started a fire in a dryer that caused damage. Following the fire, Stevens stole a Ford Explorer that was parked nearby. Later on this date, the vehicle listed was found completely burnt in Berkeley County.

The Martinsburg Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance in locating Joshua Stevens. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Martinsburg Police Department at 304-264-2100 or Crime Solvers at 304-267-4999.

The Martinsburg Police Department would also like to thank the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department and Trooper Bowman, Trooper North and the West Virginia State Police for their assistance with this investigation.

Suspect:

Joshua Daniel Stevens
DOB: 05/30/79

Two arrested for Paintball Attack

On Sunday, April 18, 2010, the Martinsburg Police Dept responded to Company 1 Martinsburg Fire Dept on Raleigh St for a Destruction of Property. Unknown subjects shot the building with three pink paintballs. While investigating the call on Raleigh St. another call was received for paintballs being shot at 516 Winchester Ave. One of the paintballs struck a person in the mouth. Ptlm. L.D. Ruffner saw a vehicle drive by 516 Winchester Ave with paintball marks on it. Ptlm. S.A. Shelton was able to stop the vehicle after it traveled several blocks before stopping off Mall Drive in the Martinsburg Plaza parking lot. Paintball guns and pink paintballs were located in the vehicle.

The front passenger admitted to shooting various buildings along Winchester Ave, King Street and Raleigh St. Further investigation revealed that at least 11 different buildings and 1 vehicle were defaced by the paintballs.

The front passenger, Kyle Ripka (9-22-1991) of 1604 Nestle Quarry Road Falling Waters, was arrested on 12 counts of Destruction of Property, 1 count of Disturbing the Peace and 1 count of battery.

The driver, Danielle Tinsman (09-02-1989) of 146 Grandview Court Falling Waters, was charged with 1 count of Disturbing the Peace and Fail to Yield to an Emergency Vehicle.

Shooting Investigation continues

Martinsburg Police are continuing the investigation into the shooting incident which occurred on the evening of April 8th, 2010 at approximately 9:10 PM at 662 Faulkner Ave. Apartment B Martinsburg WV.

That evening investigators interviewed several individuals two of which advised they were eye witnesses to the incident involving the decedent, an 11 year old male who suffered from a self inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

Statements were taken from these individuals advising that they observed the decedent holding the gun to his head and that they were yelling at him to put the gun down. They were attempting to intercede when the decedent discharged the gun, shooting himself in the head.

The owner of the residence was also interviewed by police and the owner of the firearm was located that evening and provided a statement in regards to how he came into possession of the firearm and how it came to be in that residence.

The decedent was taken to Morgantown West Virginia where Doctor Matrina Schmidt, Deputy Chief Medical Examiner, performed the autopsy. The Martinsburg Police Department received a copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate of Death.

In this document it lists the immediate cause of death as, contact gunshot wound to the head. It advises as how the injury occurred as, shot self in head with an automatic pistol. The document lists the manner of death as suicide.

Martinsburg police are continuing in their investigation into this incident at this time and would like to thank members of the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force and members of the Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms for their cooperation.

The Martinsburg Police department would like to extend its condolences to the family and friends of the decedent for their tragic loss.

Arson

On Monday, March 22, 2010 at 0321 hours, Cpl. M.M. Usack of the Martinsburg Police Department observed flames coming from a warehouse, Old Kilbourne Mill, located in the 600 block of West John Street behind NAPA Auto Parts. The Martinsburg Fire Department responded and began working to contain the fire. The Martinsburg Fire Department was assisted by other local fire departments. The fire was contained to one building. It is believed that there were at least four separate points of origin for the fire. The fire is being investigated by the Martinsburg Police Dept and Lt. Greg Hoover of the Martinsburg Fire Dept. Arson is suspected and anyone with information is urged to contact the Martinsburg Police, Martinsburg Fire or Crime Solvers. Currently there is a reward being offere, through Berkeley County Crime Solvers and the Martinsburg Police Department, for up to $1,000 for an arrest and conviction.

Arson - Update

On Wednesday, March 10, 2010, the Martinsburg Police Department disseminated a press release in regards to an arson investigation in Martinsburg and also disseminated two photographs of persons of interest. Since those photographs were published, both individuals have been identified and have spoken with authorities.

Both of the persons who were sought have provided statements, that have been corroborated. These individuals are no longer considered persons of interest.

The Martinsburg Police Department is continuing to actively conduct an investigation into the arsons and is seeking the community’s assistance. The Martinsburg Police Department would also like to thank the media for the prompt release of the photographs to assist with the investigation.

Anyone with information regarding any of the arson investigations are urged to contact the Martinsburg Police Department at 304-264-2100 or Crime Solvers at 304-267-4999

Arson

On Wednesday, March 10, 2010, the Martinsburg City Police and Martinsburg Fire Department responded to 431 South Raleigh Street, Martinsburg WV, a local business, in regards to a structure fire. Upon arrival, the business was found to be engulfed in flames, which was quickly extinguished by the Martinsburg Fire Department.

The fire was investigated by Lt. Hoover of the Martinsburg Fire Department and was determined to be arson, which was believed to have been started through the mail slot in the door.

Both the Martinsburg Police Department and Martinsburg Fire Department are actively investigating the arson and are looking into possible connections with other arsons in Martinsburg. Anyone with information regarding the arson are urged to contact the Martinsburg Police Department at 304-264-2100 or Crime Solvers at 304-267-4999. Tips can also be submitted anonymously via the Martinsburg Police Department at www.martinsburgpd.org.

Shots fired in Waffle House

On Sunday, March 07, 2010, the Martinsburg Police Department responded to the Waffle House located at 1003 Foxcroft Ave. for a report of shots fired inside the establishment. Upon arriving at the scene, Officers spoke to the victim, employees and several patrons. It was learned that a black male got into an argument with the victim. It is believed that the suspect told the victim to take his jacket off. The victim told the suspect he was not getting his jacket and pulled out a knife. The suspect then pulled a gun and shot one round towards the victim. The victim was not hit and the bullet hit an interior wall of the business. Police have identified Gary Garfield Lane, Date of Birth 5-30-1977, as a person of interest in the case. Anyone with information should contact the Martinsburg Police Department at 304-264-2100 or Crime Solvers 304-267-4999.

Arson

On Wednesday, March 3, 2010, Ptlm. E. Gibbons of the Martinsburg Police Department responded to Servpro, at 717 West Virginia Avenue, Martinsburg WV in reference to an alarm. Initially Ptlm. Gibbons was dispatched to the business in regards to an office motion alarm but he soon located smoke and fire coming from the base of an exterior door.

At that point, the Martinsburg Fire Department was contacted to respond to the business. The MFD arrived and quickly extinguished the fire which caused damage to the door and immediate area. It was also determined that no one was present in the building during the time of the fire.

Video footage was also obtained from Servpro which showed an unknown person wearing a white sheet and having a light colored hat, coming to the door at approximately 2:57am and igniting a fire through the mail slot.

The cause of the fire was determined to be Arson and is being investigated by the Martinsburg Police Department and the Martinsburg Fire Department. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact either Det. S.F. Doyle or Det. Lt. G.B. Swartwood at 304-264-2100.

DOA Identified

On Tuesday, March 02, 2010, the Martinsburg Police Department was able to determine the identity of a man who was found dead in a warehouse in the 300 block of North Raleigh Street on Friday, February 26, 2010. The decedent was identified as Kenneth Eustace Simpson (DOB: 06/12/60), who formerly resided at 309 ½ East Burke Street, Martinsburg WV. Mr. Simpson was previously reported as a missing person to the Martinsburg Police Department on February 9, 2010.

The Medical Examiner’s Office is currently awaiting toxicology results and preliminary examinations have determined that there were no signs of foul play.

Unattended Death Investigation

On Friday, February 26, 2010, members of the Martinsburg Police Department responded to the 300 block of North Raleigh Street in reference to an unattended death. Upon arrival, officers located an unknown male lying in an open warehouse. The cause of death has yet to be determined and his body will be sent to Charleston WV for an autopsy.

Other agencies who assisted in the death investigation were the Martinsburg Fire Department, West Virginia State Police and a county medical examiner for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

The death is still under investigation.

Person Wanted

The Martinsburg Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance in locating the following suspect who is wanted for a misdemeanor warrant of Fraudulent Schemes.

Timothy Lynn Robinson Jr. (DOB 2/26/83) it is alleged in the complaint for warrant that the suspect went to various business’ in the Martinsburg area and tried to obtain money by fraudulently misrepresenting himself.

Magistrate Sandra Miller issued an arrest warrant for the defendant on this day. Anyone with information on the subjects whereabouts is urged to contact the Martinsburg Police Department ( 304 264 2100) or the Berkeley County Crime Solvers ( 304 267 4999).

Methamphetamine Manufacturing

On Wednesday, February 17, 2010, Ptlw. Shanna Spiker and Ptlm. Staub of the Martinsburg Police Responded to 121 South Church Street, Apartment 4, Martinsburg to an ongoing dispute with the female resident’s boyfriend, Jason East. It was then determined that Mr. East was not present in the residence. While at the residence, officers observed items associated with the manufacturing of methamphetamine and located a cooking apparatus in a closet.

Based on the findings in the apartment, it was decided to have the building evacuated until the scene could be assessed. After evacuation, agents with the Drug Enforcement Agency in Hagerstown MD were contacted and soon arrived to assist the Martinsburg Police Department. The residence was then secured until a search warrant was obtained.

While assessing the methamphetamine manufacturing materials inside the residence, officers from the Martinsburg Police Department were informed that Jason East had been stopped and arrested by the West Virginia State Police under similar circumstances involving methamphetamine.

On Thursday, February 18, 2010, personnel from the Martinsburg Police Department, DEA, Office of Emergency Services and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection responded back to residence to conduct a search and to remove all materials associated with the manufacturing of methamphetamine.

On Friday, February 19, 2010, Jason East was charged with Manufacturing Methamphetamine.
A photograph of Jason East can be obtained via the Eastern Regional Jail’s website at www.wvrja.com

Arrested:

Jason Aubrey East
DOB: 08/30/83
Charge: Manufacturing Methamphetamine

Missing Person

The Martinsburg Police Department is currently seeking the community’s assistance in locating a person who was reported missing. Kenneth Simpson, age 49, was last seen in the Martinsburg area on January 31, 2010 and has not been seen since. There are no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances regarding Mr. Simpson’s disappearance. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Kenneth Simpson are urged to contact Det. Lt. G.B. Swartwood of the Martinsburg Police Department at 304-264-2100.

Arson

On Wednesday February 3, 2010 12:15 a.m. officers from the Martinsburg Police Department along with the Martinsburg Fire Department responded to Caribe Auto Repair, at 512-B Wilson Street for a fire. The fire appears to have started in the bed of a pick-up truck parked in front of the business and subsequently spread to the exterior of the building itself. The fire was extinguished and no injuries were reported. The incident is a suspected arson and is currently under investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Martinsburg Police Department at 304-264-2100 or the Berkeley County Crime Solvers at 304-267-4999.