Attempted Robbery

     On December 27, 2011 call was received for an attempted robbery, which had just occurred at 531 Winchester Ave. This business is the Mercado Le Bueno Fe # 2 International Food Market. Officers responded.

Ptlm Everhart took statements from employees that a white male had entered the business and demanded money. He had his face partially concealed. His hands were in his pockets and he motioned that he may have a weapon on his person, by pointing his pocketed hand at the clerk.

According to the clerk, the subject then pulled a large knife out of his jacket pocket and attempted to grab the clerk. At this time another employee came out from the back of the store. The suspect fled the store, traveling on foot north of the Winchester Ave Plaza. He did not obtain any money or goods.

This agency is seeking the community’s assistance, in obtaining more info in regards to this white male suspect’s identity. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Berkeley County Crime Solvers (304 267 4999) or the Martinsburg Police Department (304 264 2100).

Drug and Fugitive Arrest

On Friday, December 23, 2011, at approximately 2151 hours, Ptlm. R.S. Fritz of the Martinsburg Police Department stopped 3 subjects in the area of John Street and Kentucky Ave that matched the description of suspects in an armed robbery that occurred in the 300 block of South Rosemont Ave.  The subjects were not involved in the robbery, but while conducting a pat down, Francisco Villansana-Escobedo admitted to having crack cocaine in his possession.  Francisco Villansana-Escobedo was found to be in possession of 2 baggies of suspected crack cocaine with a total weight of approximately 5 grams.  Francisco Villansana-Escobedo was arrested and charged with possession with intent to deliver crack cocaine.

        In addition, a second subject, Nelson Casiano Rivera, was arrested as a fugitive from justice.  Rivera initially gave Ptlm. Fritz a false name, but after finding out his real name, an NCIC hit confirmed that he was wanted out of York County PA for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.  Both subjects were transported to Eastern Regional Jail to await arraignment.

Arrested were:  Francisco Villansana-Escobedo

                            412 ½ Virginia Ave

                            Martinsburg, WV 25401

                            Date of Birth: 8/17/1992

                            Nelson Casiano Rivera

                            2150 Harris Way #321

                            Martinsburg, WV 25401

                           Date of Birth:  1/21/1986

Vehicle Pursuit - Arrest

On Saturday, December 17, 2011, at approximately 1816 hours, Ptlm. Lehman of the Martinsburg PD attempted to stop a vehicle for reckless driving and eluding Police.  The vehicle fled from Ptlm. Lehman on State Circle and then west on Apple Harvest Drive.  At this point, the pursuit was terminated due to high traffic along Apple Harvest Drive.  Ptlm. Barrett located the suspect vehicle a short time later on Apple Harvest Drive in the area of Foxcroft Ave and attempted to stop the vehicle.  The vehicle fled again this time north on I-81.  Ptlm. Lehman and Sgt. Funkhouser then joined Ptlm. Barrett in an attempt to stop the vehicle.  The vehicle failed to stop and exited I-81 at exit 14.  The vehicle continued west on Dry Run Road and the involved Officers backed off the suspect but continued at a safe distance.  Upon approaching Thatcher Road, it appeared that the suspect vehicle turned onto Thatcher Road.  Sgt. Funkhouser later located the suspect “blacked out” behind a barn off Working Deer Drive.  The suspect again fled through a field and back onto Thatcher Road towards Dry Run Road.  The suspect lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a utility pole in the back yard of 2008 Thatcher Road.  The suspect was taken into custody and transported to City Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries and released to the custody of Deputy Welcome of the BCSD.  The driver was charged with Fleeing DUI w/property damage and Fleeing Reckless.

Arrested was :  William Brandon Jenkins

                            122 Rolling Meadow Drive

                            Martinsburg, WV

                            Date of Birth: 09-13-1982

Armed Robbery

       On 12/9/11 at 350 AM Ptlwm. Shanna Spiker was flagged down by a woman waving frantically that she had just been robbed by a black male wearing a halloween mask and her purse was stolen as she was going to her vehicle. This occurred just outside of the Oriole’s 313 club on S. Foxcroft Ave. The victim had just closed the business and had not seen anyone outside so she went to her vehicle and was surprised by the suspect. He threatened that he had a handgun so she turned over her purse to him.

       Ptlwm. Spiker had just prior to the robbery saw a vehicle sitting in the parking lot of the Martinsburg Mall and was going to check the vehicle when she was flagged down by the victim. Ptlwm. Spiker saw the suspect run from the area and then the same vehicle that she was going to check out came from around the mall with its lights off and leave the area going up Foxcroft Ave. Ptlwm. Spiker gave out by radio what was occurring and other officers arrived and gave assistance. A look out was given on the vehicle that was seen leaving the area to the Berkeley County Sheriffs Office and the WV State Police. Officers found the belongings of the victim behind the building and all of her property including the money stolen was returned to her. The mask and clothing of the suspect was also found in close proximity to the stolen property.

       A few minutes later Deputy Shetley of the Berkeley County Sheriffs Dept saw a vehicle matching the description of the look out vehicle which was a light green Hyundai Santa Fe. Shetley followed the vehicle to Exit 8 on I-81 and the vehicle got off the interstate and then right back on and was heading back toward Martinsburg. The vehicle strated to get off at Exit 13 and then got right back onto the interstate again. A traffic stop was then initiated on the vehicle and it stopped.

        The vehicle was driven by Daisy Ogilvie Age 21 of Front Royal Va. Through investigation and statements obtained it was learned that Ogilvie picked up the suspect in Martinsburg and took him to the area of the mall where she waited for him and then he came back to the vehicle with a gun in his hand and she fled the area at a high rate of speed. He was not wearing the clothing that he left the vehicle in. After fleeing the area the suspect got out of the vehicle in the area of Viking Way and ran from the area. Ogilvie then went to the Sheetz store and then drove toward Va where she was spotted by Deputy Shetley. Since Ogilvie did not in any way try to call the Police to say what had happened, she acted in concert with the suspect. She took him to the area of the mall for the purpose of committing a robbery and then waited on him to aid him in his escape from the area.

       Ogilvie is being charged with Armed Robbery and Conspiracy to commit Armed Robbery.

12/9/11

    Mr. Tavares T. Rascoe (DOB 5/30/83) was arrested without incident in Martinsburg WV. He was processed by Ptlm Shelton and has been transported to the Berkeley County Magistrate courthouse for arraignment.

       Mr. Rascoe has been arrested in connection with the Armed Robbery from early this morning in the area of Foxcroft Ave. He has been identified by this agency as the individual who was wearing the mask and clothing, which was also located by our officers.

     Mr. Rascoe has been charged with both the WV State charges of Armed Robbery and Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery. His accomplice, a Ms. Daisy Ogilvie, was previously arrested on this morning. At the time of this press release she is in the custody of the Eastern Regional Jail.              

Felon in Possession of Handgun Arrest

      On Tuesday, November 1, 2011, at approximately 0149 hours, Cpl. Strickler was flagged down by two citizens in the 400 block of West King Street in reference to a black male carrying a firearm.  Ptlm. Shelton then located the subject at the intersection of King Street and Church Street and recognized the subject as Kevin Hairston.  As Ptlm. Shelton exited his vehicle, he noticed something in Hairston’s right coat pocket.  Hairston failed to comply with orders to stop and put his hands on his head.  Hairston continued to approach Ptlm. Shelton and Ptlm. Shelton then observed what appeared to be the barrel of a firearm in Hairston’s coat pocket.  Ptlm. Everhart arrived on scene and Hairston was placed against Ptlm. Shelton’s cruiser and advised to put his hands behind his back.  Hairston then reached towards the firearm and Everhart and Shelton took him to the ground and were able to place him into custody.

A Davis Model P-32 caliber semi-automatic handgun was located in Hairston’s coat pocket.  Hairston has numerous previous felony convictions and was charged with being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm.  He was processed and transported to Eastern Regional Jail to await arraignment.

Arrested was : Kevin Hairston

                     No Fixed Address

                      DOB: 7-7-1959

Vehicle Pursuit - Arrest

At 4:00 AM Oct 16, 2011 officers from The Martinsburg City Police Department attempted to stop a 1999 green Saturn 4 door in the area of N. Maple and Martin Street.  This vehicle failed to stop and attempted to elude officers.   This pursuit traveled west on King Street and into the county and continued into the Dry Run Road area as this vehicle stopped in a driveway along Dry Run Road and the occupants exited the vehicle.  There was a short foot pursuit of the driver and passenger  were located. 

The driver was Sherry M Kirby age 36 from 2897 Cannon Hill Road Hedgesville WV.  Kirby was found to be intoxicated and charged with DUI and various charges related to the pursuit she refused to submit to this arrest and was Tazed as result of her actions.   Assisting in this pursuit were members of the BC Sheriffs Office and West Virginia State Police.

Vehicle Pursuit - Arrest

 At 2:15AM Oct 16, 2011 Martinsburg City Police Officers responded to the 800 block of W. Burke Street for a reported vehicle crash.  This was the result of a vehicle pursuit by a Berkeley County Deputy.  The deputy stopped the vehicle on E. Burke Street and the vehicle left this location during the stop.  This pursuit proceeded west on Burke Street and ended in the 800 block when a red Volkswagen Jetta lost control and struck three parked vehicles. 

Three of the four vehicles received extensive damage.  All persons experiencing damage to their vehicles resided or were staying within the 800 block of W. Burke Street.  The operator of the Jetta was identified Lonnie A. Gregory, 42 years old of 500 E. Race Street Martinsburg.  Gregory was arrested for DUI and an assortment of other traffic charges related to this crash.  Gregory left his vehicle and fled on foot and after a short foot pursuit was located and arrested by officers responding to this location in the area of Tennessee Ave and Martin Street.  This crash is still under investigation and a cooperative effort by the Sheriffs Office and Martinsburg City Police continues.

Suspicious Fire

On Oct 16, 2011at 2:00AM officers from the Martinsburg City Police Department and the Martinsburg Fire Department responded to an apartment building located in the 200 block of E. King Street for a vehicle fire.  Once arriving on scene the vehicle was found to be a 2005 Toyota 2 door was involved and the fire was contained to the rear portion of the vehicle.  This fire is suspicious in nature and is still under investigation.  The vehicle received extensive damage and the owner of the vehicle is Shaniece Nunn of 83 Academy Drive Martinsburg WV.

Update on Shell Robbbery

On Sept 28^th 2011 at approximately 4:40 PM Martinsburg Police responded to the Foxcroft Shell Station located at 1000 Foxcroft Ave. Martinsburg WV for an armed robbery.

Officers were advised that the clerk was robbed at gunpoint by a suspect that had just left the store. The suspect was on surveillance video footage and is described as a black male between 20 and 30 years of age and approximately 5-6 to 6-0 in height.

The suspect was wearing a black sweatshirt, gray jeans black boots and a Detroit Tigers baseball hat. The suspect left the store on foot. After obtaining cash from the cash register.

The suspect did brandish a small black in color pistol at the time of the robbery.

On Sept. 30^th 2011 Martinsburg Police interviewed a subject that actually gave the suspect a ride to the area of the Shell Station at the time of the robbery and identified the surveillance photos of the suspect as someone that was known to him by his street name of “HIT” from New York.

He also advised of what the suspect was wearing when he left the vehicle and how he had changed from his sweat shirt to a white tee shirt when he returned.

This individual also showed police detectives where this suspect  was residing and provided information as to what he was told by another resident of that same apartment, that was also present with them at the time of the robbery indicating that “Hit” was indeed the robber.

On October 1^st 2011 Martinsburg Police responded to a medic assist for a deceased male possibly from an overdose at this same residence.  The residence was 501 West King Street Apartment 4 Martinsburg WV. Police detectives took a statement from the resident of the apartment who advised of the decedent’s, “Hit” involvement in the robbery and also where his firearm was in the apartment. It was also advised that the suspect wanted to perpetrate future robberies possibly in the Hagerstown Maryland area.  Police recovered a loaded 22 caliber two shot derringer black in color which is believed to be the weapon utilized in the Shell Station  robbery.

The suspect was identified as Jose Williams aka “Hit” DOB 12 26 73 formerly from Brooklyn New York. Police also seized other items of evidentiary value possibly related to the Shell Station robbery. The investigation continues.

Martinsburg Police are exploring the possibility that this suspect may have had involvement in the Peppers News Stand robbery on N. Queen Street on Friday Sept. 30^th 2011, however that the case is still under investigation. 

Armed Robbery

On Sept 28^th 2011 at approximately 4:40 PM Martinsburg Police responded to the Foxcroft Shell Station located at 1000 Foxcroft Ave. Martinsburg WV for an armed robbery.

Officers were advised that the clerk was robbed at gunpoint by a suspect that had just left the store.

The suspect was on surveillance video footage and is described as a black male between 20 and 30 years of age and approximately 5-6 to 6-0 in height. The suspect was wearing a black  sweatshirt, gray jeans black boots and a Detroit Tigers baseball hat. The suspect left the store on foot. After obtaining cash from the cash register.

The suspect did brandish a small black in color pistol at the time of the robbery.

Anyone with information in regards to this robbery is urged to call the Martinsburg Police Department at 304 264 2100. 

Robbery Suspect

Destruction of Property

The Martinsburg Police Department is currently investigating two cases of destruction of property in which flower baskets and planters and contents were destroyed along with a marble statue of Mary.

There were two locations in which this occurred. One, the Berkeley County Court House located at 100 West King Street Martinsburg WV. At this location perpetrators upset flower baskets scattering their contents.

The second location was at 123 South Queen Street, St. Joseph’s Church Martinsburg WV. At this location perpetrators knocked the flower baskets and flower pots down scattering their contents. They also knocked off its base and broke in half a marble statue of Mary.

It is believed that these incidents occurred on July 31^st 2011 approximately between 1:00 AM and 1:15 AM. Surveillance video captured three subjects of interest in the area of the Court house at that time and one video actually shows them upsetting one of the flower planters.

The video depicts what is believed to be three white males in shorts and tee shirts running from the alley behind the Court House.

Anyone with information as to the identity of these subjects or with information regarding these crimes is urged to call the Martinsburg Police Department at 304 264 2100.

Links to videos of suspects

http://www.berkeleywv.org/download/chrear73111.avi

http://www.berkeleywv.org/download/chside73111.avi

Wanted Person

The Martinsburg Police Department is seeking the community’s assistance in locating the following subject that is wanted on a felony warrant for Fraudulent Schemes.

It is alleged in the warrant that the suspect did obtain approximately $28,400 from an elderly female Martinsburg resident for alleged home repairs that were not completed or performed starting in May 5^th 2011.

Anyone with knowledge of the suspect’s exact whereabouts is urged to call the Martinsburg Police Department at 304 264 2100.

Suspect: Donald Earl Martin Jr.

                White Male DOB 08 08 1977

                5-8 in height 146 pounds

                Formerly listing an address of 2050 Harris way Martinsburg WV

Shot Fired

      On Sunday July 10 2011, at aprox 0916 PM, officers from the Martinsburg Police Department responded to the 100 Block of N. Spring St for a report of shots fired. Several calls were received in relation to this incident. It was also reported that there was possibly a man down in the area between the Blue White Grill and the Peking restaurant.

     Several officers arrived on scene  and the 100 Block of North Spring street was temporarily closed down. Officers spoke to witness’ who reported that two black males were seen running from the area. One of them allegedly was wearing a white tank top.

     Located at the scene were 17 9mm casings as well as a blue baseball hat. It was also noted that a round had struck the residence at 118 N. Spring st. It was also noted that a round had struck a vehicle in the area.

     Once the investigation was concluded, and the scene was processed, the 100 block of N. Spring street was reopened. No one was reported hurt in this incident. The alleged man down, was not located.

     At this time there is no further information as to the identifications of the subjects involved. This agency is requesting that  Anyone with information is urged to contact the Berkeley County Crime Solvers ( 304 267 4999) or the Martinsburg Police Department ( 304 264 2100 ). This case remains open for further investigation. 

Wanted Person Arrest

 On this day Mr. Dwayne Rodgers turned himself in to this agency. Subject was Processed at the Martinsburg Police Dept and transported to the Berkeley County Magistrate Court for arraignment.

 Mr. Rodgers was wanted through this agency on the charge of delivery of CDS. This agency had been looking for this subject in reference to an area roundup conducted by officers on July 7, 2011.

This agency would like to thank the community for their assistance and cooperation in looking for this subject, as we have been contacted by individuals in reference to this subject. 

Drug Arrests

     On July 7, 2011 officers from the Martinsburg Police Department conducted two search warrants at 620 and 622 Winchester Ave. Both residences are within the same duplex home, located across from the Winchester Ave Plaza.

     Search warrants were conducted in reference to an ongoing drug investigation which had been conducted by this agency. Martinsburg SRT was utilized to make entry into both homes.

     Small amounts of CDS were seized including Marijuana, Heroin, and Pills. Parapahanelia was also seized along with money believed to have been derived from illegal CDS transactions.

     Four subjects were arrested on this search warrant (See below). This agency was aided by the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task force.

Steven E. Wills (DOB 3/29/85) of 620 Winchester Ave Martinsburg was arrested. Charged with a two counts of Possession CDS. Subject was also served a warrant which was previously applied for by Ptlwm. Barrett, for possession.

Kelly A. Custer (DOB 8/12/76) of 620 Winchester Ave was also arrested and charged with two counts of Possession of CDS. Subject was also served a warrant which was previously applied for by Ptlwm Barrett, for possession.

Steven Wills (DOB 3/29/85) of 620 Winchester Ave was arrested and charged with possession CDS.

       Krystal D. Anderson (DOB 5/2/81) of  1247 Rock Cliff Dr in Martinsburg was        arrested and charged with two counts of Possession with Intent to deliver. 

Man struck by train. DOA

      On July 1, 2011 emergency service personnel were dispatched to the train tracks located east of Water st and just south of the East Burke St underpass. It was dispatched that a subject had been struck by a train. Sgt D. Ruppenthal was dispatched to this area and was assisted by other officers and emergency personnel.

      Upon arrival the subject was found lying on the side of the tracks. The Medical Examiner was contacted and the subject was pronounced dead on scene.

     Representatives from CSX were also present and conducted investigation in cooperation with this agency.

      It was found through investigation that the subject, who was struck, was walking on the tracks with his back to the train. The engineer stated that he blew his horn numerous times to get the subjects attention. He further stated that the subject, who was in the middle of the tracks, moved just to the left of the rail but was not clear of the train. He was struck.

     The train conductor also gave statement that matched the statement of the engineer. He (the Conductor) further stated that when the subject moved to the left of the track, he stood to the side and covered his ears. His back was to the train and he was struck. 

     

     The cause of death has been determined as multiple blunt force traumas and is listed as accidental based on the ruling of the Medical Examiners on scene, C. Shirley and D. Shirley. A toxicology exam will also be conducted, per the ME’s.

     The subject has been identified as a Mr. Mark A. Gagnon (DOB 11/29/52).The investigation has revealed a listed address of 109 Koncer Dr apt 8  in Martinsburg WV.  Next of Kin was contacted by this agency, with the assistance of the Frederick County MD Sheriff’s Department. 

Prostitution Arrest

 On Wednesday, June 29 2011, officers from this agency conducted a controlled prostitution sting in the downtown area of Martinsburg WV. A confidential informant was used during this detail, who was being monitored through both visual observation and use of recording devices.

     These officers were targeting subjects who are known to officers as recognized prostitutes within Martinsburg City Limits. This information had been obtained through previous dealings with these subjects.

     Three female subjects were arrested during this sting, on this date; Autumn B. Kackley (DOB 10/16/90) of 1272 Rock Cliff Dr in Martinsburg. Blair N. Miller (DOB 9/2/80) of 419 Winchester Ave apt 1 in Martinsburg.  Anna M. Rice (DOB 3/2/60) of 311 ½ W. king st apt 4. All were arrested and charged with prostitution charges. The defendants were transported to the ERJ to await further court action. 

Fugitive Arrested

 On this day officers from the Martinsburg Police Department arrested a Mr. John Wesley Droneburg (DOB 6/11/1979). Mr. Droneburg was arrested at his home located at 326 Boyd Ave in Martinsburg WV. Also residing there was his girlfriend Ms. Brittany Holtzman and their children.

 Our office had recently received information that Mr. Droneburg was living in this area and has been wanted out of Los Angeles, CA. Subject was wanted for Parole violation for multiple charges.

 Officers responded to the residence, which was under surveillance, as the subject was seen in the area. Once on scene subject was placed under arrest, without incident. He was transported to the Martinsburg Police department for processing then to the Berkeley County Magistrate court for arraignment.

Mr. Droneburg was arrested through cooperation and investigation of officers of the Martinsburg Police Department, the US Marshall Mountain State Fugitive task force and the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent crimes Task Force. The defendant is now in the custody of the Eastern Regional Jail and awaits extradition to Los Angeles county of California. 

1st degree Arson Arrest

      On Friday, May 20, 2011 at 0110 hours, the Martinsburg Police Department responded to 711 West John Street for a report of a disturbance in which a fire was started in the residence, but had been put out.  Upon arriving on the scene, smoke was coming from the residence and the Martinsburg Fire Department responded.  It was determined that the owner of the residence, James Smith, got into an argument with his roommate, Jason Kesner.  Mr. Smith then lit a newspaper on fire, stated he was going to burn the house down and put the lit newspaper under a  bed.  The bed and some carpeting were damaged in the fire, no one was injured.

    James William Smith, Date of Birth: 01-17-1964, was arrested for 1^st degree arson and is awaiting arraignment at Eastern Regional Jail.

Alcohol Compliance Checks

On Thursday, May 12^th and Friday, May 13^th, the Martinsburg Police Department and the Alcoholic Beverage Commission conducted alcohol compliance checks at area businesses utilizing a minor under the age of 21.   The alcohol compliance checks were paid for by the United Way through a substance abuse grant.  In total, 21 businesses were checked for alcohol compliance and 14 were found to be in violation.  Clerks who sold alcohol to minors were cited for Unlawful Sale of Alcohol by Alcoholic Liquor Licensee, a violation of Martinsburg Municipal code 521.04(d)(1)A.  If convicted, persons found guilty are subject to a fine not more than $500, or imprisonment not more than 30 days or both. 

The businesses found to be compliant and non-compliant are listed below.  Persons cited for being in violation are also listed with the businesses.

Non-Compliant 

Peppers News Stand (200 block of N. Queen St.)- Sherry Nalley

Lupitas- (100 block of N. Queen St.)- Guadalupe Bustillos

Berkeley News (100 block of N. Queen St.)- Donna-Sue Prahl

Martins Grocery (900 Foxcroft Ave)- Phyllis Coleman

Rocs (900 block Winchester Ave)- Melissa Myers

7-11 Store (King/Winchester Ave)- Norma Smith

7-11 Store (900 block of N. Queen St.)- Charmone Myers

7-11 Store (Moler Ave.) – Frances Breen

Crown Gas (Edwin Miller Blvd)- Radha Krishna Vavilala

Rite Aid (600 block of Winchester Ave)- Waunita Bennett

Crowell’s (700 block of N. Queen St.)- Betty Lehmaster

Bob’s Carry Out (100 block of N. Raleigh St)- Mary Herr

Walgreens Pharmacy (Edwin Miller Blvd)- Justin Conner

Food Lion (Old Courthouse Square)- Jessica Coulson

Compliant

Rocs (Foxcroft Ave)

Crown Gas (1100 block N. Queen St.)

Weis Grocery (1000 block of N. Queen St.)

CVS (Edwin Miller Blvd)

Caribbean Market (300 block N. High St.)

Wal-Mart (800 Foxcroft Ave)

Sheetz (1600 block of W. King St.)

Malicious Wounding Arrest

On May 9^th 2011 Martinsburg Police officers, Det Lt G. B. Swartwood and Det J. D. Luciano  arrested an individual on the charge of Malicious Wounding for an incident which occurred at the Dirty Dawg Saloon on February 13^th 2011. 

On this date the defendant surrendered himself with his attorney at the Martinsburg Police Department to be processed and arraigned on said charge.

 It is alleged in the basis of said warrant that on February 13^th 2011 at approximately 2:25 AM Martinsburg police Department responded to the Dirty Dawg Saloon located at 1019 South Queen Street Martinsburg Berkeley County West Virginia.

Once at this location the responding unformed officers began an investigation into an apparent fight which resulted with one subject critically injured who later had to be transported by helicopter to Inova hospital for head injuries.

There were several persons still at the establishment which provided statements of this encounter and some information regarding the individuals involved. It was advised that some of the group involved had sweat shirts or tee shirts emblazoned with the Avenger Motorcycle Club logo or name upon them. It was also advised that some of these subjects were Avenger Motorcycle Club members.

The victim was identified as:

Ernest Eugene Cumbie

DOB 10 03 66

Currently residing in Virginia

It was determined that this was the person suffering from head injuries which was taken to Inova Hospital. There was also a large puddle of blood on the floor of the Dirty Dawg Saloon, belonging to the victim which was photographed by uniformed officers.

As the investigation progressed it was discovered that five individuals, four males and one female traveled from Pennsylvania to Maryland and then later to West Virginia arriving at the Dirty Dawg Saloon. The ensuing investigation was performed by Det. Lt. G. B. Swartwood and Det. J.D. Luciano.

All subjects were later identified and statements taken from each except Craig Newcomer who was being represented by council and he and his attorney declined to provide a statement at this time.  Two of these subjects were found to be Avenger Motorcycle Club members and charges have been brought against them for their involvement in this incident they are the following:

Craig Lynn Newcomer aka “Guido”

DOB 11 30 64

117 West 3^rd Street Waynesboro Pennsylvania 17268

Avenger Motorcycle Club member.

Benjamin Jason Bean aka “4^th Grade” 

139 Apt. 4 Summit Ave Hagerstown Maryland 21740

Avenger Motorcycle Club member.

It was determined that these subjects first travelled to the VIP Gentleman’s Club (exotic dance club) in Berkeley County  West Virginia and then left there for the Dirty Dawg Saloon in Martinsburg West Virginia. 

After being at the Dirty Dawg Saloon for a period of time and as they were beginning to depart is when the encounter and fight occurred.  As the investigation continued and from witness statements it is alleged that Craig Newcomer aka “Guido” did strike the victim Ernest Eugene Cumbie with his fist and ring.

It was determined that he alone struck the victim that fell to the floor and had to be later administered critical life support and taken to Inova hospital by helicopter.

The victim Ernest Eugene Cumbie suffered the following injuries which were ascertained from a copy of his written medical records from Inova Hospital.  These records indicated that the victim arrived to their hospital boarded, collared and intubated and transported by air to Inova Fairfax Hospital.

Clinically, he had parietal occipital scalp hematoma, multiple facial and skull fractures, including a nasal root fracture, a septum fracture, and deviation with a skull injury, also. He also has frontal lobe contusions and traumatic brain injury. 

The investigation revealed several witnesses that provided statements in regards to this encounter and information regarding these individuals.

These individuals (Craig Newcomer’s party) then left the Dirty Dawg Saloon and returned to the VIP lounge, exotic dance club. The investigation revealed that while at the VIP lounge “Guido” and “4^th Grade” spoke to witnesses at this location which provided statements in regard to the Dirty Dawg incident.

A motive emerged suggesting why this group first left the VIP lounge. It was advised by “4^th Grade” that the reason they left is because “Guido” was itching for a fight and he didn’t want to start a fight in the VIP lounge. A witness also provided a statement stating that Craig Newcomer aka “Guido” inquired from her “I wonder if I killed the guy”. It was advised this group than stayed till closing and then departed.  

This officer, Det Lt G. B. Swartwood and Det. J. D. Luciano also traveled to Waynesboro Pennsylvania where a statement was taken from the Chief of Police of Waynesboro Mark C.  King advising that on March 1^st 2011 in the a.m. Waynesboro Council President Craig Newcomer had come into his office and spoke with him in regards to an incident that had taken place in a bar in West Virginia.

Council President Craig Newcomer advised him he had been involved in an incident over the weekend. He did not advise where it had taken place. He also advised he had struck someone over the weekend and the subject had to be flown out by helicopter to the hospital. He also advised it was in self defense because the person struck him and charged at him.

Chief King provided a typed and signed statement in regards to this meeting.

This officer (Det Lt GB Swartwood) was also able to identify and acquire a statement from a member of the Avenger Motorcycle Club who advised he was leaving the motorcycle club but he was told by “4^th Grade” and another member of the Club “Jar Head” by speaking to one and by a text message by the other and he understood that it was “Guido” Craig Newcomer that struck the victim at the Dirty Dawg because he wanted to break in his new ring.

On May 2^nd 2011 this officer applied for and was granted an arrest warrant for the charge of Malicious Wounding for Craig Lynn Newcomer aka “Guido” from a Berkeley County West Virginia State Magistrate. 

A felony  warrant for Accessory After the Fact of Malicious Wounding was also obtained for one of the subjects in the Newcomer party also from a State Magistrate on May 2^nd 2011 and arrangements have been sought for his arrest.

Benjamin Jason Bean aka “4^th Grade”

DOB 8 4 75

Listing an address of 139 Apt. 4 Summit Ave Hagerstown Maryland 21740

The investigation is ongoing with search warrants also being obtained and executed in West Virginia and Waynesboro Pennsylvania to attempt to gain further evidence in this case.

Craig Wayne Newcomer was arraigned on the charge of Malicious Wounding by State Magistrate Overington and his bond was set at $50,000. He was released via a bondsperson.

The Martinsburg Police Department would like to thank the Waynesboro Pennsylvania Police Department along with The Pennsylvania State Police for their cooperation in this investigation. 

Solicitation of Prostitution Arrest

On Thursday, May 5, 2011, the Martinsburg Police Department conducted an investigation into prostitution within the Martinsburg city limits.  During the course of the investigation, a confidential informant was met on West King Street by an individual identified as Jorge Luis Parada Arqueta. 

Mr. Arqueta drove to the C.I.’s location , parked and engaged in conversation regarding sexual acts.  Mr. Arqueta advised the C.I. that he wanted “everything”, referring to sexual intercourse in the dialogue and that he was willing to pay $25. 

A short time later, Mr. Arqueta was arrested without incident and transported to the Martinsburg Police Department for processing.  Mr. Arqueta was charged with solicitation through the Martinsburg Municipal Court.

Arrested:

Jorge Luis Parada Arqueta

310 Randolph St., Mtsbg WV 25401

DOB:  07/27/69

Robbery / Malicious Wounding

Officers responded to the 100 block of E Race Street in the parking lot of Union Sales Dodge for a person being attacked by several people.  Officers arrived and found the victim had been struck in the face and he had several lacerations in which he was bleeding from. The victim had been stabbed in the upper portion of his back. He was unaware of this wound as he was struck and kicked several times.  The folding knife what was used in this attack was found at the scene by officers.

This call began over the alleged molesting of a small child. During this the victim was stabbed and his cell phone was taken by the persons involved in this altercation as they left. The stolen cell phone was located by officers in possession of  Rodney Edwards after receiving this phone from Tina M. Ernst.   Edwards and Ernst were arrested for Receiving and Transferring stolen property. 

Rodney Edwards

Tina Ernst

  

Arrested in connection to the Malicious Wounding and the 1^st Degree Robbery: Devon Fletcher 24 years old 311 N Maple Ave Martinsburg. 

Devon Fletcher

Brandon Ballard 32 years old 311 N. Maple Ave Martinsburg.  

This was for the injuries to the victim as a result of this altercation. 

Brandon Ballard

All 4 persons are awaiting arrangement at the Eastern Regional Jail in Martinsburg.