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.