On November 29, 2014 a report was made to the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.  The victims said they had received a letter that claimed to be from Publisher’s Clearing House informing them they had won $250,000.00.  With the letter was a check for $6,650.70.  The letter instructed the recipient to deposit the check, then mail $5,000.00 to an individual out of state (the name and address of that person are being withheld during the investigation).  After the $5,000.00 was received the letter indicated the victims would receive the remainder of the quarter-million dollars.

The victims did as instructed.  The bank contacted them later to say the $6,650.70 check did not clear.  Deputy Sheriffs are now investigating the matter.

Similar scams have been reported today, December 5, 2014.  The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office urges citizens to be wary of any promise of easy money.  If you receive instructions similar to those described above, recognize the check and instructions are part of a fraudulent scheme.

If you receive a check from what seems to be a reputable source, confirm the check by using a listed name and number for that source.  Do not trust the names and numbers accompanying the letter or check.

If you have been the victim of a similar crime please call 304-357-0191, a non-emergency number for Metro 911, to have a law enforcement officer in your area dispatched to investigate.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

On Tuesday, December 9, 2014, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office conducted a warrant sweep.  Sheriff’s Deputies were supplemented by the U.S. Marshal’s Service’s CUFFED Task Force. 

Fifteen people were arrested on warrants for failure to pay child support, domestic assault and battery, violation of a protective order, and intimidation of a public official.  This warrant sweep focused primarily on domestic violence and family court related offenses.

As is always the case in criminal matters, the charges against the arrestees are merely accusations.  Each is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the Governor’s  Highway Safety Program will be conducting a high visibility sobriety checkpoint on Friday, December 12, 2014 from 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. on W.V. Rt. 21 (Sissonville Drive) near Charleston. 

The West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program and Mobile Life Solutions have created two free apps to help fight drinking and driving and distracted driving.  The first app is called “Driver Sober West Virginia” and is available at http://www.DriverSoberWV.com.  The other is called “TextLimit” and is available at http://www.textlimit.com.  The app is free for one year with the coupon code NOTEXTWV.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office has a “zero” tolerance when it comes to impaired driving in Kanawha County and randomly conducts checkpoints and targeted patrols throughout the year to target impaired drivers on the roads of Kanawha County. 

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

On December 1, 2014 a motorcycle was reported stolen.  The vehicle was stolen between midnight and 2:15 a.m. on December 1.  The theft occurred at the Tyler Heights apartment complex on New Goff Mountain Road in Cross Lanes, WV.

Initially, surveillance footage was believed to be unavailable.  Last night we were able to obtain segments of video showing the suspect vehicle and trailer entering, then leaving the parking lot.

The two attached images are of the suspect vehicle and trailer.  The embedded image is a still shot of the stolen motorcycle provided by the owner.  The motorcycle is a 2007 Yamaha, white in color.

Anyone with information on the identity of the suspects, or the whereabouts of the motorcycle are asked to call 304-357-0169 or submit a tip at www.kanawhasheriff.us/law-enforcement/tips.  Those providing information can remain anonymous.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

On December 15, 2014 Deputy Sheriffs of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to an apartment complex on Dalewood Drive in Cross Lanes, WV.  A 911 call had been placed indicating a stabbing had occurred in the parking lot of Westchester Village Apartments.  Deputies arrived and made certain the scene was safe for medics from the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority to respond.  The victim was soon transported from the scene to an area hospital for treatment (the hospital name is being withheld at this time out of concern for the victim’s well-being).

The victim, Shawna Kelly, said her boyfriend cut her with a knife during an argument.  Her boyfriend is James Joseph Bradshaw, Jr., 34 years old, of Charleston.  Mrs. Kelly said she was arguing with Mr. Bradshaw because he had a stolen motorcycle in the back of her husband’s gray Chevrolet Astro van. 

According to her statement, Mr. Bradshaw first shoved Mrs. Kelly with a wooden baseball bat, then cut her left hand and the side of her head with a folding knife.  The lacerations were described as deep, bleeding wounds.  Mrs. Kelly was then shoved out of the van.  Mr. Bradshaw fled the area in the van.  Parts of the incident were witnessed by uninvolved parties.

The 1992 silver or gray Chevrolet Astro van is still the subject of a BOLO (be on the look-out).  It was last known to bear the following West Virginia license plate:  1KM500.  A warrant was issued for Mr. Bradshaw charging him with malicious wounding, a felony.

Connections to existing cases of stolen motorcycles and other vehicles are being explored, but no information regarding that investigation is being released at this time.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call 911.  Anonymous tips on his whereabouts can also be received at 304-357-0169 or through our website at www.kanawhasheriff.us/law-enforcement/tips.  Attached is a mugshot of Mr. Bradshaw taken at the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office earlier this year.  Mr. Bradshaw is believed to have ties in Cross Lanes and the West Side of Charleston, WV.

As is always the case in criminal matters, the warrant for Mr. Bradshaw is merely an accusation.  He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

On December 17, 2014 at approximately 9:00 a.m. Metro 911 received a 911 call reporting a shooting on the 5300 block of Starling Drive in Rand, WV.  Deputy Sheriffs of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to respond.  Other agencies assisted in the initial response, including the West Virginia State Police and United States Marshal Service.  An ambulance from the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority responded and transported the victim.

The victim, Gerald Martin Maxwell (28 years old of Rand), was shot in the head.  He was taken to Charleston Area Medical Center for treatment.  His injuries are considered life-threatening.

The Kanawha Bureau of Investigation responded to investigate the crime.  The crime scene was documented and examined for evidence.  Witnesses were questioned and neighbors interviewed.  Within about 90 minutes a suspect had been identified.

Leonard D. Thomas (44 years old of Rand) was located in the 4900 block of Raven Drive.  He was arrested and charged with malicious wounding, a felony.  He was taken to Kanawha County Magistrate Court and arraigned.  A bond of $100,000.00 cash was set by Magistrate Lopez.  Mr. Thomas was then taken to South Central Regional Jail.

The investigation into the incident is continuing.

Attached is a mug shot of Mr. Thomas taken during his arrest today.  As is always the case in criminal matters, the charge against Mr. Thomas is merely an accusation.  He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

This year the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the people of Kanawha County for their support throughout 2014. 

This month Deputy Sheriffs collected more than 9,000 items of non-perishable food to help restock the food pantry at the Union Mission, lent a hand during their giveaway; and moved 18,000 pounds of food for the Mountain Mission just before their Christmas Basket pick-up.

And throughout the year people have responded to our requests for help identifying and locating criminal suspects and missing people.  Media outlets helping spread the word have been vital in this effort, too.  We value the relationships we have with the people we serve.  When we communicate and work together to keep our communities safe, some crimes are prevented and others solved more quickly. 

Lastly, many people have called or stopped Sheriff’s Deputies in recent weeks to say thank you, tell us they’re praying for our safety, or express support for the work they do.  Words fail to say how much this means.  We gladly take on the honor of protecting our county and community, and we will not turn our backs on those we serve. 

Simply said, thank you for your support.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

On December 23, 2014 at 4:37 p.m. Corporal S. G. Richards of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the Cold Spot at 710 Cross Lanes Drive, Cross Lanes, WV, for a reported stabbing.  When he arrived he spoke to Michelle Hardwick, the victim.  She said the altercation occurred at a residence elsewhere on Cross Lanes Drive.

Ms. Hardwick had some injuries consistent with having been attacked, including a laceration approximately one inch in length on the left, top of her head.  She said she was attacked by Joseph Gilbert Lucas, Jr., 29 years old of Cross Lanes, WV. 

Ms. Hardwick said he saw her at a friend’s house where Mr. Lucas accused her of stealing from him.  He then struck her with his fist and kicked her.  She heard him say h would cut her.  The instrument used to cut her has not yet been identified.

Ms. Hardwick was able to flee to the Cold Spot restaurant where 911 was called, prompting operators with Metro 911 to dispatch law enforcement and an ambulance.  The victim was taken to an area hospital for treatment.  Her injuries were not believed to be life threatening when Deputy Sheriffs finished questioning her.

A warrant for malicious wounding has been issued for Joseph Gilbert Lucas, Jr.  He is believed to drive a black Cadillac sedan.  Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call 304-357-0169 or submit a tip at www.kanawhasheriff.us/law-enforcement/tips.  

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

On the morning of December 30, 2014 Glenn Skidmore was arrested by the West Virginia State Police in Logan County, WV on a traffic stop.  He was arrested on warrants for murder and malicious wounding obtained in Kanawha County the previous night.

Mr. Skidmore is accused of shooting and killing his sister, Michelle Lee Skidmore, 35 years old of Mink Shoals, WV.  He is also accused of shooting his nephew, a 17 year old son of Michelle Skidmore. 

The 17 year old victim is hospitalized.  Details of his condition are unknown at this time.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating the incident.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

Glenn Skidmore was arrested by the West Virginia State Police in Logan County, WV around 5:00 a.m. on December 30, 2014.  However, Mr. Skidmore’s vehicle was first spotted by a Logan County Deputy Sheriff.  That Deputy followed Mr. Skidmore and waited on back-up before initiating a traffic stop on the vehicle.  State Troopers and a Logan Police Department Officer responded to assist with the traffic stop on U.S. 119 near Logan.  The vehicle was traveling south.

Troopers with the WV State Police served the warrants on Mr. Skidmore while the other officers stayed with the vehicle to protect the potential evidence within.  The vehicle has been towed to the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

Hello All,

I sadly announce to you my retirement from the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office after just over 27 years of service. It will take place at the end of this month.

On a happy note, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with each and every one of you as well as your brethren and “sistren” that have moved on to greener pastures. Not only have you become working associates but also my friends.

I too am moving on to focus on my polygraph business as well as return to beautiful Monroe County where I will make a run for Sheriff.  It is that campaign trail calling for my retirement a year early.

I wish you all the very best and of course I hope you keep in touch. If you are in Monroe County, please stop by and say Hey.  My personal email is: sccro66@aol.com and cell number is: (304) 550-4093.

Your Friend,

Sean

Captain Sean Crosier

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

Special Operations Commander

Phone: (304) 545-8127

On January 9, 2015 at 8:44 a.m. Metro 911 received a call from a resident of the 3500 block of Coal Fork Drive near Campbell’s Creek.  The caller said he picked up a hitchhiker in Rand, WV, and took him where he wanted to go.  The caller said the hitchhiker refused to get out of his car.  The caller drove to his own home on Coal Fork Drive and went inside his house, telling the hitchhiker to walk away.  The caller said he did not know the hitchhiker.

The hitchhiker was later identified as James P. Daugherty (20 years old of Charleston, WV).  The caller dialed 911 when Mr. Daugherty started hitting his front door and making threats to break the windows of his car.  Several minutes into the 911 call the caller said Mr. Daugherty had threatened him with a gun while they were riding in the car earlier. 

When Deputy D. Cadle arrived on scene he confronted Mr. Daugherty.  Mr. Daugherty began opening his coat and reached for something inside.  He did not heed Deputy Cadle’s commands to show his hands.  Deputy Cadle ordered Mr. Daugherty at gunpoint to kneel on the ground.  Mr. Daugherty then complied. 

While Deputy Cadle was attempting to handcuff, Mr. Daugherty began to struggle, again reaching inside his coat.  During the fight Mr. Daugherty was restrained in handcuffs and a pistol was removed from Mr. Daugherty’s inside left jacket pocket.  The 9mm pistol had a round chambered and was fully loaded with fifteen rounds of ammunition.  Deputies also found 14.87 grams of crack cocaine on Mr. Daugherty.  As Deputy Cadle was leading Mr. Daugherty back to his cruiser, Mr. Daugherty broke loose of the grip Deputy Cadle had on his arm and ran approximately 100 yards while handcuffed behind his back.  He was apprehended again.  While walking toward the cruiser he began spitting onto Deputy Cadle and another Deputy that had arrived to assist.  He was then secured inside a cruiser.

Mr. Daugherty continued to be combative throughout the arrest and was unruly while he was being transported to Charleston.  The on-duty magistrate instructed Deputy Cadle to take Mr. Daugherty directly to South Central Regional Jail.  Mr. Daugherty will be arraigned by video later.  He is being charged with attempted armed robbery, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, carrying a concealed weapon without a license (2^nd offense, a felony), and fleeing.

The victim, Blackburn Lee Baldwin of Coal Fork Drive, later told Deputy Cadle he did not pick up Mr. Daugherty as a hitchhiker.  He gave Mr. Daugherty a ride around the Charleston area as Mr. Daugherty sold drugs.  After making the drug sales Mr. Baldwin said Mr. Daugherty brandished the pistol and demanded his car, but Mr. Baldwin fled into his house and dialed 911.

The charges against Mr. Daugherty are merely accusations.  He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  Attached is a mugshot from a prior arrest.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

On January 11, 2015 at 6:45 a.m. a newspaper delivery person found a body of a female on a gravel lot next to MacCorkle Avenue.  The lot is across from an intersection with Austin Drive west of Saint Albans, WV.  The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office responded and began an investigation.

During the course of the investigation it was determined the female was struck by a car around 3:00 a.m.  Debris and other evidence was extensively documented by crash reconstruction experts and detectives.

The affected intersection was closed beginning around 7:00 a.m. and reopened around 12:45 p.m.  Detectives have begun interviewing witnesses and examining the data collected. 

The female victim has been identified as Robin Marie Campbell, 49 years of age recently of Saint Albans, WV (formerly of Wisconsin). 

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call 304-357-0169. 

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

Yesterday morning a hit and run crash was discovered on U.S. Route 60 west of Saint Albans, WV, at an intersection with Austin Drive.  A pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle.  The vehicle fled the scene.

Since yesterday’s press release the Kanawha Bureau of Investigation located the striking vehicle, a GMC Yukon.  It was located on Route 2 in Putnam County.  A tip from someone who saw the vehicle and had heard of the pedestrian struck called to report the vehicle’s location.

The vehicle was towed to the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office evidence processing garage.  A search warrant will be sought to search for evidence within. 

Investigators then searched for and found the registered owners.  Several statements have been obtained from people involved (directly and indirectly) with the matter.

The crash reconstruction team is working on a report to determine several key pieces of information, such as the vehicle’s speed at the time of the crash and exact point of impact.  This requires diagramming the roadway, and plotting more than 100 pieces of evidence located and seized at the scene, and may take some time.

When these investigative steps have been completed the information will be reviewed by the Prosecuting Attorney of Kanawha County to determine what additional steps may be taken.  And staff with that office has already been involved in investigative decisions in this case, as is a common practice in investigations conducted by the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

On January 13, 2015 the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into the disappearance of Heather Forren.  Her family reported her missing this morning.  She has been primarily residing with family in Cross Lanes, WV.

Her family last had contact with Ms. Forren on January 8, 2015.  Heather Forren is a 30 year old white female.  She is 5’8” tall, weighs 160 pounds, and has brown hair and eyes.  She was last known to be wearing blue jeans, gray boots, and possibly the pink jacket she is wearing in the attached photograph.  She was driving a silver Chevrolet Impala bearing West Virginia license plate number 7YF286.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Ms. Forren since January 8, 2015 is asked to call 304-357-0169.  Tips can also be submitted through our website at www.kanawhasheriff.us.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us