On December 1, 2014 at approximately 11:10 a.m. a disturbance was reported to Metro 911. The disturbance was at 3313 Kanawha Boulevard East, near Malden, WV, at the Budget Host Inn. The clerk reported being pushed by a male in the office.
The argument began over a room deposit and there were several people in the office at the time of the fight. Some were employees and some were patrons of the inn. While Deputy Sheriffs were en route the nature of the call changed to a robbery.
The caller reported a male had stolen money from the cash register then fled on foot. No weapon was displayed or used in the robbery. The females who were in the office with him fled in vehicles. Deputies arrived and secured the crime scene, then began searching for those involved.
A canine was called the area and the Deputy Sheriff handler followed the trail of the suspect to a roadway not far from the inn. Witnesses there indicated the male got into a vehicle and fled. Throughout the day witnesses were interviewed and surveillance footage was reviewed.
The suspect has been identified as Damon Valentine, 32 years old of Bluefield, WV. Mr. Valentine is a black male, 5’8” tall, 168 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair.
A warrant has been obtained for Mr. Valentine for robbery, a felony. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call 304-357-0169 or dial 911.
As is always the case in criminal matters, the charge against Mr. Valentine is merely an accusation. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Attached is a photo of Mr. Valentine.
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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
