On Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at approximately 3:28 AM Metro 911 received calls from a security company watching suspects breaking into an American Electric Power yard near Nitro, WV. Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched and received updates from the security company as they made their way to the scene. The security company workers described two white male suspects cutting the lock off of a container, making entry, then rolling a large roll of wire across the road.
As Deputies arrived they were told the two suspects fled into the woods. Sergeant P. J. Lively deployed his K9, Arizona, and started a track where the suspects entered the wood line. While tracking Sgt. Lively could hear the suspect just ahead of him running towards Rt. 25, when the suspect reached Rt. 25 he was apprehended by an officer with the Nitro Police Department. Sergeant Lively and Arizona continued to track to the suspect where Arizona gave a final indication that the suspect was the person she was tracking from the crime scene. The suspect was identified as Jonathan M. Chuangkrud, 37 years old of Dunbar, WV.
The stolen wire was valued at approximately $3,000.00. The second suspect was not located.
Anyone with additional information about the crime, or tips about the identity of the second suspect is asked to call us at 304-357-0169. Tips can be emailed to tips@kanawhasheriff.us. Anonymous tips can be sent through our website at www.kanawhasheriff.us. And we can also receive messages through our department’s Facebook page. Deputy Lonsinger is investigating.
As is always the case in criminal matters, the charge against Mr. Chuangkrud is merely an accusation. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.