MONONGALIA COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A man was arrested Saturday, October 24, 2026, after allegedly breaking into a Monongalia County residence while searching for illegal drugs and assaulting a resident.
According to the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a reported burglary at approximately 9:24 a.m. at a residence located at 163 Dawson Road.
Upon arrival, deputies learned that a suspect, later identified as Rodney Hershman, had allegedly forced his way into the residence while searching for illegal drugs.
Authorities said Hershman physically assaulted the victim during the incident before fleeing on foot into a nearby wooded area.
Deputies immediately launched a search operation, conducting patrols on foot and in vehicles throughout the surrounding area.
The West Virginia State Police and the MECCA 911 Drone Team assisted the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office in the search.
Following investigative leads, deputies located Hershman on Dawson Road inside a vehicle after he reportedly asked individuals he did not know for a ride.
Hershman was taken into custody without further incident and charged with burglary.
Authorities have not released additional information about the victim’s condition or the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details were immediately available.
