ELKINS, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Destruction of Property charges were issued Wednesday when the glass front doors of Tygart Valley Regional Jail were shattered by a large rock at the hands of a man known as “Opie,” who then fled the scene on a bicycle.
According to Sr. Deputy A.B. Beverly, on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, a Destruction of Property complaint was reported regarding a male subject who had allegedly thrown a rock through the front glass doors of the Tygart Valley Regional Jail during the daytime hours resulting in extensive damages.
The subject, a male with a face tattoo wearing an orange in color camouflage jacket, was reported to have then left the property on a white bicycle. Sr. Deputy A.B. Beverly reports that, upon arrival at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail, two witnesses advised that they knew the suspect by his alias “Opie.” The identity of the subject was determined to be that of Richard Allen Manuel.
One witness reportedly observed Manuel lay his bicycle down at the front of the facility prior to hearing a “bang.” The witness then “turned around to see him throwing stuff at the doors.”
Manuel was seen by another witness walking along Abbey Road while traveling towards the jail. The witness, who had been waiting in the jail parking lot, reported hearing at least two loud bangs and observed the defendant at the front of the jail with no one else present in area. This witness provided the same clothing description and made note of the “big tattoo across his forehead.”
Photographs of the damage caused to the two double-paned glass doors were obtained and a large rock was found lying just past the doors inside of the facility amongst the shattered glass.
The outside pane on the left door had been shattered and both sheets of glass on the right door were reportedly destroyed. Tygart Valley regional Jail maintenance staff indicated the replacement cost for the doors to be greater than $2,500, additionally advising that the most recent replacement cost for four of the doors was approximately $21,000.
Indication was given by TVRJ Correctional Officers that the defendant had been known to leave the jail in the past by utilizing the nearby railroad tracks to travel toward the Elkins area. Sr. Deputy B.M. Roy traveled to the Crystal Springs exit along Corridor H and began traveling on foot along a narrow gravel road adjacent to the railroad tracks.
Sr. Deputy B.M. Roy then identified Richard Manuel, aka “Opie,” approaching him while pushing a white bicycle while wearing the same clothing described by witnesses.
Manuel was then taken into custody and transported to Tygart Valley Regional Jail to await arraignment. W handwritten letter was reportedly discovered in the pocket of Manuel’s jacket which read “I’m going to the TVRJ, not be 4 one last good high” as well as, “It’s my time 2 Ride 2 Die live by the gun, die by the gun,”
The letter, which was reported to have been addressed to any particular individual, was signed “love Richard Allen Manuel AKA Opie.”
