The Hampshire County Sheriff’s Department reports that, on June 8, 2023 at approximately 8:29 P.M., Hampshire County 911 received a call of two suspects attempting to spend counterfeit money at the Capon Bridge Dollar General Store.
Police were provided with a vehicle description by the caller and deputies were advised to be on the lookout for the car in question. After leaving the Dollar General Store, the suspects traveled to the Family Dollar in Capon Bridge. A second caller advised that the suspects had taken the vehicle registration off the car and were headed west on Route 50.
The registration plate suspects’ vehicle had been obscured, hindering deputies from obtaining the registered owner’s information from the vehicle. The pursuit continued west on Rt. 50 with speeds reaching over 100 mph, continuing into the Romney area with the suspect vehicle traveling several back streets before turning north on Rt. 28.
Due to the danger presented by the speeds at which the suspects’ vehicle was traveling, Corporal Crites eased on the pursuit, but gave chase once more upon witnessing the vehicle turn onto Rt. 28. The vehicle continued to travel north on Rt. 28.
Officer Harthun of Romney Police Department successfully deployed stop sticks at the intersection of Rt. 28 and Willow Drive. The stop sticks successfully punctured a minimum of one tire on the fleeing vehicle. The vehicle continued on Rt. 28, eventually crashing near the intersection of Rt. 28 and Poland Hollow Road, with the vehicle landing on its top trapping both the driver and passenger in the car.
Authorities warn that additional counterfeit bills may be in the Rt. 28 area, and citizens are asked to contact the sheriff’s office if any of these bills are located. Those who come into contact with these bills are instructed not to attempt to use them.
Assistance in the crash investigation was provided by Cpl. Bowland of West Virginia State Police.