BLUEFIELD, WV (LOOTPRESS) – On the evening of November 2, 2024, West Virginia State Police responded to a reported altercation at the Mercer Mall in Bluefield, West Virginia. The incident began when a male victim, a local resident, discovered a man allegedly attempting to steal his red dirt bike from the parking lot. According to the victim, he tackled the suspect in an attempt to prevent the theft. During the scuffle, Sheppard’s granddaughter was injured and later required medical attention.
The suspect attempted to escape with the help of a light-skinned male accomplice who arrived in a white Chevrolet Silverado bearing Virginia plates. As the altercation unfolded, the suspect fled toward the vehicle, which then sped away toward US Route 460. Troopers noted damage to the dirt bike and found one of the securing ratchet straps cut. A bystander captured video footage of the suspect, later identified as Tony Ward, who wore a white long-sleeve shirt, black sweatpants, and black and white Jordan shoes.
During the investigation, police tracked the white Chevrolet Silverado to a residence on Votive Street in nearby Nemours, WV. Upon arrival, officers secured the area and detained two men, later identified as Tony Ward and Tyler Smith. Ward, wearing clothing matching the description in the video, admitted after being read his rights that he was involved in the incident but claimed he believed the bike belonged to a friend named “Kevin” and thought they were authorized to take it for a ride in McDowell County.
Police continue to investigate all details surrounding the attempted theft and Mr. East’s claim that his Chevrolet Silverado was stolen prior to the incident.
