MARTINSBURG, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Authorities have apprehended an individual who reportedly drove multiple Hyundai Elantras into business entrances in the Martinsburg area while attempting to gain entry to the buildings.
According to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department, at approximately 2:58am on Thursday, July 18, 2024, an active Breaking and Entering situation was reported at Blackfield Tattoo, located at 5078 Williamsport Pike in Martinsburg.
The situation drew response from Deputies Keller, Hooper, Heagy, Beasley, Snapp, and Leake, who upon arriving at the scene noted a white Hyundai Elantra in the plaza at the front of the business. The vehicle quickly fled the area upon the arrival of law enforcement, who gave chase after the vehicle failed to yield to requests from officers to stop the car.
This pursuit brought the involved parties on to Hammonds Mill Road and on to Interstate 81 northbound, continuing until the suspect entered the Maryland jurisdiction.
Investigation into the incident led to the discovery that the suspect had previously used a red Hyundai Elantra to drive through two entrances at the rear of the Blackfield Tattoo location, leading to substantial damage to the doors and brick walls of the business.
The red Hyundai Elantra was additionally used to drive in to the front of another business, 2A Guns. Investigators noted that it was unlikely the suspect successfully gained entry to the building despite the significant damage caused. This vehicle was abandoned, and authorities would learn that both Hyundai Elantras had been stolen from nearby residences.
At approximately 5:36am, Central Dispatch was contacted by authorities out of the state of Maryland who advised that they had located the white Hyundai Elantra and that one adult, and one juvenile had been taken into custody. The identities of these individuals have not been revealed at the time of writing.
Deputy Jenkins of the Criminal Investigations Division and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms is investigating the incident. Those with any pertinent information with regard to the investigation have been encouraged to reach out to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office at (304) 267-7000.
