ELKINS, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Randolph County man is facing multiple felony charges following a series of incidents early February 17 that began with a reported hit-and-run at Walmart and ended with his arrest at a residence in Beverly.
According to the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 1:18 a.m. to Walmart in Elkins in reference to a hit-and-run complaint.
While en route, E-911 dispatchers informed officers that a vehicle had struck the store and left the scene. The vehicle’s owner was identified as Justin Ryan Gibson.
Before deputies arrived at Walmart, dispatchers advised that Gibson’s mother, Pamela Boyer, had called 911 to report that her son had arrived at her Beverly residence, struck the home with his vehicle and broken in.
Boyer reportedly told dispatchers she was locked inside a bathroom while Gibson could be heard yelling in the background.
Deputies responded to the Beverly residence and entered the home, where they located Gibson in a bedroom adjacent to the bathroom.
Authorities said Gibson began shouting at officers to leave while pointing a knife at them and striking the bathroom door, demanding a firearm from his mother.
After refusing multiple commands to drop the knife, Gibson was tased twice. He later complied with commands and was taken into custody.
Officers observed broken windows, significant exterior damage to the residence and damage to a parked vehicle. Boyer told deputies Gibson caused the damage upon arriving at her home. Estimated damage to her property exceeds $2,500.
Investigators also reviewed Walmart surveillance footage, which reportedly shows Gibson entering the store, attempting to access a firearm display case and using a tire iron to break the glass.
Authorities said he attempted to remove a long gun but was unsuccessful. Gibson was later seen riding a children’s bicycle through the cart storage area to exit the store.
Employees reported he also struck the garage door of the cart storage area to gain entry. Damage to Walmart property is also estimated to exceed $2,500.
Gibson has been charged with burglary, entry of a building other than a dwelling and two counts of destruction of property, all felony offenses. The Elkins Police Department assisted the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation.
