PARKERSBURG, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Parkersburg man is facing charges in relation to a string of Breaking and Entering incidents which took place on the south side of Parkersburg over the past several months.
According to the Parkersburg Police Department, on the morning of Thursday, January 4, 2024, Detective Rickman made contact with an individual matching the description of a suspect believed to have been involved in several instances of Breaking and Entering reported throughout the area.
The interaction occurred in the Camden Avenue and Broadway Avenue area, where the individual was identified as Andrew James Caplinger – 30 years old of Parkersburg, WV.
Caplinger was found to be in possession of approximately two pounds of marijuana and was subsequently arrested and transported to the Parkersburg Police Department where he agreed to speak with detectives. There, he admitted to his role in the recent series of break-ins at local businesses.
Reports from the Parkersburg Police Department indicated that Caplinger admitted to his involvement in the following criminal incidents:
The forced entry of a business in the 1900 block of Pike Street on or about 5/4/23 where multiple tools were stolen with a value over $1,000.
The forced entry of a business in the 400 block of Rayon Drive on or about 9/23/23 where multiple tools were stolen with a value over $1,000.
The forced entry of a business in the 1900 block of Pike Street on or about 12/24|23 where multiple items were stolen with a value over $1,000.
The forced entry of a business in the 400 block of Rayon Drive on or about 12/30/23.
The forced entry of a box trailer on the lot of a business in the 2400 block of Gihon Road on or about 1/1/24.
The forced entry of a business in the 1500 block of Blizzard Drive on or about 1/2/24 where a cell phone and a small amount of cash were stolen.
The forced entry of two office trailers at South Wood Park belonging to a construction company on or about 1/2/24 where electronic devices, tools, and clothing were stolen.
Caplinger was arraigned in Wood County Magistrate Court where bond was set at $55,000, which he failed to post and was placed in the Wood County Holding Center. He has been charged with seven counts of Breaking and Entering, three counts of Grand Larceny, and one count of Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana.
Those with any information pertaining to the investigations in question have been encouraged to contact Parkersburg Police Department Detectives Rickman (at 304-424-1058) or Gardner (at 304-424-8539.)