WYTHEVILLE, VA, (LOOTPRESS) – At approximately 3:30 am Tuesday, August 31st, 2021, Wytheville Police were dispatched to an arson that had just occurred at the Sheetz Convenience Store located at 1340 N. 4th Street in Wytheville.
Shortly before, a male customer had his credit card declined. The male exited the store then came back inside with a gas can. He poured the contents of the gas can on the floor, then lit the gas on fire. He exited the store, leaving the parking lot in a burgundy sedan. The store manager quickly extinguished the fire. Wytheville Fire and Rescue Department also responded.
With a description of the subject and vehicle, law enforcement from Wytheville Police Department, Wythe County Sheriff’s Office, and Virginia State Police began searching the area.
During the search, Kangaroo Express located at 125 Holston Road was found to have been broken into with merchandise stolen.
A short time later, a Wytheville Officer located the suspect’s vehicle parked and unoccupied at Northwinds apartments. Search for the male subject continued.
A Wythe County Sheriff’s Office Deputy then spotted the male subject under a Tractor Trailer near Lowes.
The suspect was armed with a hammer. After a short standoff, Wytheville Police used a Taser to subdue the subject. He was taken into custody without further incident.
The suspect was identified as Kyle Wayne Mabe, 40 years old, currently of Wytheville, previously Clarkston, Michigan.
Mabe was charged with:
Felony Arson
Felony Burglary
Felony destruction of property
Misdemeanor destruction of property
Misdemeanor larceny, two counts.
Mabe was committed to the New River Valley Regional Jail to be held without bond.
Mabe was out on bond for an incident that occurred in Wytheville in May of 2021 for burglary and possession of a Schedule I or II drug.
Investigation continues with possibly more charges to follow.
