KIMBALL, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Three men are facing multiple felony charges after police say they broke into the former Walmart building in Kimball early Sunday morning and stole copper materials from the property.
According to a criminal complaint filed in McDowell County Magistrate Court, the incident occurred around 2:04 a.m. on March 15, 2026.
The Kimball Police Chief was contacted by McDowell County Communications regarding a breaking and entering in progress at the former Walmart building at 61 Plaza Drive. The building is now owned by the City of Kimball.
Authorities said the report originated from Kimball Mayor Adam Gianato, who advised that individuals were breaking into the building and provided surveillance images of the suspects.
When the police chief arrived at the location, he reportedly observed three male suspects exiting the building and entering a white Ford F-150 bearing a West Virginia registration.
The officer identified himself and ordered the suspects to stop, but the vehicle fled the scene with the three occupants inside.
Police pursued the vehicle, which eventually stopped near Kimball City Hall. The suspects were detained until additional officers arrived and were then removed from the vehicle and placed in handcuffs.
The occupants of the truck were identified as Daniel Casey White, the driver; Joseph Karl Lowe, a passenger; and Billy Parks, another passenger.
Investigators said several items believed to have been stolen from the building were visible in the bed of the truck, including five copper brackets and a breaker.
The estimated value of the stolen property was at least $1,000. Officers also located a grinder and a large pair of blue bolt cutters inside the vehicle. Authorities noted that surveillance images reportedly showed White holding the bolt cutters at the building.
Police later examined the building and found that entry had been made through a side door after a locked hasp was cut. Investigators said copper wiring, breakers and copper brackets had been removed, causing an estimated $2,500 or more in damage.
According to the complaint, White later gave a statement after being read his Miranda rights. Investigators said he admitted traveling to the building with the other two suspects to commit the theft and acknowledged using bolt cutters to cut the lock and gain entry.
White reportedly told officers he took the items due to having a drug problem and said he fled because he did not realize the person confronting him was a law enforcement officer.
Authorities also determined White’s driver’s license had been suspended for unpaid citations effective Feb. 17, 2023.
Police said the investigation determined the three suspects had conspired together to commit the crimes.
White was charged with breaking and entering, grand larceny, felony destruction of property, felony conspiracy, obstructing an officer, and fleeing from an officer.
Lowe and Parks were each charged with breaking and entering, grand larceny, felony destruction of property, and felony conspiracy.
All three suspects were transported to the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office for processing.
The investigation remains ongoing.
