BOONE COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Boone County man is behind bars after he and another suspect were caught on camera allegedly stealing a four-wheeler from a property on Coal River Road.
According to Trooper R.K. Bower with the West Virginia State Police, the theft occurred in the early morning hours of Friday, June 13, at approximately 2:00 a.m. Surveillance footage captured Joseph “Joey” Workman and Matthew Hawkins trespassing on the victim’s property before pushing a green Honda Rancher 350 off the lot. The ATV, valued at approximately $1,340, was last seen being moved out of camera view.
The suspects allegedly damaged one of the security cameras in an attempt to avoid being identified, but the remaining footage was clear enough for authorities to confirm their involvement.
On Sunday, June 15, troopers followed a tip and located the stolen four-wheeler in the front yard of a residence on Toney’s Branch Road. The person in possession of the vehicle told police he had purchased it for $350 earlier that evening. He provided officers with a Bill of Sale signed by Workman.
Later that night, Troopers Bower and M.D. Veres located Workman at a residence on Edens Lane in Comfort. Workman initially refused to answer the door, but troopers were let in by his father, Joseph Workman Sr., who confirmed his son was inside. Officers found the suspect hiding behind a curtain in a bedroom.
Joey Workman was arrested at approximately 2:40 a.m. and transported to the West Virginia State Police Madison Detachment for processing. He was then taken to Southwestern Regional Jail, where he awaits arraignment on theft-related charges.
Authorities have not yet announced if charges have been filed against Matthew Hawkins, the second suspect identified in the surveillance footage. The investigation is ongoing.
