OCEANA, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Two people have been arrested after being caught by police in the ceiling of the old Oceana Magic Mart building.
According to a criminal complaint, on December 28, 2024, at approximately 11:44 p.m., Cpl. Eric T. Hoosier and Sgt. Stewart of the Oceana Police Department was patrolling the Old Magic Mart building along Route 971.
While inspecting the property, officers heard voices from one room. Upon investigation, they found 34-year-old Christopher Blankenship hiding in the ceiling.
Blankenship was ordered down and placed in handcuffs. As officers continued their search, they discovered a second individual, 20-year-old Gabriel Scott Asbury, also concealed in the ceiling. Asbury was detained and placed in a patrol vehicle alongside Blankenship.
During their search of the premises, officers found multiple tools and evidence suggesting an attempted copper theft. Near a black backpack at the rear of the building, police discovered copper wiring that had been cut and a large copper pipe.
The backpack contained tools, including saws, pliers, a wrench, and a battery marked with the name “Scott.” Also inside were personal items, including a set of keys belonging to Blankenship and two Mountain Dew beverages.
While being interviewed at the Oceana Police Department, Asbury told officers that the break-in was Blankenship’s idea. He claimed Blankenship had recruited him to help steal copper from the building, promising they could make “a couple hundred dollars.”
Asbury also stated that the tools were already inside the building before their arrival.
Blankenship initially claimed he had been sleeping in the building but later changed his story, saying the pair had entered to “explore.” He admitted ownership of the keys found in the backpack near the back door.
Both men now face charges of Entering without Breaking and Conspiracy. Both remain at Southern Regional Jail on a $25,000 bond.
