RUPERT, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Two women have been arrested in connection with the burglary of a Sunoco gas station in Rupert, West Virginia, early Tuesday morning. Erica Brown and Madeline “Nikki” Highlander face charges after allegedly breaking into the store, stealing lottery tickets and cartons of cigarettes, and leaving a trail of evidence that led investigators to their whereabouts.
Break-In and Initial Investigation
At approximately 4:35 a.m. on January 14, 2025, Deputy K.L. Helmick of the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department responded to a commercial alarm at the Sunoco station at 220 Nicholas Street. Upon arrival, the deputy observed shattered glass at the front door and cartons of cigarettes and lottery tickets scattered inside and outside the store.
Surveillance footage revealed two individuals breaking the glass door, entering the store, and fleeing with stolen items. The suspects were last seen on camera walking east along Route 60.
Trail of Evidence
Deputies received a tip that two individuals matching the suspects’ descriptions had been seen near the Rupert Community Center. Witnesses identified the individuals as Erica Brown and Madeline Highlander, with Brown wearing tie-dye pants and Highlander in a blue winter jacket.
Sgt. Williams of the Lewisburg Police Department assisted with a K9 unit that tracked footprints in the snow from the Sunoco to the Community Center and eventually to a residence on Pocahontas Street.
Discovery of Stolen Goods
Megan Howard, a resident at the Pocahontas Street location, informed investigators that Erica Brown had come to her home wearing thin clothing and carrying a camouflage bag. Howard said Brown mentioned something “crazy” had happened but refused to provide details.
Later, Dolly Hundley, a resident near the Community Center, turned over a green sack containing cartons of cigarettes that she found in her home after Highlander had visited. Hundley also reported that Highlander attempted to sell her lottery tickets at half price.
Confession and Arrest
Deputy H. Rodriguez located Erica Brown walking near the Community Center later that day. During an interview, Brown admitted to breaking the Sunoco’s glass door with a metal pipe and stealing lottery tickets and cigarettes with Highlander. Brown described how they stashed the stolen goods in a green sack and later separated.
While initially hesitant to name her accomplice, Brown confirmed that “Flop” or “Nikki Highlander” was involved after hearing Highlander’s name mentioned during questioning.
Charges and Damages
The Sunoco estimated the cost of the broken glass door at $1,000. Both Erica Brown and Madeline Highlander face charges for burglary and destruction of property. Additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.
Law enforcement praised the collaboration of deputies, witnesses, and K9 units in quickly tracking down the suspects and recovering the stolen property.
