ELKINS, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A reported shoplifting incident at the Walmart Supercenter in Elkins led to a brief vehicle pursuit and the recovery of suspected illegal drugs Monday, according to the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office said Deputy S.R. Schoonover responded on Monday, July 6, to a report of shoplifting at the store after the suspect had already left the scene.
After receiving a description of the suspect vehicle, Schoonover located it and attempted a traffic stop.
Authorities said the driver fled, leading deputies on a brief pursuit that ended at the Scott Ford boat launch area in Elkins, where the vehicle was safely stopped and the driver was taken into custody.
During the incident, the suspect allegedly discarded a backpack, which responding officers recovered.
According to the sheriff’s office, the backpack contained a large quantity of suspected controlled substances consistent with methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana and fentanyl.
Officers also recovered packaging materials, a digital scale and other items they said were consistent with the distribution of illegal controlled substances.
The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing. No additional information, including the identity of the suspect or any charges, had been released as of Tuesday.
