Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

Armed robberies plague West Virginia U. area
By Kathleen Shoaff
The Daily Athenaeum (West Virginia U.)
06/02/2006

(U-WIRE) MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Local authorities are searching for answers following a slue of armed robberies in Morgantown, W. Va.

The first robbery occurred May 17 at 11:20 p.m. at the Huntington National Bank night deposit box on 3120 University Ave., according to a Morgantown Police Department press release.

The press release said that two employees of Eat 'n Park resturant were dropping off a deposit when a man jumped out of the bushes, holding a gun, and demanded they give him the money and leave. After taking the deposit, the suspect fled the scene.

The press release said the suspect was a white male with a medium build, wearing blue jeans, white tennis shoes, black hat, gray zip-up jacket and a red bandana which partially covered his face.

The second robbery occurred on May 20 shortly after 11 p.m. on Grant Avenue, according an MPD press release.

The press release also stated that three armed black males forced their way into a residence and demanded money.

The press release said they robbers stole property and fled. Several Morgantown Police officers responded, but no results were found. The Morgantown Police Department was unable to be contacted for comment by publication deadline.

Sergeant Michael Kief of the West Virginia State Police said the last of the robberies occurred May 23 at 12:30 p.m. on Route 19-south at Williams Road.

According to Sgt. Kief, three subjects forced their way into a residence and held a woman at gunpoint.

Kief said the woman was unharmed. One suspect, Derrick Morris, was arrested May 30, Kief added.

He also stated that two other suspects, a white male and a white female, are still at large and the investigation is ongoing.

Chief of the Department of Public Safety Bob Roberts said that the basic rules of common sense can reduce the chances of being a victim. Roberts said burglars are typically deterred if they have to break something, in which case citizens should properly secure all entries to their homes.

Another way to prevent break-ins is by screening strangers before opening the door, Roberts said.

Interview strangers at the door, and keep the door locked, he added. "If someone is not willing to show you employee identification, call the police immediately because they may go to another house," Roberts said.

He added that it is dangerous to let a stranger into the house to use the phone.

"Ask for the phone number through the door, and make the call yourself."

Check for signs of forced entry, such as broken glass, a torn screen or pry marks before entering the house.

Also, if someone senses an intruder in the dwelling, do not go inside, and immediately call the police, he added.

"Never feel reluctant to call the police," Roberts said.

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