CRIME & SAFETY
Washington County Grand Jury hands down 15 indictments
MARIETTA — A Marietta man charged with three counts of arson related to a 2021 fire at a Marietta College sorority house was one of 15 people indicted this week by the Washington County Grand Jury. Austin Garrett Jones, 26, last known address 312 Sixth St., Marietta, was indicted...
Brother of alleged victim testifies in day five of Hernandez Diaz murder trial
MARIETTA, Ohio (WTAP) - The first week of the murder trial of Oscar Hernandez Diaz wrapped up with testimony from a family member of the alleged murder victim. Axell Olvera Casamiro, brother of alleged victim Abraham Olvera, told the jury about the events that led up to his brother’s death.
Busy Day for Local Law Enforcement: Traffic Violations, Welfare Checks, and Multiple Arrests
On September 26, 2023, local law enforcement had a busy day. It started with a 911 hang-up call. This was followed by deputies serving civil paperwork and executing active warrants. They also conducted checks at residences and schools, and responded to additional patrol requests.
Local Residents Arrested in Major Drug Bust: Washington County's Response to Ongoing Crime
On September 26, 2023, Robbie Degamore, 33, was arrested at his home in New Matamoras, Ohio. The Southeast Major Crimes Task Force and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team carried out the arrest. Three other individuals were at the residence during the arrest: Mitchell Greenwood, Crystal Slonaker, and Jonathan McIntyre. McIntyre was apprehended after trying to escape.
Local Crime Updates: Multiple Arrests, Investigations, and Community Patrols in Pioneer, Marietta, Salem, and Waterford Townships
On September 26, 2023, Deputy Peters and K9 Timmy patrolled Pioneer Township. They stopped a vehicle, driven by Isaac D. Blair, for failing to adhere to a stop sign. Blair was driving without a valid license and was arrested after a search revealed drug paraphernalia and suspected methamphetamine in his possession.
Marietta PD release K-9′s cause of death from July
MARIETTA, Ohio (WTAP) - Results have been released following a Marietta Police Department Therapy Dog’s death in July. Marietta Police Chief Katherine Warden said that a necropsy, which is a dog autopsy, reveled that K-9 River passed due to a virus that she contracted while at an independent boarding facility.
Local Law Enforcement Activity Summary: Domestic Violence Arrest, Unidentified Death, and Other Incidents from September 24-25, 2023
On September 24, 2023, several incidents were reported in different townships, according to local law enforcement. Deputy Davis responded to a domestic violence case on State Route 7, Marietta Township. The suspect, Devonn Curtis, allegedly choked a victim. Curtis was arrested during a traffic stop and charged with domestic violence and strangulation. He was taken to the Washington County Jail.
Remote hearings becoming an option for Wood County domestic violence victims
PARKERSBURG — Domestic violence and sexual assault victims in Wood County will soon have a way to file petitions and attend follow-up hearings without having to be in the same building with the people they are seeking protection from. The final test of the Wood County Remote Victim Outreach...
Traffic stops yield multiple drug charges
Multiple felony drug charges and a volume of confiscated drugs came out of a six-hour series of traffic stops Friday conducted on Interstate 77 by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Close to 50 grams of fentanyl, a gram of rock cocaine, three grams of powder cocaine and a little...
Police Chief of Parkersburg Shares Insights on Department Data
Tune in to hear the Parkersburg police chief delve into department data. Get an insider's perspective on local law enforcement operations, understand the numbers behind the scenes, and learn about the challenges and successes of the Parkersburg police department.
Two-vehicle crash temporarily shuts down traffic on Memorial Bridge
BELPRE, Ohio (WTAP) – A crash at the end of Memorial Bridge shut down traffic for nearly an hour. The crash occurred around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023. The crash involved two vehicles. One of the drivers was slightly injured but no one was taken to the hospital, according to an official with the Belpre Police Department.
Funding awarded to law enforcement agencies in Wood County
Discover how the Parkersburg Police Department and the Wood County Sheriff's Office are set to benefit from a significant funding boost of $43936. Stay tuned for more local news updates from WTAP.
Don Godbey Fields vandalism takes a toll - Monetary reward offered for tips on vandals
PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) - The Wood County Sports Association, with the help of one of its sponsors, is offering a monetary reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of people who’ve been vandalizing the Don Godbey Fields. WTAP has more on this crime’s impact. Wood County...
Parkersburg’s police chief compares department data through the years from crime to staffing
PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) - Parkersburg Police Chief Matthew Board presented an overview of crime and police numbers through the last eight years at Tuesday night’s city council meeting. More specifically in the first nine months of each year. WTAP has more on police staffing, crime numbers, and the why...
Lowell Residents Urged to Help Identify Suspect in Recent Dollar General Theft
On September 5, 2023, Deputy Norris launched an investigation into a theft at the Dollar General store in Lowell, OH. The incident, which happened on August 31, 2023, involved the theft of over $27 worth of merchandise. This is one of several similar thefts at this store.
Vienna Police Captain Retires After 22 Years of Service
PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) - Tuesday marked the last shift of a long-time Vienna police captain. Captain Rick Berdine retired after 22 years of service in the Vienna Police Department. Captain Berdine joined the department in 2001 and was promoted to the rank of Captain in 2022 after 21 years of...
Belington man sentenced for methamphetamine charge
ELKINS, W.Va (WDTV) - A Belington man has been sentenced for traveling from Ohio to sell meth in Upshur County. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office Northern District of West Virginia, 35-year-old Jonathon A. Swiger has been sentenced to 172 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Local Law Enforcement Busy with Various Incidents Across Townships
On September 22, 2023, local law enforcement handled various incidents across several townships. They received two 911 calls that ended abruptly and responded to a report of shouting in Barlow Township, due to a vehicle breakdown. Officers checked a parked vehicle at a business and completed residence checks and patrol requests. They addressed traffic violations, issuing written and verbal warnings for poor driving, window tint violations, lane maintenance failure, expired registration, and equipment issues.
Local Charleston Residents Face Drug Charges After I-77 Traffic Stop
On September 22, 2023, Deputies Wallace and Davis stopped a vehicle with an expired WV registration while patrolling on I-77 at the 12 mile marker in Salem Township. The driver, Milton Harrell, was seen making suspicious movements inside the vehicle. When the officers approached, they smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle. Harrell admitted to having marijuana in the car's center console and was asked to step out for a search.