The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

November 9, 2009

Detectives: Excavator wrecks house

By Amelia A. Pridemore

Someone apparently hot-wired an excavator and destroyed a house under construction, Raleigh County sheriff’s detectives say, and they are working to find out who did this — and why.

The incident at 844 S. Sandbranch Road, near Bradley, took place last Saturday evening, said Sgt. Larry Lilly, chief of detectives. Apparently, someone used an excavator left at the scene to tear down the house.

The house’s owner told Deputy W.B. Acord the excavator was probably hot-wired, Lilly said.

Damage is in excess of $30,000, Lilly estimated. The house’s construction was in the framing process, and those building it were soon going to place the roof on the house.

Detectives are working to not only determine who did this, but why the person did this. Lilly said the motive remains under investigation. Neither building materials nor any other items were reported stolen.

“This appears to be a destruction of property for an unknown reason,” Lilly said.

Lilly said investigators are following leads, but they would also appreciate information from citizens.

Destruction of property becomes a felony charge when more than $1,000 in damage is done.

Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to call the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department at 304-255-9300 or Crime Stoppers at 255-7867. Crime Stoppers also accepts tips online at www.crimestoppersofraleighco.org.

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