OAK HILL, W. Va. — Authorities in Fayette County are searching for informationĀ in an alleged Friday morning armed robbery.
According to Sheriff Steve Kessler, at approximately 1:30 a.m., notification was received through the Fayette County 911 Center of an armed robbery that was reported to have occurred in the Gatewood Road area near Needleseye Road approximately 30 minutes prior.
The 20-year-old victim stated he had traveled to the site of the crime at approximately 1 am to meet with two female acquaintances to “hang out.”
He then claimed to be approached by two “skinny black males, dressed completely in black clothing and wearing black ski masks.” The two individuals then allegedly pointed a “tactical-type shotgun” at him and ordered him to walk out into the middle of Needleseye Road.
The suspects then allegedly stole his hat, jacket, cell phone, cigarettes and a small amount of money.
One of the suspects allegedly ordered the other armed with the weapon to shoot the victim, who claims to have then run away as two shots were fired at him.
Deputies checked the scene but were unable to find any expended shotgun shell hulls in the area, nor were they able to locate any residents in the local are who heard any shots fired.
The two female acquaintances of the victim were located and interviewed, confirming they were supposed to meet the victim to “hang out.” They stated when they went to meet the victim at this location he was not there, so they returned home.
“At this time we are continuing to investigate this reported crime,” Sheriff Kessler said. “We have been unable to corroborate significant portions of the alleged victim’s statement at this time, so we will be speaking with the alleged victim again in an attempt to gather additional information.”
The investigation continues, led by Deputy A.B. Hudson of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.
Anyone with any information concerning this incident is asked to contact the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office at 304-574-4216 or Crime Stoppers at 304-255-7867. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s Facebook page, which is under the name “Fayette County Sheriff’s Department.”