MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Monongalia County Sheriff Perry Palmer says a suspect in a May 7 Cheat Lake area murder has been seen in the area.
Palmer, during an appearance on WAJR’s “Talk of the Town” Thursday, said a report of a suspicious person Wednesday night turned out to be the suspect at large- Arlo Whiteoak Romano, 42, of Morgantown. Romano is described as 5-feet 10-inches, wearing a T-shirt and shorts with multiple tattoos. Romano could also have a beard.
He is a suspect in the May 7 shooting death of Matt Moore.
“If you come into contact with the suspect do not approach him- call 911 we still have officers in the area looking for the suspect,” Palmer said. “So, any tips you have don’t hesitate to call the sheriff’s department.”
The increased presence of law enforcement has resulted in interest from the public and prompted some businesses and schools in the area to increase security.
According to detective Stephen Currie the search began Wednesday night and continues.
“We’ve had officers from multiple jurisdictions in that area doing searches on foot and using canines and also utilizing drones in an attempt to locate Mr. Romano,” Detective Currie said.
The search for Romano is ongoing.
“We want people to be cautious. If anyone matching that description is seen in the Cheat Lake area of Birch Hollow Road call 911 immediately and we’ll have a deputy on scene,” Currie said.
Cleotis Cortez Paul “Ghost” Epps Jr., of Harper Woods, Michigan, was arrested June 6 and extradited to Monongalia County for a drug conspiracy charge. Once in Monongalia County, Woods, also known as “Ghost” was charged with first degree murder and conspiracy in the shooting death of Moore.
“All I can say is that there is a drug nexus to this investigation, but I can’t give any specifics as to what happened with the murder,” Currie said.