At around 5:44 a.m. on Dec. 27 2017, officers of the Morgantown Police Department were on patrol around West Virginia Ave. observed a suspect appearing to enter vehicles and remove items. Officers had previously received reports of vehicles being broken into around the First Ward residential area and were conducting targeted patrols.
Officers attempted to stop the suspect, he immediately ran away from the scene. Officers pursued the suspect on foot through several yards, and over fences until they were able to apprehend him several blocks away from the scene. Officers recovered cash and other items that were stolen from vehicles in the area.
Paul Williams Shaffer, 27 years-of-age of Masontown was charged with Auto-Tampering, Obstruction and Fleeing. Shaffer is currently awaiting arraignment and additional charges could be pending further investigation.
The Morgantown Police Department reminds everyone to lock their car doors and to remove all valuables from their vehicles in order to prevent similar crimes of opportunity from occurring.
The Morgantown Police Department is committed to its goal of eliminating crime in our city. Citizens are encouraged to become a “Partner in
Policing”, by reporting suspected criminal activity to Morgantown Police Department Switchboard at 304-284-7522. If you need immediate police attention or a crime is in progress call 911.