SHERIFF RETURNS ATVS TO OWNERS - "Suspects In High Flying Stolen Truck"

(10/24/2008)
Calhoun citizens had better batten down their ATVs, lock them up or place them close to family residences.

Thieves are cutting chains and locks used to secure the recreational vehicles and stealing them.

The West Virginia State Police declined to provide public information (FOIA) how many ATVs have been stolen locally, but sources indicate the number is about 40.

Two ATVs are being returned to their Ohio owners this week, after they were stolen from a truck at a Big Springs residence.

Calhoun Sheriff Carl Ballengee said the ATVs were spotted in a remote area known as Bell's Run in the Leading Creek section of the county.

The sheriff said he and officer Bob Groves investigated the breaking and entering of two cabins in close proximity to the recovered ATVs.

Ballengee said there are suspects in the cases, with "arrests pending."

ATVs stolen from Calhoun were discovered after a police chase in Wood County this summer, with one or two vehicles returned to their local owners.

In the case of the stolen pick-up truck taken from the Robert's Farm in Gilmer County this week, Sheriff Ballengee said there are several suspects involved in the theft.

Authorities encountered the stolen vehicle on Calhoun roads, Ballengee said at one time the truck ran his cruiser off the road.

"We have a number of names of individuals in the stolen vehicle," the Sheriff said.

The truck has taken serious abuse, "high flying into the air and over places unfit for an ATV," he continued.

It has yet to be found.