Follow us on

Friday, May 24, 2013 | 1:36 a.m.

Updated: 5:10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011 | Posted: 4:46 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011

Man charged with shooting, vandalizing State Police facility

  • comment(1)

By Philip Stahl

PADEN CITY, W.Va. --



One man has been arrested and charged after several vandalism incidents in Paden City, including at a West Virginia State Police facility.



According to a criminal complaint, toilet paper, white plastic bags and a glue type substance were found on the exterior of the West Virginia State Police Paden City Detachment on Nov. 27. The areas targeted were the entry doors and camera system.



Bullet holes were also found in the rear part of the property.



Ralph Daune Harter is charged with wanton endangerment and treats of terrorist act, for allegedly retaliating against a branch of government.



State police discovered the vandalism, began investigating and located surveillance video from a nearby establishment that showed a vehicle approach the building, come to a stop and a person get out.



Police said the person in the video is seen applying the glue substance to the surveillance camera and locks on the doors of the building. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle left the view of the camera and the investigating officer reported hearing two gunshots.



Police identified the person in the video as Harter. According to a criminal complaint, they recognized him from a prior visit to the detachment where he reportedly complained about a recent encounter with the Tyler County Sheriff's Office. In the complaint, a Tyler County deputy said the suspect previous came to the sheriff's office to report someone shot a bulldozer that was on his property.



Several law enforcement vehicles parked at the sheriff's office were also damaged during the Nov. 27 incident. Harter remains in jail on $140,000 bond.

  • comment(1)

More News

 
 
 

© 2013 Sinclair Broadcast Group. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad ChoicesAdChoices.