MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Preston County man is facing charges connected to a number of vehicle break-ins in the First Ward region of Morgantown.
Police stopped Paul Williams Shaffer, 27, of Masontown, early Wednesday morning. Shaffer is charged with auto tampering, obstruction, and fleeing. Police said additional charges are possible.
Patrolling officers on West Virginia Avenue say they observed a person entering vehicles and removing items. Officers had previously received reports of a person or persons breaking into vehicles in that area. The patrols were part of a targeted effort due to reports of the break-ins.
Shaffer fled when police attempted to confront him. They pursued him on foot and were able to take him into custody several blocks from the scene of the beak-in. Officers recovered cash and other items that were stolen from vehicles in the area.