THIEVES STRIKE CALHOUN SODA MACHINES - Arrests Made In Roane For Like Crime

(05/31/2011)
A string of breaking and entering soda machines could have extended into Calhoun from Roane County, according to Sgt. O. S. Starsick of the Grantsville Detachment of the WV State Police.

Soda machines were entered in Spencer and over the weekend at Furr's Auto at Cabot Station, Hardman Supply at Grantsville and at Houchin's Fabric Shop in Arnoldsburg, according to Sgt. Starsick.

Roane authorities have arrested Jason Averill Ray, 31, and Gregory Brent Travis, 50, reportedly from the Ripley area, charging them with petit larceny and conspiracy. They are being held in Central Regional Jail.

The duo reportedly broke and entered machines at WalMart and possibly other locations.

"These are like crimes committed during the same time frame," Sgt. Starsick said.

Thieves used a prying tool to enter the machines along US 33, Rt. 16 and Rt. 5.

The amount of money stolen has yet to be tabulated.

State Police said a road sign valued at $450 was stolen from Bruce Allen Pipeline at Minnora, where the company is working on a water project.

There are also reports of stolen gasoline from parked vehicles.