MAXWELTON, W.Va. (WVDN) — According to a criminal complaint, on March 10, Greenbrier County 911 dispatched an officer with the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department to a call regarding a possible stolen vehicle in the vicinity of Maxwelton. Dispatch reportedly advised the officer that the caller was concerned the male suspect, later identified as Travis Simmons, might hurt someone because the vehicle reportedly lacked working brakes.
The officer made contact with the victim by phone, who allegedly stated that Simmons had taken her vehicle, described as a white Buick, without her permission. The officer then requested a BOLO (Be On The Lookout) for the vehicle and a suspected plate number.
According to the criminal complaint, the investigation took a complex turn when Lewisburg Police located a vehicle matching the reported plate number. While the plate matched, the car was a silver Buick rather than the white one described by the victim. The driver of the silver Buick—who was not Simmons—explained to officers that the vehicle Simmons allegedly took was a different white Buick also belonging to him.
The complaint states that an officer eventually located the white Buick, which was discovered to be displaying the license plates belonging to the silver vehicle. When contacted, the owner of both vehicles reportedly told police he had not given Simmons permission to use the white Buick. He stated the keys had been on a nightstand and alleged that Simmons had taken both the keys and the vehicle without authorization.
The officer then proceeded to Crawley, where another deputy had Simmons pulled over in the white Buick. When asked if he had permission to use the vehicle, Simmons allegedly stated he had permission three days prior, but did not have permission that day. During a search, officers reportedly found a tin in Simmons’ pocket containing a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine. Simmons also reportedly had a revoked license for unpaid citations.
Simmons was placed under arrest and taken to the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department for processing. At the time of writing, Simmons is being held in Southern Regional Jail with bail set at $4,000.
Disclaimer: A criminal charge is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
