Article Photos

A Weirton resident wanted throughout the Tri-State Area in connection with various crimes was arrested Monday by the Weirton Police Department.

Christian Skidmore, 24, of Weirton, was arrested Monday night for multiple charges in several states.

Skidmore has been wanted in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio for crimes ranging from credit card theft to house burglary to auto theft.

According to police officials, Skidmore was involved in a conspiracy to invade a home where one person had been beaten on Aug. 9.

Lt. Jon Phillips said that Skidmore allegedly entered the house four times to remove items, including several credit cards, and then allegedly stole the family's car.

"As of right now, he is being charged for stealing two cars and one house burglary in Weirton," Phillips said, adding more charges could be added.

According to Phillips, Skidmore allegedly has stolen several vehicles in Follansbee and that some of the items taken had been recovered. He said Brooke County authorities are handling that part of the investigation at this time.

Phillips said they attempted to apprehend Skidmore early Sunday morning on US 22. He said Skidmore fled and allegedly stole a car that was later recovered in Wintersville, Ohio.

The Weirton Street Crimes Unit, Police Chief Bruce Marshall and the K-9 unit were involved in the case during the last 48 hours. Officials stated the three groups staked out separate locations they knew Skidmore to have contact with, said Phillips. Skidmore's location was tracked through cell phone tracking technology.

Skidmore was apprehended at the Marathon gas station on Pennsylvania Avenue Monday evening where police officials believe he was going to attempt to overcharge gasoline to a credit card to receive an amount of cash.

"It seems he's been charging a large amount of money like $60 in gas and only putting $10 in the vehicle to get the difference back in cash," said Phillips. "We believe he's been doing this with most of the stolen credit cards."

Phillips added that Skidmore had violated parole and may have to serve three years before he begins to serve for any other charges. No other state will be able to extradite Skidmore until his sentences are served out in West Virginia, said Phillips.

Skidmore is being held at the Northern Regional Jail on a $75,000 bond and other charges from Marshall County.

(Dickson can be contacted at adickson@weirtondailytimes.com)