Armed Robbery

South Charleston, West Virginia – On February 12, 2009 at approximately 7:00am, Cpl. J. R. Fletcher of the Parsons Detachment of the West Virginia State Police responded to an armed robbery complaint in Davis, West Virginia. The complainant, Ms. Betty Sponaugle, 74 years of age, advised that an individual wearing a ski mask entered her residence. The individual, armed with a knife, took her to the bedroom floor and began choking her. The individual also put the knife to her throat. During the confrontation, Ms. Sponaugle removed the ski mask from the individual and discovered it was her Grandson, Mr. Nicholai Sponaugle, 20 years of age, from Davis, West Virginia.

Mr. Sponaugle then forced his Grandmother to write him a check in the amount of $250.00. Mr. Sponaugle also demanded that his Grandmother take him to purchase a vehicle on the following morning and that she change her will to include his name. He advised that if his demands were not met, he would kill her.

As a result of the investigation, Cpl. Fletcher arrested Mr. Sponaugle and transported him to the Tucker County Magistrate Court. Bond was set at $100,000.00 and Mr. Sponaugle was transported to the regional jail.

Any questions or requests for interviews should be directed to Sgt. R. L. Stump of the Parsons Detachment at 304-478-3101.



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