Berkeley County, WV – Residents in the Martinsburg and Gerrardstown areas saw a heightened law enforcement presence Thursday morning after Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office SWAT teams assisted federal authorities with two separate barricaded suspect incidents the same day.
According to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the first incident stemmed from a U.S. Marshals Service Mountain State Fugitive Task Force investigation into a wanted fugitive believed to be living in Martinsburg with his wife.
Authorities said Brandon Gerald Jernigan was wanted out of Maryland on multiple charges, including armed robbery and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and also had active probation violation warrants from Mississippi related to similar offenses.
On Thursday, January 29, at approximately 6:30 a.m., SWAT teams attempted to arrest Jernigan at a residence on the unit block of Wisdom Lane. Police said Jernigan allegedly failed to comply with commands and stated he would not return to prison. Two other occupants were safely removed before deputies breached the home using a BearCat armored vehicle and chemical agents. Jernigan was taken into custody without further incident and charged in West Virginia as a fugitive from justice. He is currently held at Eastern Regional Jail, awaiting extradition.
Shortly after, deputies were called to a second incident on Dominion Road in Gerrardstown. Two men, allegedly wanted on felony charges including grand larceny, conspiracy, firearms violations, and drug possession, retreated into a home and hid in the attic, according to deputies.
SWAT teams responded, and after chemical munitions were deployed, both suspects were located and arrested without incident. Authorities confirmed there was no threat to the public during either response.
- Edward Hardy Light, 56, Gerrardstown
- Richard Brian Basore, 52, Gerrardstown
Both face charges including capias, obstructing, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and possession of a controlled substance.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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