Man arrested for Sheetz robbery

A 22-year-old Berkeley County man was arrested for allegedly robbing the Berkeley Springs Sheetz store in the early hours of Thursday, August 4.

Deputies Luke Shambaugh and Scott Lemon made the arrest after getting the call at 1:36 a.m. that a robbery was in progress.

Morgan County Dispatch Center advised the deputies that a male suspect had entered the Sheetz store wielding a knife and hammer. He wore goggles and a robe. He told the workers that he was there to rob the store.

According to the store clerks, the suspect approached the counter with a 12-pack of beer. He threatened the ladies working in the store, went behind the counter and stole multiple packs of cigarettes before fleeing on foot, north toward Mercer Street.

Before the deputies arrived at the store at 1:38 a.m. the same person returned and stole more cigarettes, again wielding the knife and hammer before fleeing again on foot towards Mercer Street.

The deputies located the suspect, identified as Zachary Branson Kerns of Mish Road, Bunker Hill, near the intersection of Rt. 9 and Mercer Street, only about 100 feet from the Sheetz store. Police said a large knife, a hammer, a 12-pack of beer and eight packs of cigarettes were in his possession.

A customer at the store said the suspect had threatened her, another female friend and the store clerks inside the store by saying “This is a robbery. Stay calm or I’m going to kill you.”

This customer was able to follow and observe the suspect once he left the store, observing him in an attempt to ditch the robe and goggles he wore during the robbery.

Kerns is currently jailed at Eastern Regional Jail charged with two counts of armed robbery, concealing a deadly weapon and public intoxication. he is being held on a $50,000 bond.