Summers County Authorities Recover 10 Stolen Firearms; Two Hinton Men Facing Felony Charges

Two men face multiple felonies after a Summers County burglary probe recovers 10 stolen firearms. Authorities say more weapons remain missing.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 18, 2026, 12:08 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from WVVA

Investigation Into Ballengee Street Burglary Leads to Arrests

A targeted investigation into a residential burglary has resulted in the apprehension of two suspects in Hinton, West Virginia. The Summers County Sheriff’s Office initiated the probe following reports of a break-in on Ballengee Street, where a collection of firearms was noted as missing. Sheriff Justin Faris confirmed that the investigative trail led deputies to the Esquire Cemetery area, where critical evidence was gathered. The rapid development of the case highlights the priority local law enforcement places on the recovery of stolen weaponry within the community.

Recovery of Firearm Cache and Outstanding Weapons

Through the efforts of lead investigator Deputy L.A. Harvey, authorities successfully located and recovered 10 of the stolen firearms. Despite this significant seizure, Sheriff Faris cautioned that the inventory is not yet complete, as several weapons from the original burglary remain unaccounted for. Law enforcement officials are actively pursuing leads to locate the remaining hardware before it can be further circulated. The department has issued a call to the public for any information that might assist in closing the gap on the missing inventory.

Serious Felony Charges Filed Against Local Duo

The two men taken into custody have been identified as Ralph Shaun New, 48, and William Michael Rutherford, 48, both residents of Hinton. The legal consequences for the pair are substantial, as they each face a litany of felony charges including burglary, grand larceny, and conspiracy. Most notably, both men have been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, a count that carries heavy weight in West Virginia’s judicial system. These charges reflect the severity of the alleged crimes and the criminal history of the individuals involved.