RUPERT, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Erica Brown and Madeline “Nikki” Highlander were arrested on January 14, 2025, in connection to the burglary of a Sunoco gas station in Rupert, West Virginia. The two women allegedly broke into the store, stealing lottery tickets and cartons of cigarettes. A trail of evidence eventually led investigators to their arrests.
Burglary and Initial Investigation
Around 4:35 a.m. on January 14, Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Deputy K.L. Helmick responded to an alarm at the Sunoco station located at 220 Nicholas Street. Upon arrival, he discovered shattered glass at the front door and found cartons of cigarettes and lottery tickets scattered inside and outside the store.
Surveillance footage showed two suspects breaking the door, entering the store, and fleeing with stolen goods. The last footage captured them walking east along Route 60.
Trail of Evidence
Deputies received a tip that two individuals matching the suspects’ descriptions had been spotted near the Rupert Community Center. The suspects were identified as Erica Brown and Madeline Highlander, with Brown wearing tie-dye pants and Highlander in a blue winter jacket.
With assistance from Sgt. Williams of the Lewisburg Police Department and a K9 unit, deputies tracked footprints in the snow leading from the Sunoco station to the Community Center, and eventually to a residence on Pocahontas Street.
Discovery of Stolen Goods
At the Pocahontas Street home, Megan Howard informed investigators that Erica Brown had arrived wearing light clothing and carrying a camouflage bag. Brown claimed something “crazy” had occurred but didn’t offer further details.
Dolly Hundley, another local resident, found a green sack containing cartons of cigarettes in her home, left there after Highlander visited. Hundley also reported that Highlander tried to sell her lottery tickets at half price.
Confession and Arrest
Later that day, Deputy H. Rodriguez found Erica Brown near the Community Center. During an interview, Brown confessed to breaking the Sunoco’s glass door with a metal pipe and stealing cigarettes and lottery tickets alongside Highlander. Brown described stashing the stolen goods in a green sack and later splitting the items.
Initially hesitant to name her accomplice, Brown eventually confirmed that “Flop” or “Nikki Highlander” was involved after Highlander’s name surfaced during questioning.
Charges and Damages
The Sunoco station reported $1,000 in damages due to the broken glass door. Both Brown and Highlander face charges for burglary and destruction of property, with further charges possible as the investigation continues.
The successful recovery of the stolen goods and the prompt arrests were made possible thanks to the cooperation of deputies, witnesses, and K9 units.
