Sheriff Jeffrey Paden announced that on Tuesday afternoon February 20, 2024 , shortly before 3:00 p.m. Carl “Butch” Hoopingarner age 59 of Kipling, OH was taken into custody at a Buffalo, OH residence after a short standoff with law enforcement officers. Sheriff Paden said that Investigators from his office had been alerted that Hoopingarner was wanted for questioning after Hoopingarner’s roommate was found deceased at their residence in Limon, Colorado early Monday morning.
Authorities in Colorado believed that Hoopingarner may be headed back to Guernsey County and was believed to be driving the decedent’s vehicle and possibly in possession of a firearm. Investigators located a vehicle matching the description at a Buffalo residence that was partially covered in a plastic tarp attempting to conceal the victim’s vehicle on the property. They made contact with the home owner who was in the yard and learned that Hoppingarner and the home owner’s girlfriend were both inside the home. At that time, Investigators requested members of the Guernsey County Special Response Team (SRT) respond to the scene as well as patrol deputies. They were also joined by Byesville Police Department and Troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
After approx. 30 minutes, Hoopingarner exited the home and surrendered to authorities and was transported to the county jail. The female resident also exited the home and both she and her boyfriend were released at the scene after further investigation.
Hoopingarner, was served with an arrest warrant for Aggravated Trafficking in Drugs issued out of Belmont County. He was also served with an arrest warrant for First degree Murder from the incident in Colorado and is currently in the county jail awaiting further court proceedings.
Sheriff Paden praised the efforts of his investigators and deputies for their relentless pursuit of Hoopingarner and added that due to the team effort of local law enforcement working together, it resulted in a dangerous individual being taken off of the streets.
