CLEARFIELD – An Irvona woman accused of manufacturing methamphetamine was in centralized court for her preliminary hearing Wednesday.

Brandye Lynn Hull, 25, of Irvona has been charged by the Pennsylvania State Police with manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver; conspiracy/manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver; knowingly possess ephedrine; conspiracy/knowingly possess ephedrine; possession of red phosphorus, etc., with intent to manufacture controlled substance; conspiracy/possession of red phosphorus, etc., with intent to manufacture controlled substance; deposits, stores, disposes of chemical waste; conspiracy/deposits, stores, disposes of chemical waste; intentional possession of a controlled substance; use/possession of drug paraphernalia; possession of liquefied ammonia with intent to manufacture controlled substance; operating a methamphetamine lab; conspiracy/possession of liquefied ammonia with intent to manufacture controlled substance; and conspiracy/operating a methamphetamine lab.

Ethan Arnold Brink, 24, of Irvona has also been charged with two counts of manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver; knowingly possess ephedrine; conspiracy/knowingly possess ephedrine; possession of red phosphorus, etc., with intent to manufacture controlled substance; conspiracy/possession of red phosphorus, etc., with intent to manufacture controlled substance; deposits, stores, disposes of chemical waste; conspiracy/deposits, stores, disposes of chemical waste; intentional possession of a controlled substance; use/possession of drug paraphernalia; possession of liquefied ammonia with intent to manufacture controlled substance; operating a methamphetamine lab; conspiracy/possession of liquefied ammonia with intent to manufacture controlled substance; and conspiracy/operating a methamphetamine lab.

Hull waived all charges against her to court for further disposition Wednesday. However, Brink had his preliminary hearing continued until 9:45 a.m. Oct. 26 at the jail. Both are incarcerated in lieu of $100,000 bail.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, in the early-morning hours Oct. 4, state police were asked to investigate a reported drug violation at a Brink Road residence in Chest Township.

Troopers had previously responded to follow up on a domestic disturbance and observed marijuana plants hanging on the living room wall as well as growing behind the residence. Additionally, troopers had observed a needle and several items of drug paraphernalia. All of which prompted state police to prepare a search warrant on the residence.

Later that day, troopers who were members of the Troop C Vice Unit served the warrant. Located in a bedroom were two, large drying marijuana plants with the root ball attached and several branches from a marijuana plant. Outside the residence were four potted marijuana plants. Several baggies were found containing processed marijuana and a large envelope with processed marijuana spread out on top of it, the affidavit states.

Located in the kitchen area was a soda cap with plastic tubing attached, a coffee filter with white residue, numerous batteries, a large quantity of small, plastic baggies, Coleman camp fuel and drainer cleaner. Located under the sink area in the kitchen was a blue, plastic tote containing lye, cold packs, acetone and plastic bottles. These are all items commonly used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine.

A purse and bag belonging to Hull was searched and inside state police allegedly found a plastic sandwich bag containing suspected marijuana, a needle, two soda bottle caps with plastic tubing attached, a plastic tubing smoking device, Sudafed, empty waxen stamp bags, an unknown liquid, rock salt, a pipe, a spoon and syringe along with assorted prescription drugs.

On Oct. 4 state police interviewed Brink and he produced a written statement. He told state police that the marijuana and plants and the meth “supplies” belonged to him. However, he indicated that the “ingredients” in the blue, plastic tote belonged to both him and Hull, which they used for the manufacture and sale of methamphetamine.

Brink also said that approximately three to four months prior, they had been involved in this activity and split the proceeds “down the middle.”

State police later located an active, one-pot methamphetamine lab under a bucket in the kitchen. Also, located within the residence were three firearms, according to the affidavit.

State police at Philipsburg

• On Oct. 5 state police reported that Exxon Uni-Mart was being cited for a summary offense for four false alarms since May.

State police at Punxsutawney

• State police received a report about an incident of theft by unlawful taking or disposition that occurred sometime between Oct. 2 and Wednesday in the area of Church and Water streets in Corsica Borough. During the incident, a known suspect allegedly stole property that belonged to the victim. State police are continuing their investigation at this time.

State police at Ridgway

• State police received a report about the theft of services that occurred sometime Tuesday or Wednesday at a dumpster located in the parking lot along Ridgway/St. Marys Road in Ridgway Township. Further, the victim told state police that they’d noticed three garbage bags in the dumpster. Upon investigation state police determined the garbage belonged to a teen; however, their investigation remains open at this time.

Clearfield Borough

• Police received a report from the Clearfield Municipal Authority, as staff had removed a water meter for theft of service on West Pine Street. The suspect has not been paying the water bill and allegedly had an unauthorized device on the waterline.
• Police responded to South Second Street for a vehicle that was parked against traffic.
• Police observed a male who had multiple warrants for his arrest in the passenger seat of a vehicle.  The vehicle was stopped and the male was taken into custody, police said. He was placed in the county jail on multiple warrants.
• Police received a report about a small dog that was causing a traffic hazard on West Market Street.

Lawrence Township

• Police reported a traffic violation occurred on Arrowhead Way, where a garbage truck has been speeding in the area.
• Police reported that an accident occurred when a vehicle struck a deer.
• Police received a report about a student who was allegedly in possession of a controlled substance.
• Police received a report about an alleged incident of harassment that occurred at a local school.
• Police reported a traffic violation occurred on South Second Street.
• Police reported a vehicle fire occurred on the Glen Richey Highway. The female driver escaped without injuries, police said.
• Police responded to an alarm at a business on Airport Road. It was found to be accidentally activated by employees, police said.

Sandy Township

• An employee of DuBois Village reported to police that there was a suspicious man in the vestibule area Monday. Upon arrival officers found the man who identified himself as a resident of the village. He stated he’d walked to Sheetz and when he returned, the doors had been locked for the night and he didn’t know what to do.
• On Monday a vehicle driven by 43-year-old Treasure Lake man hit a deer while traveling on Rockton Road and the deer flew across the roadway into the path of a vehicle driven by a DuBois woman. The man’s vehicle was towed from the scene; no injuries were reported in the mishap, police said.
• On Tuesday a 44-year-old woman requested officers to check the welfare of her 10-year-old daughter who her 45-year-old ex-husband has custody of. She reported she had not spoken to her daughter since May. Upon arrival at the residence, officers were able to determine the girl was in good condition, and there weren’t any problems with her father.
• A 63-year-old Treasure Lake woman reported her and her son had been in an argument Tuesday. Officers handled the situation without incident.

DUBOIS- A Luthersburg man has been accused of using his employer’s credit card for personal purchases.

Mark Andrew Hartzfeld, 32, has been charged by Pennsylvania State Police with a felony count of access device fraud.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, in August, police were called to investigate a theft from the Brady Township-Troutville Borough Water Association.

The supervisor told officers that Hartzfeld, who is an employee, was permitted to use a Visa credit card as well as a Lowe’s charge account for water association business, but he is required to turn in his receipts to confirm they were for the business.

A secretary told the supervisor that the April/May Visa statement had discrepancies. She was advised to cancel Hartzfeld’s privileges but the May/June cycle was already being charged.

It was reported that Hartzfeld allegedly charged $20.27 in April without turning in a receipt, $726.24 in May and $660.64 before he was removed from the account in June. He had also allegedly charged $448.32 on the Lowe’s account giving him a total of $1,855.47 in unauthorized charges.

Hartzfeld’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 4 during centralized court at District Judge Patrick Ford’s office.

State police at Punxsutawney

• State police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred Wednesday on Adrian Road in Young Township. It involved two Delancey, Pa., residents who declined prosecution.

State police at Ridgway

• State police received a report about an incident of burglary that occurred Tuesday on Gardner Hill Road in Fox Township. During the incident, three St. Marys teens allegedly broke into the victim’s camp, causing damage to the door. It is unknown at this time if any items were stolen. State police are continuing their investigation.
• State police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred Wednesday in the 200 block of Faries Street in Jones Township. During the incident, a known Wilcox resident allegedly pushed the victim.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about suspicious persons in the area of Turnpike Avenue Extension.
• Police received a report about a civil issue in the area of River Road.
• Police received a report about a traffic complaint that occurred in the area of the Clearfield-Curwensville Highway.
• Police received a report about a missing juvenile in the area of River Road. He was located a short time later.
• Police received a report about a traffic complaint in the area of the Clearfield-Woodland Highway.
• Police received a report about an alleged assault that occurred in the area of Valley View Drive. A male suspect was lodged in county jail to await arraignment, police said.
• Police responded to an activated alarm along Riverview Road. It was determined to be a false alarm.
• Police responded to a motor vehicle accident at the Sapp Bros. Truck Stop. No injuries were reported and both vehicles were driven from the scene, police said.

Editor’s Note: GANT has teamed up with local law enforcement agencies throughout Clearfield County to develop a listing of persons for whom there are arrest warrants. Anyone with information about wanted persons is asked to contact the appropriate law enforcement agency. GANT will update its warrant page monthly based upon information provided by the participating law enforcement agencies.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an incident of criminal mischief that occurred Friday on St. Agnes Drive in Morris Township. During the incident, someone allegedly caused damage to a wooden fence that surrounds the cemetery at the St. Agnes Church. It’s believed someone damaged the fence in order to ride four-wheelers and dirt bikes across the church’s property, state police said. Anyone with information is asked to contact the state police at Clearfield at 814-857-3800.

State police at DuBois

• State police received a report about an incident of theft that occurred sometime between Aug. 13 and Oct. 9 on Game Lands Road in Union Township. During the incident, someone allegedly removed several hunting traps that were hanging behind the victim’s residence on his property. A total of 46 traps were stolen with a total value of $490, state police said. Anyone with information is asked to contact the state police at DuBois at 814-371-4652.

State police at Philipsburg

• State police received a report about an incident of theft that occurred Aug. 15 on Sunnyside Hollow Road in Worth Township. During the incident, two people allegedly stole numerous video games and a controller that belonged to the victim.
• State police received a report about an incident of criminal mischief that occurred Sept. 19 at the Dollar General Store in Philipsburg Borough. During the incident, a Hawk Run teen allegedly damaged a cigarette display case.
• State police received a report about an incident of public drunkenness that occurred Sunday at the Philipsburg American Legion in Philipsburg Borough. During the incident, a Winburne woman appeared in a public place and she was allegedly under the influence of alcohol to the degree she was causing a disturbance. She was subsequently transported by ambulance to the Mount Nittany Medical Center for treatment. She was also cited for the incident.

State police at Punxsutawney

• State police reported a DUI occurred Friday on Route 219 in Bell Township. Further, a Glen Campbell man was stopped for a traffic violation, at which point state police determined he’d allegedly been driving after consuming a sufficient amount of alcohol. He was taken for a chemical blood test, which showed his BAC was over the legal limit. The man was charged through the district court as a result.

State police at Ridgway

• State police received a report about an incident of simple assault/criminal trespass that occurred Oct. 12 on Peters Road in Brockport. During the incident, a male allegedly entered the victim’s residence without permission and attacked her, which caused her to black out. He then dragged her through the residence by her hair and continued to strike her with his fists, state police said. After he fled out the back door. He’s been lodged in the Elk County Jail awaiting a preliminary hearing.
• State police received a report about an incident of statutory sexual assault that occurred Oct. 4 on Monroe Street in Jay Township. During the incident, an 18-year-old male allegedly engaged in sexual acts with the victim who was a 14-year-old female. State police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• State police received a report about an incident of theft from a motor vehicle that occurred sometime Thursday or Friday in a parking lot along Main Street in kersey. During the incident, someone allegedly came onto the victim’s property and stole several items from their vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact the state police at Ridgway at 814-776-6136.
• State police received a report about an incident of theft that occurred Sunday in the 1900 block of Rock Hill Road in Jay Township. During the incident, someone allegedly removed a metal sign, which said “Medix Run Lodge.” The estimated value of the sign is $300, state police said.

Clearfield Borough

• Police received a report about the alleged theft of medication. The incident is still under investigation, police said.
• Police received a report about an alleged incident of harassment in the area of West Seventh Avenue. The incident is still under investigation, police said.
• Police received a report about an alleged incident of harassment in the area of East Cherry Street. The incident is still under investigation, police said.
• Police received a report about an alleged burglary attempt in the area of West Front Street. After the suspect fled the scene, police said.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about an alleged incident of harassment by communications.
• Police received a report about a lost wallet in the area of the Clearfield-Curwensville Highway.
• Police received a report about a domestic disturbance on Montgomery Run Road. While en route, police learned those involved had left the scene in a vehicle. Then, police received a second report about a domestic disturbance on Mann Road. Upon arrival police located both people, and charges are currently pending at this time.
• Police responded to a traffic complaint along the Clearfield-Curwensville Highway.
• Police responded for a possible drunken driver on Park Avenue Extension.
• Police provided a courtesy transport for a male who had been walking along Route 879. Police would like to remind people to wear reflective clothing and to refrain from wearing dark-colored clothing.
• Police received a report about two, unwanted people at a business along Route 879. Upon arrival police requested that they leave the premises, which they did.
• Police received a report about a contraband incident at the Clearfield County Jail. During the incident, a known suspect allegedly attempted to take illegal substances into the jail.
• Police responded to a psychological emergency in the area of Mount Joy Road.
• Police received a report about a possible stolen bicycle in the area of Turnpike Avenue.
• Police responded to a motor vehicle accident on the Clearfield – Glen Richey Highway.
• Police responded to a hit-and-run at the Lawrence Park Village.
• Police received a report about possible prowling on Mill Road.
• Police received a report about an alleged assault that occurred in the area of Industrial Park Road.
• Police responded to numerous psychological emergencies in the area of Mount Joy Road.
• Police responded to a psychological emergency in the area of Leonard Street.
• Police received a report about an alleged incident of theft from a motor vehicle in the area of South Second Street.
• Police responded to an alleged domestic dispute in the area of Cindy Lane.
• Police responded to an alleged domestic dispute in the area of Susquehanna Avenue.
• Police received a report about a stolen cellular phone.
• Police assisted a motorist with a vehicle lockout in the area of South Second Street.
• Police received a traffic complaint that occurred in the area of Daisy Street Extension.

PINECREEK TOWNSHIP – Punxsutawney-based state police are investigating a drive-by shooting that occurred Sunday along Sulgar Road in Pinecreek Township, Jefferson County.

According to state police, around 1:50 p.m. a 64-year-old man was walking along Sulgar Road in Pinecreek Township when he observed a side-by-side utility vehicle traveling from one side of the road to the other.

The victim alleged that the two Caucasian males who were in the side-by-side were both in their mid to late 20’s and had medium-length brown hair. One of the males was reportedly wearing an orange shirt or jacket.

The side-by-side was an unknown make or model and was orange with a black hard-top roof and no doors.

State police say the victim told them that six or seven shots were fired by one of the occupants in the side-by-side. When the vehicle drove by, the victim allegedly heard approximately seven additional shots, as it continued down Sulgar Road toward Route 322.

The victim then realized his left hand had been shot. He drove to the hospital, and hospital personnel contacted state police, the report said. The investigation is ongoing at this time.

Anyone who may have been in the area or who may have information regarding the incident should contact PSP Punxsutawney at 814-938-0510.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an incident of retail theft that occurred Friday at True Value in Philipsburg. During the incident, a Wallaceton woman allegedly removed merchandise that totaled $24.30. She’s been charged for the incident through the district court.

State police at Ridgway

• State police received a report about an incident of theft that occurred sometime between Sept. 22 and Oct. 10 on Redwood Avenue in Jay Township. During the incident, the victim told state police that approximately 540 gallons of home heating fuel was stolen from him. The estimated value of the fuel is $994, state police said. Anyone with information is asked to contact the state police at Ridgway at 814-776-6136.

Clearfield Borough

• Police received a report about a vehicle that had become stuck on the tracks on Williams Street. It was removed and there weren’t any injuries reported, police said.
• Police received a report about a suspicious male in the East End area. However, he had left the area prior to police arrival.
• Police assisted in locating a runaway juvenile in Clearfield Borough.
• Police were dispatched to the area of High Street for a report about suspicious activity. However, the actors had left the scene prior to police arrival.
• Police received a report about an alleged burglary in the downtown area. It remains under investigation at this time, police said.

Sandy Township

• On Friday a 39-year-old Treasure Lake man reported someone had been taking signs for his business that were placed in the areas of the Rich Highway, DuBois-Rockton Road and Bee Line Highway. The signs were worth approximately $250, police said.
• On Friday a 38-year-old Forest Avenue woman and her 45-year-old husband paid for services at the Animal Health Services on Oklahoma Salem Road with a check that was returned and marked “NSF.” It remains under investigation with charges pending, police said.
• On Friday a female juvenile alleged that while she was on a walk with a friend, a known 11-year-old pulled out a knife and was threatening her with it. Officers handled the situation without incident.
• On Friday a Forsyth Road woman alleged that her 14-year-old granddaughter was being harassed via Facebook by a known man. Officers handled the situation without incident.
• On Saturday a 52-year-old Treasure Lake woman lost control of her vehicle while traveling on Harborview Road in Treasure Lake after she swerved to avoid hitting a deer. Her vehicle came to rest crashed into a tree, and she was taken to Penn Highlands by ambulance, police said.
• On Saturday a man reported to police that his political signs were taken from a property on South Brady Street.
• On Saturday a 56-year-old Treasure Lake man requested police respond to his home due to his 52-year-old girlfriend causing problems. The incident was verbal in nature and officers handled the situation without incident.
• On Saturday a Casters Way woman reported that there was a stranger in her home. The woman advised that she would wait in her vehicle for police to arrive at the scene. Upon arrival officers were told it was a mistake, and the intruder was her roommate’s mother who was playing a prank.
• On Sunday police responded to the Clarion Inn parking lot for a 28-year-old man who had overdosed on heroin. He was transported to Penn Highlands for treatment, police said.
• On Sunday a 74-year-old Wasson Avenue woman alleged that while she was at church, someone entered her house and moved some of her things around. Nothing appeared to be missing, police said.
• On Sunday police reported a false alarm at FedEx.

JOHNSTOWN – A Houtzdale man, Ellis D. Passmore Jr., 44, was indicted Tuesday by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on a charge of possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on Aug. 29, 2015, he received material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor and on Oct. 5, 2015, he knowingly possessed pictures and videos in individual computer graphic files, which were produced using prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The computer graphic files were shipped or transported in interstate or foreign commerce.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 40 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Valkovci Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Laurel Highlands Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Pennsylvania State Police, Clearfield Barracks, conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visitwww.justice.gov/psc.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an incident of burglary that occurred Oct. 15 on Sawmill Road in Karthaus. During the incident, someone allegedly unlawfully entered a residence and removed cash and medication. State police are continuing their investigation, and anyone with information is asked to contact 814-857-3800.

State police at Philipsburg

• State police received a report about an incident of criminal mischief that occurred Oct. 16 on Birch Street in Rush Township. During the incident, a known suspect allegedly damaged a doorframe and deadbolt on the front door of the victim’s residence.

Clearfield Borough

• Police responded to an alleged domestic dispute along South Fourth Street.
• Police responded to Reed Street due to an altercation involving a male and female. According to the report, a female was not welcome at the residence and she caused a disturbance. Police were able to handle the incident at the scene.
• Police received a call about a barking dog at a residence on Daisy Street.
• Police received reports about several bad checks from a local business.
• Police responded to North Third Street for a report about a motorist who was driving under the influence. Upon arrival in the area, police were unable to locate the vehicle.

Lawrence Township

• Police responded to Daisy Street to check the welfare of an individual.
• Police received a civil complaint that occurred in the area of Scale House Lane.
• Police received a traffic complaint that occurred on Turnpike Avenue.
• Police received a report about an alleged incident of trespassing on Turnpike Avenue.
• Police conducted a warrant service.
• Police received a report about damage to unattended property in the area of Brown Street.

CLEARFIELD – A DuBois man accused of making methamphetamines pleaded guilty recently in Clearfield County Court.

Eric McDonald, 31, an inmate of state prison, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy/possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, operating a meth lab, risking a catastrophe and possession of red phosphorus.

Judge Paul E. Cherry sentenced him to a total of four to eight years in state prison. This sentence will run concurrent with his current sentence of 90 days to two years for a retail theft case and a probation revocation sentence of six months to two years for receiving stolen property, according to court documents.

McDonald also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor theft by unlawful taking charge for which he was given a two to five years concurrent sentence.

He was arrested in March with more than 30 other people for their connection with a drug ring that was selling methamphetamine and heroin in the area, according to previously published reports.

The arrests in “Operation Ice Storm” were the result of a year-long investigation that involved the DuBois City and Sandy Township Police Departments, the Clearfield County Drug Task Force, the District Attorney, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.

According to grand jury testimony, McDonald was at the Nathan Smith residence on West Long Avenue when police searched that apartment at the end of August of 2015. Officials found several items used to manufacture meth. The area was evacuated as a precaution.

Smith testified before the grand jury that McDonald stayed one day before returning to another woman’s apartment. She testified that McDonald asked if he could stay at her apartment to make meth to sell to pay his landlord. In exchange for the use of her apartment, she said he gave her meth.

McDonald also sold meth to a confidential informant in June of 2015.

Nathan Smith, 32, is charged with manufacture/delivery/possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and criminal conspiracy. He has also signed a plea agreement and is scheduled to be sentenced in December.

State police at Punxsutawney

• State police reported that two male juveniles, both from Stump Creek, threw rocks from atop a high wall into occupied vehicles traveling on U.S. Route 119, causing damage to them.

State police at Ridgway

• State police received a report about an attempted burglary that occurred Wednesday at Clarion River Beverage in Ridgway Township. During the incident, someone allegedly attempted to gain entry by kicking the door, as well as by peeling the metal from the outer shell of the building. They did not gain entry; however, they did cause $1,000 worth of damage, state police said. State police are continuing their investigation at this time.

Lawrence Township

• Police responded to a non-reportable crash along Hammermill Road.
• Police responded to a crash along U.S. Route 322 westbound. According to the report, a 66-year-old Penfield man was negotiating a left turn, at which point he either fell asleep or blacked out. His vehicle traveled across the center turning lane and eastbound lane and then entered the parking lot area of Kwik Fill. His vehicle subsequently struck a pole at the northern end of the lot, and it was later towed from the scene.
• Police received a report about an alleged incident of burglary.

Sandy Township

• On Monday a 30-year-old DuBois woman alleged to police that she was being harassed and stalked by a 42-year-old Falls Creek man while at her place of employment.
• On Monday a 51-year-old Reynoldsville woman was traveling north along Route 219 in the vicinity of Place Road when a deer ran out and hit her vehicle. When she hit the brakes, her vehicle slid and came to a rest facing south.  No injuries were reported as a result, and the vehicle was towed from the scene, police said.
• Police received reports about a 14-year-old boy who was allegedly carrying a BB gun in the area of Tozier Avenue on Monday. He was seen shooting a rabbit and traveling through several yards in the area, according to the report. Officers located the boy’s mother and because this is an ongoing issue, he will be charged in the incident.
• On Monday a 40-year-old Hanes Drive woman told police that a known 18-year-old woman had been at her home earlier and was threatening her son. Officers handled the situation without incident.
• On Tuesday a black Pit Bull pup was found in Country Place.
• On Tuesday police were called to PetCo after two employees alleged that their wallets had been stolen from the breakroom. According to the report, the suspect used one victim’s credit cards twice at the DuBois Mall but left prior to police arrival. Video and a general physical description were obtained of the suspect. He appears to be a Hispanic male who is in his late 20’s or early 30’s and who is approximately 5 feet, 10 tall. He was also wearing a flat brim hat with a red brim and a black hoodie. The victim’s credit card was last used at a rest stop in Brookville, police said.
• On Tuesday a 53-year-old Treasure Lake woman alleged that someone took a bag of pajamas from her home.

CLEARFIELD – An SCI Houtzdale inmate connected with the Etan Patz murder case in New York City was in Clearfield County Court Thursday.

Jose Ramos, 73, has been ordered to New York City to testify in the case against Pedro Hernandez, who was charged with the boy’s murder after he allegedly confessed to investigators in 2012.

Etan was only 6 years old when he disappeared while walking two blocks to his bus stop in 1979, according to previous reports.

His disappearance became a national story and his face was one of the first featured as a missing child on a milk carton.

Officials never located his body, but he was declared legally dead in 2001. The day he went missing, May 25, is now known as National Missing Children’s Day.

During a short hearing Thursday, President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman signed an order permitting officials from New York to transport Ramos back to that state.

When he appeared in Clearfield County Court, Ramos said he wasn’t even aware of the situation. Previously, after he was transported to testify in this case in 2015, he was kept in New York for three months and never got into the courtroom, he said.

This was during the original trial for Hernandez in January of 2015 that ended in a hung jury because one juror couldn’t agree to convict Hernandez, according to a New York Times article.

Ramos has been a suspect in this murder because he had both the motive and opportunity. He was dating a woman hired to walk Etan home from school and is known to be a pedophile, the article said.

Ammerman asked Ramos how he got from New York City to Warren County, Pa., where Ramos was accused of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse in the late 1980’s. Ramos explained he was at a “rainbow gathering” when he “made some bad choice.” That victim was 8 years old. Ramos was given a 10 to 20-year sentence in that case in 1990.

According to an article from Newsday, Ramos had said he would invoke the Fifth Amendment if he were called to testify during the previous trial.

A former federal prosecutor testified in that trial that Ramos told him in 1988 that he was 90 percent sure a boy he picked up that same day was Etan. Ramos at that time stated that after the boy resisted having sex, he put him on a subway train to go to a relative’s home in Washington Heights. It was noted that the Patz family did not have a relative in that area.

In 2004 a civil ruling determined Ramos was the one responsible for Etan’s death and awarded Etan’s parents $2.7 million. This was reversed in August of 2016 because of Hernandez’s confession that he strangled the boy, according to the New York Post.

The new trial began earlier this week, according to the New York Times. They report that the prosecution is basing their case on Hernandez’s confession that was made to police after over six hours of interrogation. Investigators were alerted to Hernandez after his brother-in-law told them Hernandez had confessed to a prayer group that he had killed a boy.

At the time of Etan’s disappearance, Hernandez was working at a shop near the bus stop. Etan, who was walking alone to the bus stop for the first time, had planned to stop at this store to purchase soda that morning.

There is no physical evidence against Hernandez.

The defense is arguing that Hernandez was questioned without being read his rights. They describe him as having a low IQ, a personality disorder and claim he has hallucinations. They point to Ramos as the likely perpetrator of this crime.

Ramos is currently serving a six- to 20-year sentence in state prison for a Megan’s Law violation for giving officials a false address after his release on the other charge, he explained to Ammerman Thursday.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an incident of theft that occurred Monday or Tuesday on Old Route 322 in Philipsburg. During the incident, someone allegedly took the victim’s sunglasses, baton and driver’s license from her vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact the state police at Clearfield at 814-857-3800.
• State police received a report about an incident of theft that occurred Oct. 11 in Bonnie Court, Curwensville. During the incident, a Curwensville man allegedly stole the victim’s check that was valued at $160.

State police at DuBois

• State police received a report about an incident of burglary that occurred sometime between Oct. 14 and Oct. 16 at a vacant residence on Squire Lane in Bloom Township. During the incident, someone allegedly removed a gun safe, muzzleloader, a washer and dryer, a mounted black bear, fully-mounted turkey, pup beaver and pup gray fox, a mounted largemouth bass , a mounted palomino trout, a head mount of a six-point buck, two 32-inch flat screen televisions, two 24-inch flat screen televisions, a white gold class ring, a yellow gold class ring, a yellow gold cross with several diamonds that was on a chain and five Bradford Exchange Indian figurines. Anyone with information is asked to contact the state police at DuBois at 814-371-4652.
• State police received a report about an incident of public drunkenness that occurred Oct. 16 in Allens Mills, Warsaw Township. During the incident, two men allegedly appeared in public while under the influence to the degree that they were a danger to themselves or others. Charges have been filed against them as a result, state police said.
• State police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred Oct. 13 at a West Main Street residence in Sykesville Borough. During the incident, two women were allegedly involved in a verbal argument that turned physical, as they pushed each other and pulled each other’s hair. Both will be cited for the incident as a result, state police said.

State police at Punxsutawney

• State police received a report about an incident of disorderly conduct that occurred Tuesday at the Circle Hill Cemetery in Bell Township. During the incident, a Punxsutawney male and female were allegedly engaged in inappropriate contact. The male was taken into custody on an existing warrant out of Clearfield County and turned over to the sheriff’s department. Both were cited for the incident through the district court, state police said.
• State police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred Oct. 2 at a Mendenhall Road residence. During the incident, a Brookville man allegedly subjected the victim to unwanted physical contact. He was cited for the incident through the district court, state police said.

State police at Ridgway

• State police received a report about an incident of criminal mischief that occurred Thursday at the Fox Township Community Park. During the incident, someone arrived in a pick-up truck with a trailer and allegedly removed an unknown amount of white sand from the volleyball courts. In the process, the truck became stuck in the sand and damaged the lawn in the park. State police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• State police received a report about an incident of criminal mischief that occurred sometime between Sept. 30 and Thursday along Caledonia Shortcut Road in Jay Township. During the incident, someone allegedly cut a padlock off of a water tap lock box and replaced it with another. It is currently unknown if any water was used by the suspect(s). State police are continuing their investigation at this time.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about a disabled vehicle on Route 879.
• Police received a report about a psychological emergency on Daisy Street.
• Police received a report about a disorderly male on Plaza Drive.
• Police assisted a motorist with a disabled vehicle on Route 879.
• Police received a report about suspicious persons at a local gas station on Route 879. However, they were gone upon police arrival to the scene.
• Police received a report about an alleged burglary/theft at a Laurel Lane residence. It remains under investigation at this time, police said.
• Police received a report about dogs that were running loose in the Wal-Mart parking lot. However, police were cancelled while en route.
• Police served a traffic warrant on a Clearfield male.
• Police received a report about a disorderly male on Race Street.
• Police received a report about a suspicious vehicle at a business on Route 879. However, it was gone prior to police arrival to the scene.

DuBois City

• On Wednesday police were dispatched for a reported incident of criminal mischief in the 300 block of East Weber Avenue. According to the property owner, a vehicle pulled into his driveway and struck a support post for his roof. He was unable to provide an exact date of the incident.
• On Wednesday police received a report about a theft that occurred in the 200 block of Church Street. Further, a package was delivered to the victim’s residence according to the tracking information. However, it was allegedly taken from her porch.
• On Wednesday police were dispatched for a suspicious person at the intersection of East Park Avenue and Church Street. The caller told police he was driving by and observed a clown walking in between houses. Upon arrival police didn’t locate any clowns in the area.
• On Wednesday police were dispatched to a domestic dispute in the 600 block of Locust Street. According to the report, the male and female who were involved were located on Water Alley arguing over a phone. He left the residence for the night and officers cleared without further incident.
• On Wednesday police were dispatched to the 300 block of South Jared Street to check the welfare of a male who had woken up under his porch. It was determined that the male had been consuming alcohol and prescription drugs, police said. The male was subsequently transported to Penn Highlands Hospital for treatment.
• On Thursday police assisted the operator of a disabled vehicle on Liberty Boulevard.
• On Thursday police were dispatched for an activated alarm in the 600 block of South Main Street. Upon arrival police found everything was OK.
• On Thursday police were dispatched for a reported trespassing incident on North Franklin Street. A witness told police that she’d observed a person in the upstairs window of the Gibby’s building. However, police were unable to locate anyone inside the building.
• On Thursday police were dispatched for a reported trespassing incident in the 100 block of Spring Avenue. A female was located on the property, and she had been previously advised to not come onto it. The property owner was contacted about the incident and wanted her warned one last time, police said.
• On Thursday police received a report about an incident of harassment by communication. The caller told police that he was being harassed on Facebook. He was advised to delete the person from his contacts.
• On Thursday police were dispatched for an activated alarm on West DuBois Avenue. Upon arrival police found everything to be OK.
• On Friday police were dispatched for a reported drug overdose in the 200 block of Morrison Street. The caller told police that his girlfriend had injected heroin and was not breathing. Police administered Naloxone to the female victim, and she regained consciousness within a couple of minutes. Police were assisted by DuBois EMS and charges are pending at this time.

Sandy Township

• On Wednesday a 20-year-old DuBois woman was cited for safe speeds when she was unable to stop her vehicle in time to avoid striking a vehicle driven by a 48-year-old Reynoldsville woman who was stopped in traffic on Maple Avenue. No injuries were reported as a result, and both vehicles were driven from the scene, police said.
• On Wednesday a 17-year-old girl lost control of her vehicle in the area of the Highland Street and Cain Road intersection. It subsequently went off the roadway, striking a tree and coming to rest on its passenger’s side. No injuries were reported as a result, police said.
• On Wednesday a 23-year-old Reynoldsville woman locked herself inside her vehicle when her 35-year-old fiancé drove her to an Ollie Lane residence. He’d made comments that he was taking her there to have his sister beat her up. Officers handled the situation without incident.
• On Thursday police received a report about a young boy walking along Kilmer Road. He was to be crying and trying to hitchhike. Officers located the boy and determined that he was not crying or hitchhiking but safe in the Country Place Trailer Park.
• On Thursday police received a report from staff at the Blinker Sheetz that they had been receiving prank phone calls. Officers located the phone caller and handled the situation without incident.
• On Thursday a 25-year-old Falls Creek man lost control of the vehicle he was driving on Rockton Road. The vehicle slid and then went down over an embankment.  Minor injuries were reported as a result, police said.
• On Thursday police responded to a Beers Road residence for a reported dispute between a mother and her 18-year-old daughter. The dispute was verbal and officers handled the situation without incident.

Joshua J. Nelson (Provided photo)

DUBOIS – A New Millport man accused of running over a DuBois woman in a stolen vehicle will stand trial for criminal homicide.

After a preliminary hearing Friday, District Judge Patrick Ford ruled that all but one of the charges against Joshua Nelson, 31, be sent on to the Court of Common Pleas.

This includes three counts of aggravated assault, three counts of simple assault, burglary, resisting arrest, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and summaries. The one charge dismissed was criminal attempt/burglary for one of the Brown Street residences.

The charges stem from incidents that occurred on Brown Street in August of 2015. In addition to allegedly striking and killing Betsy Andryka, he also allegedly assaulted two other women in a nearby home and then struggled with police before he was taken into custody.

Testimony in the hearing came from several of the residents of this quiet neighborhood whose lives were disrupted that afternoon.

The victim’s husband testified that he was sitting on his porch when he saw a man run down the street and stop. The man knelt down and looked back before he went across the street and leaned on a tree. Shortly after this, a vehicle came at a high rate of speed, into his yard.

His wife who was mowing in that direction “was gone,” he said. He yelled for her before discovering she was underneath the vehicle.

Next the car door opened and the same man he had seen earlier got out and ran “like crazy” up Blakely Avenue yelling something he couldn’t understand.

Victim 2 testified that she was visiting a friend when she went outside to get a tablet from her car. She saw a man sitting in her friend’s truck.

“I thought he shouldn’t be there,” she said. She asked him what he was doing.

He got out of the truck, his eyes bulging out and blood running down his face. He punched her between her nose and mouth. She fell down and hurt her hip, she testified.

When she got up, she said he punched her in the jaw. He put his arms around her waist and pulled her toward the basement door of her friend’s home.

“I prayed out loud, ‘help me Jehovah’ and he said ‘I’ll help you.” He let go of her when he saw her friend, Victim 3, at the door, and then he “started beating on her.”

Some people across the street noticed and came to help, putting Nelson on the ground.

“He had super human strength,” Victim 2 explained, adding that the police had to tase him three times before getting control of him.

District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. asked about her injuries. She stated her face was swollen and bruised and her hip was injured. Although she didn’t need medication, she said “a lot of these things didn’t go away immediately.”

Victim 3 testified that when her friend, Victim 2, didn’t return to her home and she saw ambulances going down the street, she suspected something happened to her. She looked out the door to see someone dragging Victim 2 up the driveway. They were both covered in blood, she said.

Victim 3 said he came toward her, opening the door before punching her in the jaw. She explained that she really didn’t remember much of anything else after she hit the floor.

She suffered pain and her face was “all different colors” of black and blue after the assault, she said.

During cross examination by Nelson’s attorney, Mike Marshall, she described Nelson as having bloody cuts on his face and his eyes were “bugged out.”

Officer Gilbert Barker of the Sandy Township police testified that when he arrived on Brown Street, someone in fire gear pointed him to Victim 3’s house. There he saw a man and woman trying to subdue a man who was in a “highly agitated state.”

Barker said he tried to talk with the man to diffuse the situation, but he just became irate. When other officers arrived on the scene, Nelson was still fighting and flailing around. Officer Josh Johnston tased him more than once, but Baker was unsure of how many times he did this. Nelson was still wrestling even after being placed in handcuffs.

Nelson asked Barker “did I kill her?” twice and then told him to “kill me” twice.

Sgt. Rodney Fairman of the Sandy Township police testified that when he arrived, the other officers were trying to handcuff Nelson. Once he was secured, it was determined he needed medical attention for a cut on his head. Fairman traveled in the ambulance with him the tenth of a mile to Penn Highlands DuBois Hospital, but “it seemed like 10 miles,” Fairman said.

During the trip, Nelson continued to struggle and scream and swear. Nelson managed to free his legs enough to put them above Fairman’s head, pulling the chain of the leg restraints and his leg around Fairman’s neck in an effort to strangle him.

Once they arrived at the hospital, Nelson fought with staff when they tried to sedate him.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, security at the hospital recognized Nelson as a man who had caused a disturbance there earlier in the day.

In an interview with WJAC TV in September, Shaw stated that tests showed that Nelson was not under the influence at the time of these events.

An accident reconstructionist with the Pennsylvania State Police, Cpl. Kurtis Rummel, testified that his investigation determined that Nelson backed out of the parking area of a nearby home, accelerated the vehicle by pushing the gas pedal down all the way, and drove across the street into the Andryka’s yard where it struck Andryka before hitting a vehicle in their driveway and then a tree. He estimated the speed at the time of the accident as between 30 and 40 miles per hour.

Other testimony came from the vehicle’s owner who explained that he left his keys in the vehicle while he went inside his home for just a few minutes. When he went back outside, he saw it was gone and was now across the street.

Dr. Angelo Illuzzi testified that he saw a man acting oddly in his fenced in back yard. A few minutes later, a contractor saw this same man smashing rocks in Illuzi’s front yard. This was shortly before his neighbor’s car was stolen.

At the time of the incident, Nelson, who is currently in state prison, was on probation for a criminal trespass case from 2014 and a burglary case from 2013. He was also awaiting a preliminary hearing in two, other cases from July of 2015.

When he was taken into custody in the second July of 2015 case, he stated he thought he left a mental hospital too soon and wanted to be taken back to the facility.

For more on his other cases and mental health problems, click here.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred Sunday in the Gio’s parking lot in Bradford Township. During the incident, a known person allegedly pushed a wooden box into the victim’s chest.
• State police received a report about an incident of criminal mischief that occurred Thursday or Friday at the A-1 Thrift Store in Coalport Borough. During the incident, someone allegedly broke a double-pane window, causing an estimated $300 worth of damage. Anyone with information is asked to contact the state police at Clearfield at 814-857-3800.
• State police received a report about an incident of criminal mischief that occurred sometime between Thursday and Saturday at a Hemlock Street residence in Woodward Township. During the incident, someone allegedly smashed the victim’s mailbox.
• State police reported an incident of DUI that occurred Saturday near Viola Pike Road in Gulich Township. Further, a Flinton, Pa., man was found slumped over the steering wheel and allegedly had been consuming alcoholic beverages. He was transported to the state police barracks for breath testing. Charges will be filed through the district court.
• State police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred Friday on Pee Vine Road in Boggs Township. During the incident, an Allport woman allegedly threatened to knock the victim’s teeth down his throat. She was cited as a result of the incident.
• State police received a report about an incident of disorderly conduct that occurred Oct. 14 in Curwensville. During the incident, a Curwensville teen allegedly chased the victim while wearing a mask. He was cited for the incident.

State police at DuBois

• State police received a report about an incident of theft that occurred June 20 on Tokarcik Lane in Snyder Township. Further, the victim had purchased a television, which was delivered to his residence. However, before he could retrieve the package, someone allegedly fled with it. Anyone with information is asked to contact the state police at DuBois at 814-371-4652.
• State police reported the death of a 23-year-old DuBois man that occurred Thursday on Oklahoma-Salem Road in Brady Township. No further information was provided in the report.
• State police received a report about an incident of burglary that occurred between Oct. 17 and Saturday on Mabel Street in Winslow Township. During the incident, someone allegedly broke into the victim’s shed and removed multiple tools, including a tool box, portable band saw, a cordless hammer drill, cordless drills, driver sawzall and flashlight, a one-ton hoist, a ratchet set, a framing nailer and circular saw. State police are continuing their investigation at this time, and anyone with information is asked to contact the state police at DuBois at 814-371-4652.
• State police received a report about an incident of theft that occurred sometime between Oct. 8 and Saturday on Siple Road in Snyder Township. During the incident, someone allegedly trespassed onto the victim’s posted property and removed as well as damaged his property. State police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• State police reported a drug incident occurred Sunday on Interstate 80 in Washington Township. Further, a Maryland teen was stopped for a traffic violation and state police allegedly detected an odor of marijuana coming from his vehicle. A search revealed the teen was in possession of drugs and paraphernalia, state police said. Charges were filed through the district court.

State police at Philipsburg

• State police reported an incident of DUI that occurred Saturday on Curtin Street in Osceola Mills Borough. Further, state police stopped a Clearfield man for a traffic violation and determined that he was allegedly under the influence of alcohol. Charges are currently pending blood test results.
• State police received a report about an incident of simple assault that occurred Oct. 1 on Hemlock Drive in Port Matilda Borough. During the incident, a Clarence man allegedly struck the victim several times in the face with a closed fist, causing injury to her face. He was subsequently arrested and charged through the district court.

State police at Punxsutawney

• State police received a report about an incident of burglary/institutional vandalism that occurred sometime between Thursday and Saturday at the East Ridge United Methodist Church in Burnside Township. During the incident, someone allegedly damaged the door and its frame; damage is estimated at $1,000. They also ransacked the inside of the church, and no items have been reported as stolen at this time, state police said. State police are continuing their investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the state police at Punxsutawney at 814-938-0510.
• State police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred Oct. 12 on Markton Road in Knox Township. During the incident, a known male and female allegedly subjected each other to unwanted physical contact. Charges were filed through the district court as a result of the incident.

State police at Ridgway

• State police received a report about an incident of motor vehicle theft and criminal mischief that occurred sometime Friday or Saturday on Lovers Lane in Fox Township. During the incident, someone allegedly took the victim’s vehicle without permission and it was later identified as causing damage to a multi-purpose field at the Fox Township Community Park. It was later located in the parking lot of the Maria Lutheran Church. Anyone with information is asked to contact the state police at Ridgway at 814-776-6136.
• State police received a report about an incident of retail theft that occurred Sunday at the Wal-Mart in Fox Township. During the incident, an Emporium woman entered the store and then allegedly removed items and altered price tag labels in attempt to not pay the full retail value. She then fled the scene.
• State police received a report about an incident of retail theft that occurred Sunday at the Wal-Mart store in Fox Township. During the incident, an Emporium woman allegedly removed items and then removed/altered price tag labels in an attempt to not pay full retail value. She then fled the scene.

Clearfield Borough

• Police received a report about a stolen vehicle in the Williams Street area. It was allegedly taken between the hours of 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. Friday; it was recovered Saturday during a traffic stop in Clearfield Borough. Police subsequently took a male into custody.
• Police responded to a report about a domestic on East Eighth Street.
• Police responded to a report about burglary alarm. According to police, it appeared that the actor had pried the door open but then fled when the alarm went off. Nothing appeared to have been taken, police said.
• Police received a report about an alleged assault in the NW Fourth Avenue area. Police subsequently took a male into custody.
• Police and fire responded to an alarm at the West Side Methodist Church. It was found to be a false alarm, police said.
• Police responded to a report about an alleged assault in the area of South Third Street. However, the actor fled the scene prior to police arrival.
• Police responded to a vehicle accident on North Second Street. No injuries were reported as a result, and the vehicle had minor damage, police said.

Lawrence Township

• Police received several calls about flooding and debris on roadways throughout the township.
• Police received a report about a psychological emergency on Leonard Street.
• Police received a report about a disorderly male on Good Street.
• Police received a report about a disorderly female in the area of 21^st
• Police received a report about an alleged theft in the Hillsdale area.
• Police received a report about an alleged domestic dispute in the Capitol Hill Road area.
• Police responded to an alarm at The Discovery House.
• Clearfield Borough police were assisted with an incident involving a stolen vehicle.
• Police received a report about an alleged incident of harassment in the area of Route 879.
• Police received a report about a tree down in the area of Antes Hill Road. It was removed from the roadway.
• Police received a report about an oil spill on Route 879.
• Clearfield Borough police were assisted with an incident involving a fight.
• Police received an animal complaint in the area of the Clearfield-Glen Richey Highway. It was forwarded to animal control.
• Police responded to an alarm at a business in the Turnpike Avenue area.
• Police received a report about suspicious persons in the area of Clarendon Avenue.
• Police received a report about a civil issue in the area of Woodland Road.
• Police conducted a warrant service in the area of Turnpike Avenue and a male was housed in county jail.
• Police received a report about a suspicious person in the area of Turnpike Avenue.
• Police received a report about an attempted burglary in the area of Woodland Road.
• Police conducted a warrant service in the area of River Road.
• Police received a report about illegal dumping in the area of Scribbers Road.

PINECREEK TOWNSHIP – Punxsutawney-based state police say a man who claimed he was the victim of a drive-by shooting now admits he shot himself.

The 64-year-old man – whose name has not been released – was shot in the left hand Oct. 16 around 1:50 p.m.

The man initially told state police that he was walking along Sulgar Road in Pinecreek Township when he observed a side-by-side utility vehicle traveling from one side of the road to the other.

He told state police that two Caucasian males in the side-by-side fired multiple shots as the vehicle drove by. The man alleged that one of the shots struck his left hand.

On Monday the man was again interviewed by state police, and he admitted to accidentally shooting himself. He was treated for minor injuries on the day of shooting.

No additional details were provided in the state police report.

State police at DuBois

• State police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred Monday on Grant Street in Sykesville. During the incident, two Sykesville men argued over another known man’s well-being, and they allegedly subjected each other to physical contact. Charges have been filed against both men as a result of the incident, state police said.

State police at Philipsburg

• State police received a report about an incident of theft by unlawful taking that occurred sometime Oct. 15-16 on North Front Street in Philipsburg Borough. During the incident, someone allegedly removed $400 from the victim’s residence.

State police at Ridgway

• State police received a report about an incident of theft from a motor vehicle that occurred sometime Saturday or Sunday on Dagus Mines Road in kersey. During the incident, someone allegedly came onto the victim’s property and stole a long rifle from inside his vehicle. State police are continuing their investigation at this time, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Ridgway barracks at 814-776-6136.
• State police received a report about an incident of theft from a motor vehicle that occurred Sunday or Monday on Spring Run Road in Weedville. During the incident, someone allegedly came onto the victim’s property and stole his checkbook and bottle of cologne from his vehicle. State police are continuing their investigation at this time, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Ridgway barracks at 814-776-6136.
• State police received a report about an incident of theft from a motor vehicle that occurred Sunday or Monday on Toby Road in Kersey. During the incident, someone allegedly came onto the victim’s property and stole the keys to one of his vehicles from the inside of it. State police are continuing their investigation at this time, and anyone with information is asked to contact the Ridgway barracks at 814-776-6136.
• State police are currently investigating several incidents of theft from motor vehicles and burglaries that occurred in Kersey and the surrounding area. Troopers would like to advise residents to lock their residences and vehicles and to secure all valuables.

Clearfield Borough

• Police received a report about an alleged assault in the East Locust Street area. Upon arrival police took a male into custody.
• Police assisted state police at Dubois with a theft investigation. As a result of the investigation, charges for drug possession were filed, police said.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about an automatic fire alarm in the area of Turnpike Avenue.
• Police received a report about a suspicious vehicle at the Clearfield Mall.

Decatur Township

• Police responded to a Morgan Run Road address in regards to a mental health incident.
• Police responded to a vehicle lockout on Spring Street in Houtzdale.
• Police responded to a motor vehicle accident on Route 322 in the area of The American Diner. Both vehicles were towed from the scene, and no injuries were reported as a result, police said.
• Police received a report about a suspicious vehicle on Coal Run Road. However, police found the vehicle belonged to another family member and it was connected with an incident involving state police.
• Police received a report about an alleged incident of retail theft involving a known male at True Value.
• Police responded to an activated alarm at the Clearfield Bank & Trust Co., Philipsburg. Upon arrival everything was found to be OK.
• Police arrested a male after he was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
• Police transported a mental health patient to the Clearfield Penn Highlands Hospital on an active 302 warrant.

Sandy Township

• On Friday a vehicle driven by a 52-year-old man pulled out of the Wendy’s parking lot into the path of a vehicle driven by a 54-year-old Strattanville woman, causing a collision.
• On Friday a 74-year-old Treasure Lake man reported receiving a message advising him to call Microsoft in reference to a faulty product key. He recognized this as a scam and did not return the call.
• Pilot employees reported a white Freightliner with a white unmarked trailer hit a utility pole in the rear parking lot, causing severe damage Friday.
• On Friday a 49-year-old Hetrick Road woman alleged that someone broke the lock on her trailer in Cayman Landing. Nothing appeared to be taken at the time, police said.
• Police received a report about a motor vehicle accident Friday on Wayne Road. Upon arrival officers found the vehicle without anyone around it located in the woods off the roadway. However, a Reynoldsville woman has been cited for driving at a safe speed and failing to report the accident to police.
• Police received a report about a false alarm Saturday at Triangle Auto Springs.
• On Saturday police responded to a South Brady Street residence for a reported domestic dispute between a 36-year-old woman and her 51-year-old husband over parenting issues. Officers handled the situation without incident.
• On Saturday police were called to the Wal-Mart parking lot where a man and woman were having a dispute over a traffic incident. Officers handled the situation without incident.
• On Saturday Treasure Lake Security reported that a light was on in a trailer in Cayman Landing that should be empty. Officers cleared the trailer and the owner was unable to verify if anything was missing.
• While in the Pilot parking lot Saturday, a tractor-trailer that was being driven by a 21-year-old California man backed into a tractor-trailer being driven by a 39-year-old Virginia man, which was pushed into a Chevy Blazer being driven by a 23-year-old Emporium woman. Minor injuries were reported as a result, police said.
• On Saturday a Reynolds Avenue woman reported someone knocking on her door, and she didn’t know who it was. Officers checked the area and could not locate the offender.
• On Sunday police received a report about three to four people who were rummaging through the rubble at the burned storage buildings on South Brady Street. Officers arrived and cleared the people from the scene without incident.
• On Sunday a man alleged that the 15-year-old ex-boyfriend of his 15-year-old daughter violated a Protection from Abuse order he had for his daughter, when the boy entered her place of employment and had his friends harassing her. Police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• On Sunday police received a report about all-terrain vehicles being driven around in the area of Loeb Avenue. However, the vehicles were gone upon police arrival.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an incident of theft by unlawful taking or disposition/access device fraud Monday at a private residence in Pike Township. During the incident, a Curwensville man allegedly removed a 32-inch television from the victim’s residence, as well as used her bankcard without permission. The total amount stolen was approximately $3,000, state police said.

State police at Philipsburg

• State police received a report about an incident of theft that occurred Sept. 20 on Buttonwood Street in Unionville Borough. During the incident, a Unionville man allegedly stole scrap metal that belonged to the victim.
• State police received a report about an incident of access device fraud that occurred between Sept. 21 and Oct. 1 on Kauffman Lane in Union Township. During the incident, someone allegedly used the victim’s credit card for five, fraudulent charges. State police are continuing their investigation at this time.

Clearfield Borough

• Police responded to a report about a disabled vehicle in the area of Bigler and Elk avenues. Upon arrival, police found it had moved from the scene.
• Police responded to a report about a suspicious person in the area of East Pine Street. Upon arrival, police were unable to locate anyone.
• Police responded to a report about an open door on Nichols Street. Upon arrival, police secured the residence.
• Police reported that someone entered a shed along Cumberland Street. It did not appear they had removed anything from inside, police said.

Lawrence Township

• Police responded to a psychological emergency in the Leonard Street area.
• Police responded to a report of an alleged burglary in progress at a Hyde residence. However, police searched the residence and there was not anyone found.
• Police received a report about juveniles who were allegedly trespassing in the area of Bowman’s Hill Road.
• Police assisted emergency personnel with a mental health patient on Leonard Street.

CLEARFIELD – A former fire company treasurer accused of stealing more than $43,000 was sentenced Monday during colloquy court.

Brittany Nicole Bell, 31, 16 Moravian St., Grassflat pleaded guilty to three felony counts of theft and 60 misdemeanor counts of theft by unlawful taking.

Judge Paul E. Cherry sentenced her to 90 days to one year in jail and two years consecutive probation, according to a court employee.

Prior to sentencing she paid $30,000 in restitution as part of her plea agreement. She still owes an additional $13,136.60.

The charges stem from her actions beginning in May of 2014.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on Nov. 19 police were dispatched to the Winburne Volunteer Fire Company where they met with William Gaines, the fire company’s president.

Gaines told investigators that a large sum of money was missing from the general fund account. He and other fire company officials went to CNB Bank earlier in the day and learned that the bank debit/VISA card used in transactions was assigned to Bell, the treasurer.

The bank supplied them with information on the purchases and withdrawals from their accounts starting in February of 2015 and ending Nov. 19, 2015. The officer advised them they needed to locate all the records, receipts, account information and equipment from Bell for the investigation.

Gaines requested that the officer be present. The officer called Bell and advised her of the missing money. She claimed there was no problem with the money. The officer explained fire company officials needed to pick up all accounts that night and asked Bell when she would be home.

Bell told the officer she was on her way home from work, and it would be a little while. He asked Bell to call when she got home. Instead Bell arrived about 20 minutes later at the fire company, and the officer went outside to meet with her.

She started crying as she stated, “I did it. I am not going to lie to you.” She wanted to speak with fire company members, and they met with her in the parking lot.

Bell told them she was sorry and she needed help when she lost her job last year. Bell was so upset that the officer felt she may not be safe to drive. The fire chief drove Bell home, where he and an officer collected bank accounts information, records, receipts and all equipment belonging to the fire company.

Once these items were returned to the fire company, the officer and officials began reviewing it. The investigation involved contacting local businesses for receipts to determine what Bell had actually purchased for the fire company and what she bought for her own use. After the investigation and review of records was complete, they total amount missing was found to be $43,136.60.