State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about a theft Saturday on Stronach Road in Penn Township. During the incident, someone allegedly stole a 1966 pop-up camper that had been converted into a hunting trailer. It’s described as being a single-axle trailer with black sides; diamond plating had also been welded onto the floor and tongue. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-857-3800.
• State police responded to a motor vehicle crash Friday on Interstate 80 at mile-marker 121 eastbound in Bradford Township. According to state police, Joseph A. Coumo, 20, of Doylestown fell asleep, causing his car to cross over into the left-hand lane and off the berm. When he awoke, he tried to reenter the left land; however, he overcompensated and this caused his car to slide out of control and off the roadway. It subsequently impacted with an embankment and overturned. State police say Coumo was wearing his seatbelt and not injured in the crash; he was cited with roadways laned for traffic.
• State police received a report about a hit-and-run crash Thursday on North Street, just east of Filbert Street, in Curwensville Borough. According to state police, a vehicle was backing down North Street when it struck a delivery vehicle near Snappy’s Convenience Store. The suspect then vehicle pulled forward, backed up and traveled around the delivery vehicle before leaving the scene. It was described as being a maroon-colored sports utility vehicle, possibly a Chevrolet Blazer, that will have damage to its rear, driver’s side corner. State police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• State police responded to a report of a motor vehicle crash Friday on Veterans Street in Gulich Township. According to state police, a vehicle driven by 76-year-old John L. Lambert of Home, Pa., was traveling south when it hit a deer that jumped out onto the roadway from an embankment. His vehicle sustained disabling damage and was towed from the scene.
• State police received a report about a theft that occurred April 18 on the Curwensville-Tyrone Highway in Pike Township. During the incident, someone allegedly took a package, which was left by FedEx, from the victim’s garage area. State police say the package contained mirror glass for a T Top Corvette that was valued at $659. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-857-3800.

State police at Punxsutawney

• State police reported on a drug-related traffic stop that occurred Friday on West Main Street and the Mahaffey-Grampian Highway in Bell Township. According to state police, a vehicle operated by a 32-year-old Punxsutawney man was pulled over for an inoperable headlight. When contact was made with him, troopers saw a blue/purple-colored bong on the passenger’s side floor and possible signs of drug-related impairment. The man was asked to step out of his vehicle and administered field sobriety tests. He was subsequently placed under arrest for suspicion of DUI, and a probable cause search was conducted on his vehicle. It allegedly turned up a small amount of marijuana, marijuana seeds and numerous items of paraphernalia. State police are continuing their investigation at this time.

Clearfield Borough

• Police responded to Park Place Drive where occupants of a parked vehicle appeared to be passed out. Upon investigation, police allegedly discovered methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Both occupants were also wanted by Centre County Probation; they were transported to county jail with new charges pending.
• Police are investigating the alleged theft of services along South Fourth Street.
• Police reported that a dog was found in the area of Williams Street. Upon arrival, police located the owner who took possession of the dog.
• Police received a report about a male located at an East Locust Street residence. He was found to have an active arrest warrant through the Clearfield County Sheriff’s Office, and was taken to the jail.
• Police received a report about a suspicious vehicle on West Front Street. However, it left prior to police arrival on-scene.
• Police responded to a minor crash in the area of East Locust Street and Cemetery Road. No injuries were reported as a result, and both vehicles were driven from the scene.
• Police responded to a minor motor vehicle crash on Bridge Street. No injuries were reported as a result, and both vehicles were driven from the scene.
• Police received a report about a male walking around without any pants on and exposing himself on Clearfield Street. The caller said a female who was with the male tried to cover him up. Upon arrival, police were unable to locate him.
• Police responded to a parking complaint on Linden Street. Upon arrival, police found the vehicle was being moved.

Lawrence Township

• Police reported a trespassing incident occurred Saturday at the Wal-Mart Supercenter. While on routine patrol, a 27-year-old Clearfield woman was located after she had been previously prohibited from being on the store’s property. Upon investigation, it was found she’d traveled there while her driver’s license was under suspension due to a previous DUI. She was removed from the property and charges will be filed against her.
• Police received a report about possible underage drinking Friday in the McDonald’s parking lot, located along state Route 879, Clearfield. Upon arrival, officers located five males, all of whom were from Erie, and had been consuming alcohol while traveling on Interstate 80. Police identified one underage male, and he was cited for the incident.
• Police received a report about an incident of public drunkenness Saturday in the area of Farmland Drive and Riverview Road. Upon arrival, officers located a 38-year-old Clearfield man who was allegedly under the influence of a controlled substance. He was taken into custody, put in jail and cited for the incident.
• Police responded to a motor vehicle crash Thursday at the intersection of River Road and Plaza Drive. According to police, a vehicle driven by James H. Rowles of Frenchville was traveling south and came to a stop at a posted sign along Plaza Drive. It slowly began to advance forward to turn left onto River Road when police say it was struck by a vehicle traveling west on River Road. Both vehicles sustained disabling damage; the crash closed the intersection and traffic was detoured. No injuries were reported, and both vehicles were towed from the scene; the Lawrence Township Fire Department assisted officers on-scene.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about a theft that occurred Thursday or Friday on Cherry Corner Road in Ferguson Township. During the incident, someone allegedly took medications from the victim’s home. She said she had two pill organizers with one containing a week’s supply of pills and a bottle of Hydromorphone stolen. State police are continuing their investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact 814-857-3800.

Lawrence Township

• Police reported on a DUI that occurred Saturday on Daisy Street Extension. During a traffic stop, a 39-year-old Woodland man was allegedly found to be under the influence of alcohol with other passengers, including a 16-year-old, in the vehicle. He was taken to Penn Highlands Hospital for a legal blood draw; he was later released to a sober person. Charges are currently pending at this time.
• Police made contact with a 36-year-old Osceola Mills man Tuesday in the Sheetz parking lot, located on the Clearfield-Shawville Highway. He was found to be wanted through the county’s Sheriff’s Office, and he was ultimately taken into custody at which point he admitted to having recently smoked methamphetamine. However, he refused to submit to field sobriety tests and to a legal blood draw. Officers were granted consent to search his vehicle, which allegedly turned up stolen merchandise from a local store, multiple items of drug paraphernalia and a small amount of marijuana. Charges will be filed against the man.

Sandy Township

• On Friday police were contacted by a 49-year-old woman who reported she was being harassed by her son’s 30-year-old ex-girlfriend. Officers handled the situation without incident.
• On Friday police were contacted by a 49-year-old man who reported that while he was at the Sandy Club, his ex-wife’s 52-year-old boyfriend threatened and harassed him. He said the man also followed him when he left but then went in a different direction.
• On Saturday police were contacted by a 57-year-old man who reported that he’d gotten into a physical fight with his girlfriend’s 24-year-old son after he disrespected his mother. After this, he said threats were made toward him. The son allegedly called the residence saying he’d show up and shoot the man.
• On Saturday police were contacted by a 55-year-old Treasure Lake woman who reported that while at the Box Car Brewery, someone took her purse from her vehicle. The suspect then allegedly tried to use her ATM card to withdraw funds from her account.  Police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• On Saturday police were contacted by a 79-year-old DuBois man who reported a hit-and-run crash. He said while he was on South Highland Street approaching No. 2 Shaft Road, the driver of a gray sports utility vehicle pulled out and struck his vehicle. This, he said, caused it to spin around, then the SUV hit his vehicle again before fleeing the scene. No injuries and moderate damage were reported to police.
• On Sunday police were contacted by a 15-year-old Treasure Lake girl who reported that her 35-year-old step-mother and 43-year-old father were fighting. She said that her step-mother was hitting her dad, and she heard her threaten to shoot him. Police said the woman was uncooperative and eventually arrested; she was subsequently transported to Penn Highlands, because she requested an evaluation. She was later transported to the county jail.

CLEARFIELD – A New York man accused of taking a small baggie of cocaine into the Moshannon Valley Correctional Center in September of 2016 was found not guilty Tuesday in Clearfield County Court.

Louis Luyando, 42, of Bronx, N.Y., was found not guilty on all charges, including felony manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver and contraband/controlled substance, plus misdemeanor intentional possession of a controlled substance.

District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the commonwealth, and Luyando was represented by defense attorney Joshua Maines of Clearfield. President Judge Fredric Ammerman presided over the case.

The jury deliberated for about 27 minutes. After the verdicts were read by the foreperson at about 2:35 p.m., Luyando said aloud “thank you.” Maines gave his client a pat on the back, then they rose to embrace each other.

During the trial, a MVCC corrections officer testified that she was assigned to the visitation/front lobby area on the morning of Sept. 11, 2016. She said Luyando came through the security checkpoint and had to remove items from his person.

She said after his items were put through the x-ray machine, a search was done and she felt something in the band of his hat. Then, she said a small baggie of an unknown substance fell out and she notified her supervisor.

She said he responded to collect the seized item and summoned for the Clearfield-based state police to respond to further investigate the incident.

Under cross-examination by Maines, the CO said a visitor can enter the MVCC wearing a hat. However, she said a hat cannot be worn into a visitation with an inmate.

Trooper Jared Wolff, a state police criminal investigator, said upon arrival, he met with prison officials and took possession of the substance.

He testified that during an interview, Luyando said he went to the MVCC to visit a childhood friend, and he was as surprised as the CO when she found the baggie in his hat.

Wolff told jurors Luyando admitted that the baggie contained cocaine and that he’d put it in the band of his hat but then must have forgotten about it.

Wolff said the substance was sent to the State Police Crime Laboratory in Harrisburg for analysis, it tested positive for the presence of cocaine and it weighed .34 grams.

Under cross-examination, Maines asked if anyone else was charged in connection with this incident. Wolff said no and that further investigation wasn’t done to see if there was a conspiracy between Luyando and the inmate he was there to visit.

Luyando took the stand in his own defense, telling jurors he was a union maintenance worker who felt responsible for the care of his mother and sister.

He said on Sept. 11, 2016, he came to MVCC for the first time to visit a childhood friend. He said having visited friends in other prisons in New York, he was familiar with common visitation rules and spent time in the parking lot emptying his pockets of personal items he couldn’t take inside.

Luyando said though he knew he wouldn’t be able to wear his hat into the visitation room, he still wore it inside because after the security checkpoint, he assumed he could give it to someone or secure it somewhere.

He said “obviously,” he wouldn’t conceal a baggie of cocaine in his hat, knowing he would have to put it through security. He said he was out at the club a couple weeks prior, a friend gave him the cocaine and though he didn’t really want it, he put it in his hat.

“I was drunk [that night] … and completely forgot about it,” he testified. “It was the biggest mistake of my life, and it’s cost me a lot.”

Luyando said there was “no way” he would have knowingly taken the cocaine into the prison because he is well aware of the consequences. “I don’t want to have a felony on my record.”

Under cross-examination, Shaw asked Luyando if he was aware of prison security, the rules in place and that he wouldn’t be able to wear his hat in the visitation room anyways, why he didn’t just take it off and leave it in the car. Luyando answered, “I don’t know.”

During his closing arguments, Maines asked the jury to find Luyando not guilty of “every charge.” He said from the beginning, his client has told the truth and been cooperative.

“He said a lot of uncomfortable things [on the witness stand] that didn’t sound too good. That’s because it’s the truth,” Maines argued.

He said the commonwealth wanted jurors to believe that Luyando intended to deliver the cocaine to his friend, an inmate at the facility. However, he said this inmate was never questioned and evidence wasn’t presented to support this theory.

“It’s in your hands now. He’s a guy who has no long drug history and he works for a living. He has everything to lose.”

Shaw said Luyando was on the “hunt” for some sympathy from one juror. He told them not to buy into it, arguing: “this isn’t forgetting a $5 bill in your pants pocket before you put them in the wash, this is cocaine being taken into a prison.”

State police at Clearfield

• State police responded to a motor vehicle crash Saturday on the Krebs Highway in Boggs Township. According to state police, Vincent D. Vickers, 32, of Philipsburg swerved his vehicle to avoid a deer in the roadway. It then crossed into the northbound lane and exited the roadway, where it impacted a tree, overturned and impacted another tree. Vickers was able to free himself from the vehicle; he was wearing a seatbelt and not injured in the crash. State police were assisted on-scene by towing services.

State police at DuBois

• State police reported on a traffic stop that resulted in a drug violation Tuesday on Interstate 80 west, at mile-marker 74.5, in Union Township. During a search of a vehicle, a 37-year-old Chicago, Ill., man was allegedly found in possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. Charges will be filed through the district court.

State police at Ridgway

• State police received a report about an incident of trespassing that occurred Tuesday on Main Street in Fox Township. During the incident, someone allegedly entered the victim’s home without permission and placed feces on her bed. State police are continuing their investigation at this time.

CLEARFIELD – A certified nursing assistant has been accused of assaulting an elderly resident of a local facility.

Chance T. Myers, 27, of Morrisdale has been charged by Officer Zachary S. Cowan of the Lawrence Township police with neglect of care-dependent person, strikes/shoves/kicks or attempts/threatens care-dependent person, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person, all misdemeanor offenses.

Myers waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail. His bail was set at $50,000 monetary, which he’s posted.

The charges stem from a report of abuse at the Mountain Laurel Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center that was received March 1, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

When Cowan began his investigation, he spoke to the registered nurse supervisor who said an 85-year-old woman resident told her a caretaker at the facility had hurt her.

The victim alleged that she had her foot stepped on, was grabbed by her neck, had her head pushed on and her walker was flipped upside down in an effort to make her fall.

She said she was told this abuse had occurred the previous night or the night before, but that the victim also said it’d been ongoing for approximately one month.

She said after receipt of the report, she observed bruising on the victim’s neck, foot and chest, and emergency services were contacted to transport the victim for a medical evaluation.

Cowan also spoke with a staff member who had discovered the victim’s injuries. She said a male certified nursing assistant was responsible for taking care of the victim, and she identified him as Myers.

The RN supervisor also confirmed the victim’s caretaker was Myers, and indicated he’s had multiple allegations since he started working at the facility, but he’s “always been found innocent.”

The staff member said when she asked how the bruising occurred, the victim described how Myers grabbed her neck with his thumb being under her jaw and with his hand being wrapped behind it.

When asked about her bruised foot, the victim told her she’d asked Myers not to step on her foot, then he intentionally did. The victim confirmed information provided by the medical staff, saying “this guy scares and hurts” her.

Cowan said the victim had “fresh” bruises that were dark purple in color, and her left foot appeared swollen and severely bruised, as well.

He said one bruise extended down the back of her neck on her left side, and two smaller bruises were located on her chest. He took photographs to document the injuries.

Later, Cowan spoke by phone with the nursing director who had made contact with Myers to notify him of his suspension since he was scheduled to come into work.

She said anytime he was met with allegations before, he immediately denied wrong-doing. This time, she said he repeatedly stated “uh” and stalled when asked to answer to his actions.

Eventually, she said that Myers did deny the allegations, and she had since written a statement concerning their interview. She indicated she would provide it to Cowan.

She said the county’s Area Agency on Aging had been notified of the reported abuse, and either she or the CCAAA would provide any necessary hospital records once the victim was discharged, and she’d prepare other related paperwork and statements for him.

Upon review of collected information as part of his investigation, Cowan learned the victim frequently needed assistance and used her call bell. However, it was found her use of her call bell had declined with the onset of the alleged abuse.

It was found that during Myers’ interview with the facility’s director, he allegedly admitted to having answered the victim’s bell with and without assistance from other staff. Medical records also showed the victim’s injuries included bruising, the affidavit states.

During an interview with Cowan and Police Chief Doug Clark on March 12, Myers reportedly appeared nervous and scared; he avoided eye contact on several occasions.

Initially, he claimed he didn’t assist the victim very often or alone, but then changed his story saying he had and regularly.

He also claimed he’d never stepped on her foot, and that he’d assisted her with getting into bed but had help.

Then, he admitted he had assisted her with getting into bed alone, but when he demonstrated his procedure, it reportedly didn’t make any sense to police.

According to Myers’ demonstration, he only had control of the victim’s legs and let her upper torso fall freely onto the bed. When asked if this was a proper form of assistance, he agreed that it was not.

Cowan said he continually made attempts to deny he had cared for the victim alone, even though he admitted that he had both prior to and the date of her injuries.

After being told the victim had identified him, Myers reportedly had no response until saying he felt concerned and wanted to request an attorney.

The interview was then terminated, even though Cowan said it was “apparent” he had information concerning the injuries the victim had suffered under his care.

On March 14, Cowan conducted a follow-up interview with the victim, who corroborated her previous story a second time. When asked about the identity of her caretaker, she gave a description but said she no longer sees him there.

While there, she asked to get into bed and a nurse came in to assist her.  The nurse explained that the victim is normally in bed and uses her call bell when she needs to use the restroom.

Cowan remained in the room to observe the nurse assist the victim into her bed. Afterward she said the victim is able to get herself in and needs minimal help.

A final interview was conducted with the victim on April 10, and her story hadn’t changed at all from her previous statements, according to the affidavit.

Lawrence Township

• Police reported that a warrant service resulted in a drug-related incident May 9 at the Red Roof Inn in Clearfield. According to police, information was received regarding a wanted person and drug usage in Room 134. When contact was made, police identified the male as being a 22-year-old from Williamsburg. However, police say the female provided a false name but was later identified as 27-year-old Alisha Bilger from Smokerun. It was discovered that Bilger had an active warrant through the county’s Sheriff’s Office, and she was taken into custody. Bilger was allegedly found in possession of miscellaneous items of drug paraphernalia, including a glass pipe, clear plastic bags with a powdery residue and cut straws, which are commonly used to ingest substances through the nasal passages. Bilger was housed in county jail, and charges were filed against her.
• Police reported on a traffic stop that resulted in a warrant service Thursday near the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Clearfield. When contact was made with the vehicle, it was found a passenger – 50-year-old Robert W. Passmore Jr. from Olanta – had an active warrant through the county’s Sheriff’s Office. He was taken into custody and the driver was issued citations for other violations. Passmore was subsequently housed in county jail.
• Police reported on a traffic stop that resulted in a warrant service and drug violation Thursday on High Level Road in Clearfield. When contact was made with the vehicle’s driver, 32-year-old Brandon Ogden from Clearfield, he was taken into custody on an active warrant. After this, police say drug paraphernalia was seen in plain view inside the vehicle. A search allegedly yielded a controlled substance and various items of drug paraphernalia, which were found to belong to Ogden and his female passenger. Ogden was housed in county jail on a warrant and probation violation; the female was released from the scene. Charges were filed against both Ogden and the female through the district court.

GANT News has partnered with the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole and will publish its absconders list for Clearfield County.

Individuals listed on this page are not reporting as required by conditions of their parole. Probation and parole officials are seeking information as to their whereabouts.

If you have seen or have information regarding any individual within your community who is listed as a parole absconder, please contact the board at 1-800-932-4857 or  RA-CRabscondertips@pa.gov to report the information. You may also submit an online tip.

Any information provided will be held in strictest confidence.

(Provided photo)

Photo (if available)	Name
	Richard Gilbert
	Frederich Harris
	Joseph Logan
	Brian Pierson
	Ronda Shafer

CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield man has been accused of forcing entry into his ex-girlfriend’s apartment and assaulting her.

Chad A. Butler, 36, has been charged by Officer Devin Gill of the Lawrence Township police with felony criminal trespass, misdemeanor counts of simple assault and disorderly conduct and two summaries.

Butler waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail. His bail is currently set at $50,000 unsecured.

The charges stem from a physical domestic dispute that occurred the evening of April 26 at the Lawrence Park Village, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

The caller reported that her daughter’s ex-boyfriend, identified as Butler, had choked her daughter, then fled from the apartment before she got there.

Upon arrival, officers saw a footprint on the front door of the victim’s apartment. During an interview, she said she and Butler had been arguing over the phone and she had hung up on him.

She said he repeatedly called her, but she refused to answer any of his calls. After this, she said there were knocks at her door and she saw Butler duck out of view of the peephole.

When she told him “nice try, now leave,” she said he started yelling for her to open the door and kicked it. When he entered, Butler allegedly shoved her into a counter and started choking her.

She said he threw her to the floor, then tried to break her phone and take her purse before leaving with an unknown female in a gray sports utility vehicle.

The victim told police Butler wasn’t on her lease and she’d kicked him out a few weeks earlier. While Gill didn’t observe any injuries to her, there was evidence of a struggle.

Later police were notified by Clearfield County Control that the victim had completed paperwork and it could be picked up.

When Gill went to her apartment, she said Butler had just been there yelling at her and dropping off property but had fled prior to his arrival. Gill told her to go inside and he’d search the area.

Butler, however, wasn’t located at that time, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Officers went back to the victim’s apartment and advised her to call if Butler came back.

Butler was taken into custody April 29 by officers, according to a previously-published Lawrence Township police report.

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.

MORRISDALE – The assistant technology coordinator for the West Branch Area School District has been accused of having sexual relations with a student.

Michael William Narehood, 23, of Karthaus has been charged by Trooper David Patrick of the Clearfield-based state police with felony involuntary deviate sexual intercourse-person less than 16 years of age (two counts); statutory sexual assault; aggravated indecent assault-complainant less than 16; school-intercourse/sexual contact with student; and corruption of minors, plus misdemeanor indecent assault person less than 16 years of age.

Unable to post $50,000 bail, Narehood is lodged in the Clearfield County Jail. He’s scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing at 11 a.m. Wednesday during centralized court at the jail.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on May 10, the victim went to Narehood’s office after the school day. He allegedly started kissing her and then engaged in sexual acts with her.

During an interview, Narehood confessed to having sexual relations with the victim, state police said.

DUBOIS – A Brookville man is facing several felony charges after police allegedly found methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and more in his vehicle.

Jonathan Morales, 35, was charged by DuBois City police on Friday with five felony counts of manufacture/delivery/possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and felony counts of dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, conspiracy and possession of firearm prohibited.

In addition, he is charged with five misdemeanor counts of intentional possession of a controlled substance and two traffic summaries.

The charges stem from a traffic stop on Liberty Boulevard on Thursday at 7:21 p.m. that occurred after an officer saw the vehicle driven by Morales leave the parking lot of a motel without using a proper turn signal.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, after he was pulled over, Morales admitted he did not have a valid driver’s license.

During their interaction, one of the officers noticed some drug paraphernalia lying on the passenger side floor board.

As Morales and his female passenger were removed from the car, the officers said they could smell a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

A large black bag was found on the floor behind the passenger seat that allegedly contained a box with numerous bags of heroin, syringes and Xanax. They also found marijuana, a handgun, cocaine and methamphetamine.

Morales himself reportedly had five grams of suspected methamphetamine in his right front pocket.

Police say after the vehicle was taken to the police station and the bag was searched further, they found over $9,000.

In all, the black bag contained 229.37 grams of marijuana, 665 stamp bags of suspected heroin, 51.57 grams of methamphetamine, 33.79 grams of cocaine, 20 Xanax pills and 16 loaded syringes, according to the report.

Morales is being held in the county jail in lieu of $100,000 bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Friday.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred Saturday on Wooleaver Drive in Boggs Township. During the incident, a West Decatur couple was involved in a verbal altercation and advised to leave each other alone. However, the 53-year-old man allegedly kicked the 47-year-old woman in the leg and threatened physical harm. In addition, state police say the woman sent numerous unwanted text-messages to him. Both will be cited for the incident through the district court.
• State police received a report about an incident of theft that occurred Sunday on Ida Street in Woodward Township. During the incident, two unknown males allegedly stole two plastic gas cans from the victim’s driveway; then, they fled the scene on a side-by-side. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-857-3800.
• State police received a report about an incident of criminal mischief that occurred Saturday on Hill Street in Chester Hill Borough. During the incident, a 17-year-old Philipsburg boy allegedly set the victim’s pants on fire and punctured her vehicle tire. Charges are currently pending through the district court.
• State police responded to a motor vehicle crash Sunday on Interstate 80 east at mile-marker 135 in Cooper Township. According to state police, a Mankato, Minn., man fell asleep behind the wheel, causing his vehicle to travel off the left berm and strike a tree. He was wearing his seatbelt and suffered only minor injuries; his vehicle was towed from the scene. State police cited the man for roadways laned for traffic.
• State police received a report about the theft of a Utility Terrain Vehicle on Saturday from Somsky Lane in Decatur Township. State police say the UTV is a red Polaris model with fairy stickers; it’s valued at approximately $900. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-857-3800.
• State police received a report about an incident of criminal mischief that occurred sometime Friday or Saturday on Powell Street in Morris Township. During the incident, someone allegedly egged the victim’s house and two vehicles before fleeing the scene. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-857-3800.

State police at DuBois

• State police received a report about a burglary that occurred sometime between March 30 and April 18 on Route 219 in Washington Township. During the incident, someone allegedly broke into the victim’s storage unit and took several Harbor Freight tools, a blue Igloo cooler and a red and black electric guitar. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-371-4652.
• State police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred May 7 on Hill Street in Sykesville Borough. According to state police, a 44-year-old man went over to a 58-year-old man’s home and an argument occurred over a vehicle parked out front. Afterward he allegedly “aggressively shoved” the first man. State police cited both men for the incident through the district court.
• State police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred Friday in the area of Ninth and 10^th avenues in Brockway Borough. According to state police, a 50-year-old Brockway man and a 38-year-old DuBois woman engaged in a verbal altercation that turned physical. He allegedly pushed her and she grabbed his left bicep, pinching him and causing a small scratch. State police have charged both with the incident through the district court.

State police at Punxsutawney

• State police reported on a drug-related DUI incident that occurred Friday in the 3100 block of the Mahaffey-Grampian Highway in Greenwood Township. According to state police, a traffic stop was conducted on a red Dodge Neon, which had an inoperable headlight. When contact was made with the driver, troopers detected an odor of raw marijuana and observed a green, leafy substance on the passenger’s side seat. A probable cause search allegedly yielded marijuana and related drug paraphernalia. Troopers administered field sobriety tests to the driver – a 20-year-old DuBois man – and he was subsequently placed under arrest for suspicion of DUI and drug possession. State police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• State police reported on a DUI that occurred Saturday in the area of Reynoldsville-Falls Creek and Stewart roads in Winslow Township. According to state police, a Ford Ranger pick-up truck was stopped after multiple lane violations. When contact was made with the driver – an 18-year-old Reynoldsville man – troopers observed possible signs of impairment. He was administered field sobriety tests and placed under arrest for suspicion of DUI; state police are continuing their investigation at this time.

Clearfield Borough

• Police received multiple burning complaints over this past weekend. Police would like to remind residents that there’s a burning ordinance in place in the borough.
• Police received a report about a disturbance involving an unwanted juvenile on Witmer Street.
• Police received a report about a minor motor vehicle crash in the area of Second and Bridge streets. No injuries occurred as a result, and both vehicles were driven from the scene.
• Police received a report about juveniles running up onto porches along NW Fourth Avenue.
• Police received a report about a motorist who failed to stop for a bus with its lights on and its stop sign out. Police would like to remind drivers that they must stop for school buses under these circumstances.
• Police received a report about a bicyclist who had wrecked on South Second Street and who was lying in the middle of the roadway. Upon arrival, police found the male had been helped off the roadway, and that he was reportedly highly intoxicated. He was evaluated by emergency personnel on-scene and when police checked his information, it was discovered there were warrants for his arrest.  Police subsequently transported the male to county jail.
• Police assisted with an overdose patient on Leavy Avenue.
• Police received a report about a male who had allegedly broken into a vacant trailer.
• Police received a report about a wanted female on South Fourth Street. She was subsequently located and taken into custody on the warrant.
• Police responded to Penn Highlands Clearfield Hospital after a male left while he was there on a mental health warrant. The male was located and returned to the hospital.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about a trespassing incident that occurred May 11 at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Clearfield. During the incident, a 28-year-old Clearfield woman, along with her two children, were allegedly on store property. Upon arrival, police advised her she was not permitted to be there and needed to leave, which she did without incident. Charges were filed against her for the incident.

DuBois City

• Police received a report May 15 about a psychological emergency at the Medical Arts building. According to police, a woman patient was upset over her appointment, and she was taken to the hospital for an evaluation.
• Police received a report about juveniles engaged in a fight in the City Park on May 15. Police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• Police received a report May 15 about a male allegedly being harassed by his girlfriend’s ex-husband.
• On Friday police received a report about a suspicious person in the area of Spring Avenue and South Main Street. According to police, a vehicle was stopped at the intersection when a male jumped onto its windshield. After this, he got up and ran from the scene. Later, police located the male on South Brady Street, and he was taken for an evaluation.
• On Saturday police encountered a 25-year-old DuBois woman along Quarry Avenue, and she was reportedly under the influence of alcohol. She was cited for public drunkenness and other charges.
• On Saturday police encountered a 22-year-old Penfield woman on East DuBois Avenue, and she was reportedly under the influence of alcohol. She was cited for public drunkenness and other charges.
• Police received a report about a hit-and-run crash that occurred Saturday in the 100 block of East Long Avenue. According to police, a white Suzuki Grand Vitara was side-swiped while it was parked unattended along the street. Police are continuing their investigation at this time.
• Police responded to a two-vehicle crash Saturday at the intersection of Liberty Boulevard and Hoover Avenue. According to police, a driver was traveling north on Liberty Boulevard when they ran a red light and struck a vehicle that was pulling out of Hoover Avenue. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.
• On Sunday police conducted a traffic stop on Beaver Drive. During the investigation, a St. Marys woman was allegedly found in possession of drug paraphernalia and heroin. She was released to her boyfriend; charges are currently pending at this time.
• Police received a report about a party and a fire Sunday under the bridge in the 500 block of South Brady Street. Upon arrival, police requested for the fire to be extinguished and for the people to quiet down.
• Police responded to a motor vehicle crash Sunday at the intersection of West DuBois Avenue and First Street. According to police, a driver fell asleep while traveling on DuBois Avenue and crossed over into the opposing lane. It subsequently struck another vehicle that was traveling westbound; both vehicles were towed from the scene.
• Police received a report Sunday about a male trying to break into a residence in the 200 block of North Church Street. Upon arrival, police found a 20-year-old DuBois man lying on the back deck, and he was determined to be under the influence of alcohol. He was cited and lodged in county jail.

CLEARFIELD – A Tyrone man was sentenced to state prison Monday for firing a gun and hitting a woman in November.

Matthew Ray Strayer, 30, pleaded guilty during sentencing court to person not to possess firearm and two counts of simple assault. Judge Paul Cherry sentenced him to four to eight years in state prison.

The domestic incident happened at a residence in Lawrence Township when the victim says Strayer fired a .22 caliber bolt action rifle filled with bird shot at a wall separating them.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, when police arrived on scene, they could smell a strong odor of a recently fired weapon in the home and could see a softball size pattern on the wall from the bird shot.

The victim was holding a napkin covered in blood to her left elbow, but said she didn’t need medical attention.

She explained that when she woke Strayer up, he got mad and started to yell at her. After she went into the kitchen, he picked up her gun and shot in her direction, hitting the wall between the kitchen and the living room.

Next, he picked up a hammer and started to swing it at her. After he hit her, he put it down, she told police.

He then dumped out her purse, found her car keys and left in her vehicle.

While the victim was talking with police, Strayer called her, saying, “I am in Curwensville, waiting for police to get here and when they do, I’m going to stab every one of those (expletive).”

He called a second time to repeat his threat. After the victim pointed out to him that he didn’t even have a knife, he claimed he had a butterfly knife with him.

Police were able to located Strayer by “pinging” his cell phone, which showed he was traveling toward Tyrone.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about a motor vehicle theft Monday on Fairview Road in Decatur Township. During the incident, someone allegedly took a 2000 black Dodge Dakota, which belongs to an Altoona man, from a driveway. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-857-3800.

Clearfield Borough

• Police received a report about an alleged incident of theft along East 11th Street.
• Police attempted to stop a vehicle following a traffic violation on Martin Street. According to police, the male driver pulled into a driveway along Tyler Avenue, then fled on foot. The male was apprehended along Nichols Street, and it was discovered there was an active warrant for his arrest. His wife arrived and attempted to intervene with the incident. She was also found to have several active warrants, and when police attempted to take her into custody, she allegedly resisted. Both were transported to the county jail.  Lawrence Township police assisted with the incident.
• Police arrested a female along North Second Street because she had several active warrants. She was subsequently transported to county jail.

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report about scattered rubbish May 7 at the Lawrence Park Village. During the incident, a 21-year-old Curwensville woman allegedly placed several bags of garbage beside a dumpster. It was found she wasn’t a resident of the apartment complex, and she was issued a citation for her actions.

CLEARFIELD – A Morrisdale man pleaded guilty during special sentencing court Monday to striking a 2-year-old girl.

Ethan Jeremy Sperling, 23, was charged with aggravated assault after an incident in October in a residence in Graham Township.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, the child’s mother reported that Sperling had text messaged her saying he had “smacked” her daughter’s behind because she had a bowel movement in the bathtub.

When she saw the girl, she had severe bruising and swelling in the areas where Sperling had struck her.

Troopers were also able to see the bruises on the back of her legs.

Sperling, who apologized to the mother in court Monday, was sentenced by Judge Paul Cherry to nine months to two years less one day in jail and two years consecutive probation.

In addition to his jail term, Sperling must complete anger management counseling and a parent nurturing program.

CLEARFIELD – A Morrisdale man accused of possessing child pornography pleaded guilty Tuesday during sentencing court.

Robert Lee Lannen Jr., 52, was sentenced to a total of eight to 16 years in state prison and two years concurrent probation for nine felony counts of disseminate photo/film of child sex acts, 40 felony counts of child pornography and one felony count of criminal use of communication facility by Judge Paul E. Cherry.

He was also ordered to complete the Project Point of Light program.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, a state trooper was conducting an undercover investigation into the sharing of child pornography on the Internet.

He located a computer and was able to download a file from it that contained a child performing a sex act. This computer was traced back to Lannen.

The trooper was able to download nine other videos from this computer between April 3, 2018 and July 3, 2018.

After a search warrant was executed at Lannen’s residence in December, police located a thumb drive that had 46 video files of child pornography.

In an interview with police at his residence, Lannen admitted that he had used software to obtain and possess child pornography on the Internet and said these images could be found on his laptop computer.

Lannen also admitted that the thumb drive found by investigators belonged to him.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report about an incident of harassment that occurred Tuesday at the Philipsburg-Osceola Middle School. During the incident, a sixth-grade student allegedly gave a fellow student a “purple nurple.” State police have cited the 12-year-old boy from West Decatur and would like to remind parents to teach their kids to not give “purple nurples.”
• State police received a report about an incident of harassment Monday on Cooper Avenue in Cooper Township. During the incident, an 18-year-old Woodland woman and a 27-year-old Grassflat woman allegedly shoved each other. Charges have been filed through the district court.

State police at DuBois

• State police received a report about an alleged theft of mail that occurred Tuesday on Wishaw Road in Winslow Township. The investigation is ongoing at this time.

CLEARFIELD – The assistant technology coordinator for the West Branch Area School District has been accused of having sexual relations with a student.

Michael William Narehood, 23, of Karthaus has been charged by Trooper David Patrick of the Clearfield-based state police with felony involuntary deviate sexual intercourse-person less than 16 years of age (two counts); statutory sexual assault; aggravated indecent assault-complainant less than 16; school-intercourse/sexual contact with student; and corruption of minors, plus misdemeanor indecent assault person less than 16 years of age.

Narehood waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail. His bail has been set at $50,000 monetary.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on May 10, the victim went to Narehood’s office after the school day. He allegedly started kissing her and then engaged in sexual acts with her.

During an interview, Narehood confessed to having sexual relations with the victim, state police said.

CLEARFIELD – A Williamsport man has been accused of leading police on a high-speed pursuit that resulted in two, separate crashes earlier this month in Clearfield County.

Shawn C. Shipton, 28, has been charged by Trooper David Patrick of the Clearfield-based state police with felony fleeing or attempting to elude an officer and aggravated assault (three counts).

He’s also been charged with misdemeanor simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and accident involving damage to attended vehicle/property, plus 24 summaries.

Shipton waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday during centralized court at the Clearfield County Jail.

The pursuit began around 7:50 p.m. May 11 after Trooper Todd Shive attempted to stop a 2004 Pontiac Sunfire for traveling at 91 miles per hour in a 70-miles-per-hour zone on Interstate 80 in Lawrence Township, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

However, its driver reportedly refused to stop and exited I-80 at Clearfield and entered onto state Route 879. After Shive lost sight of the suspect vehicle, it was located by township officers traveling in two, separate units.

During the pursuit, it was traveling west along Antes Hill Road and a Lawrence Township police unit was traveling east. The officer had his emergency lights fully activated, as their vehicles approached.

The suspect reportedly drove his vehicle directly at the police unit, striking its front end and side. He proceeded to flee, both officers turned around and they continued their pursuit down Antes Hill Road onto Carbon Mine Road and then SR 879.

When he traveled through the Hyde intersection, he was followed by a township officer. Another officer was subsequently involved in a crash with an unrelated, civilian vehicle, and its driver was seriously injured.

Due to an ongoing crash investigation, neither officer is being identified at this time at the request of Lawrence Township Police Chief Doug Clark.

The pursuit continued at high rates for several miles through Lawrence Township, Clearfield Borough and Bradford Township.

It ended when the suspect vehicle crashed and overturned onto its driver’s side on Independent Road, which is a dead-end roadway in Woodland.

The suspect and his female passenger fled on foot but were later located and identified by state police at a restaurant near the crash scene, according to the affidavit.

Shipton, along with the female, initially claimed they were traveling on I-80 but were “car-jacked” while pulled over to rest. Later, Shipton allegedly admitted he led police on the pursuit.

Shipton told troopers he was on state parole, and he fled because he didn’t want to go back to state prison for speeding and driving with a suspended license.

State Police, Troop C, Forensic Services Unit and a Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Specialist assisted with the Hyde crash investigation.

Also, multiple patrol units from Clearfield, Punxsutawney, Ridgway and Rockview assisted with the incident.

CLEARFIELD – Two men accused of being involved with the trafficking of methamphetamine in the Clearfield area were scheduled for preliminary hearings Thursday.

Eric James Kyler, 42, of Winburne has been charged by the Office of Attorney General with conspiracy/manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver; manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver and conspiracy/dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, all felonies.

Marcus Homer Waltmon, 40, of Clearfield has also been charged with possession with intent to distribute; manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver; and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, all felonies.

Vincent L. Panebianco, 29, of Clearfield, Darrell Taylor, 29, of Springdale, Lukus Pickard, 35, also of Clearfield, and Mallory Bloom, 26, of Curwensville were previously charged in relation to this investigation.

Kyler and Waltmon had all charges bound over to county court following their preliminary hearings Thursday. The charges against Panebianco, Taylor, Pickard and Bloom were bound over back in March.

The charges stem from a traffic stop Feb. 1 that resulted in a search warrant being executed at Panebianco’s Clearfield residence, located at 1815 Daisy Street Ext., according to previous reports.

Around 7:30 p.m., a K-9 trooper located a Mitsubishi Eclipse on the Clearfield-Shawville Highway and its driver committed a series of traffic violations.

He activated his emergency equipment and stopped the vehicle in the area of Snappy’s Convenience Store. He approached the vehicle of which Kyler was the driver and Waltmon the passenger.

A township officer arrived on-scene to assist and advised there was an active warrant out for Waltmon. The trooper said he confirmed this information and initiated the administrative work.

The trooper said township officers took over the investigation from there, and searches were done of both Kyler and Waltmon as well as the vehicle.

A township officer said when Waltmon was being taken into custody, he related there was a “loaded” syringe of methamphetamine in the passenger’s side area of the vehicle.

He said a search of Waltmon yielded a knife and a small tin with baggies with one containing two Xanax pills. Officers also found $662 on Waltmon and $2,628 on Kyler.

After consent to search the vehicle was obtained from Kyler, an agent said a lockbox was located in the rear, passenger seat area. Inside the box, he said, was over $19,000 in cash.

Also, during the search, he said they found small amounts of methamphetamine, marijuana, packaging materials, scales and other paraphernalia.

The agent testified that the cash was in smaller denominations, or “street money,” and stacked. He said lockboxes are commonly used by dealers to conceal their drugs, cash and weapons.

At the Lawrence Township police station, the trooper used his scent-trained K-9 to scan the seized cash and it alerted to the odor of an illegal substance.

Earlier in the evening before the traffic stop, the agent said he observed Kyler park at Panebianco’s residence and later on Waltmon came out and got in. Then, they departed.

Because Kyler and Waltmon were heading to I-80 with a large sum of cash, the agent said it was likely they were going to Ohio to purchase an additional supply to sell from Panebianco’s residence.

“Akron is a source city for meth,” he testified, “and $19,000 would get two pounds or more.

Based upon knowledge of high volumes of “short-stay” traffic at Panebianco’s residence combined with the traffic stop, he said agents applied for and obtained a nighttime search warrant.

The agent said around midnight, a search of the residence yielded about an ounce of suspected methamphetamine; other controlled substances; multiple scales; packaging materials; and drug paraphernalia.

There were also two firearms, a Smith & Wesson .380-caliber handgun and a 12-gauge Mossberg shotgun, both of which were seized by officers.

The agent said the handgun was found with meth and cash, while the shotgun was underneath the mattress on the bed in a locked upstairs bedroom occupied by Taylor, Pickard and Bloom.

In Panebianco’s dresser, he said there were identification and bank cards belonging to other people. He said dealers often take personal items as collateral to guarantee payment for drugs.

Kyler was represented at Thursday’s hearing by defense attorney Robbie Taylor of Brookville and Waltmon by Joshua Maines of Clearfield.

In their closings, both attorneys argued that the commonwealth was “stretching it” with its attempt to connect the traffic stop with the distribution of meth out of Panebianco’s residence.

Deputy Attorney General Dave Gorman, who is prosecuting the case, said there were high volumes of short-stay traffic, Kyler and Waltmon left there and they were found with a large sum of cash.

“I don’t know about you, but I don’t carry $19,000, $2,000 or even $600 in my vehicle,” he said. Gorman added all the circumstantial evidence suggests this residence was a distribution point for controlled substances.