CLEARFIELD – A Houtzdale man is being accused of assaulting a state trooper while resisting detainment following a trespassing complaint at a Coalport residence.

Lance N. Henico, 37, is charged by Trooper Shane Buffone of the Clearfield-based state police with felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor use/possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting arrest.

Henico had all charges held for county court following a preliminary hearing Wednesday. His bail remains set at $50,000 monetary.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on June 28, a male reported that another male, identified as “Lance,” was at his apartment in the 700 block of Main Street uninvited.

Upon arrival on-scene, Buffone observed a couple coming from the apartment’s rear entrance. He asked the male for his name, and he replied “Lance.”

When asked if he had identification, the male said “no” and the trooper advised there had been a trespassing complaint made against him.

The male became defensive, raising his voice and saying he was allowed to stay there. The trooper said the male reached for his right, rear pocket and was advised to keep his hands visible.

He told Buffone he was getting out his ID after having initially stated that he didn’t have one. He then removed his ID from his wallet and handed it to the trooper.

Buffone placed the ID directly in his pocket, as the male reportedly postured himself in an “aggressive manner.” For officer safety, he also advised the male he’d be put in “investigative detention.”

As Buffone reached for the male’s wrist, he yelled “for what?” When the trooper grabbed his left wrist, the male pulled away and started to run towards Main Street.

Trooper Brandon Haney tackled the male and he continued to resist while three others attempted to place his hands behind his back. The male was eventually cuffed and identified as Henico.

Prior to his transport, Henico was found in possession of a clear baggie with suspected methamphetamine residue, which was collected as evidence.

Buffone interviewed the caller who said the female with Henico was permitted to stay with him. However, he said Henico “scares” him and had demanded money from him for unknown reasons.

He said he never gave Henico any money and he didn’t want Henico at his residence anymore.

Later, Haney said he was injured by Henico during the incident. Henico allegedly ripped his name tag from his chest and intentionally stabbed him in the right hand with its two prongs.

Lawrence Township

Police responded to the WalMart Supercenter for a report of a suspicious vehicle.  During the investigation, it was discovered that Jesse Kitko, 36, of Clearfield was found in possession of methamphetamines and drug paraphernalia.  In addition Sara Peangatelli, 32, of Clearfield committed retail theft.  Charges have been filed.

Police responded to Mama J’s Daycare on the Rockton Mountain Highway for multiple report of a female knocking on doors asking for money and becoming irate when denied.  It was also reported that she was running in and out of traffic on the four lane highway.  When officers approached the female attempted to run back into traffic and into the daycare center before being taken into custody.  She was transported to the Clearfield County Jail and placed on a 48 hour detainer and she was a danger to herself and other.  Charges have been filed.

CLEARFIELD – A Glen Richey couple is facing felony and misdemeanor drug charges for allegedly dealing crystal methamphetamine.

Creagan Lee Powell, 35, and Jennifer L. Cupp, 29, were arrested by Lawrence Township police June 29 following a warrant service at a White Church Road residence.

Both are charged with two felony counts each of manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver, conspiracy and criminal use of communication facility.

Powell and Cupp are also charged with two misdemeanor counts each of intentional possession of a controlled substance and use/possession of drug paraphernalia.

Their arrests resulted from a joint investigation with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

On March 4, 2019, police say an informant arranged the purchase of a half-ounce of crystal meth from Cupp for $700 via Facebook Messenger.

He/she was then followed by officers to Cupp’s residence where the transaction was completed. After, he/she turned over a bag of suspected crystal meth and several small empty bags from Cupp.

He/she said Cupp obtained the crystal meth from a scale, and that Powell also arrived while he/she was inside. He/she said Powell had contact with both them and Cupp.

The informant said he/she saw packaging materials and Xanax inside the couple’s residence, and that Cupp also commented that she’d obtain more crystal meth in the future.

On April 26, 2019, the informant – in the presence of officers – attempted to contact Cupp via Facebook Messenger but was unsuccessful.

He/she, however, was able to get a hold of Powell to arrange the purchase of $350 worth of crystal meth. Cupp later contacted him/her regarding the same transaction.

The informant was followed by officers to the couple’s residence and after the transaction was completed, he/she turned over one bag of suspected crystal meth.

He/she said they paid $350 to Powell and Cupp gave him/her the drug. During the transaction, he/she said the couple discussed obtaining and selling more crystal meth.

The drug from each controlled purchase was field-tested and showed positive for methamphetamine. It was then sent to Pennsylvania State Police Crime Laboratory for further analysis.

Lab reports confirmed the drug purchased March 4 and April 26 of 2019 from Cupp and Powell was crystal meth, according to the affidavit.

Police say that Powell and Cupp were taken into custody without incident June 29 and arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Mike Morris.

Both waived their rights to preliminary hearings Wednesday during centralized court. Powell’s bail remains set at $50,000 monetary, while Cupp’s bail was modified from $50,000 monetary to unsecured.

CLEARFIELD – A DuBois couple were jailed on felony and misdemeanor charges following a drug investigation at a local motel.

Desiri Nikole Bussard, 21, and Jeffrey Michael Bearer, 39, were charged by Lawrence Township police following a report of possible drug activity Thursday at the Rodeway Inn, Clearfield.

Both were charged with felony manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver and conspiracy and three misdemeanor drug offenses.

Upon arrival, contact was made with Bussard in the parking lot and who police say was found in possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia.

When she was taken into custody, she said she’d been staying at the motel with her boyfriend, and a search warrant was subsequently obtained and executed on their motel room.

It allegedly turned up approximately 27 grams of heroin packaged for distribution, approximately 4.7 grams of mushrooms, meth, a scale, packaging materials and paraphernalia.

Bussard and Bearer were arraigned Friday night and lodged in county jail in lieu of $100,000 bail. Both are scheduled to appear for preliminary hearings July 15 during centralized court.

DUBOIS- Felony theft charges have been filed against two brothers who stole multiple catalytic converters valued at over $95,000 from businesses in Sandy Township.

Dana Lee Bortz, 54, of DuBois was charged by Sandy Township police with felony counts of theft by unlawful taking, theft of secondary metal, conspiracy/theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property along with misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief, unlawfully taking secondary metal from the premise and theft from a motor vehicle.

His brother, Jamie Brian Bortz, 48, of Jonestown was charged with felony theft by unlawful taking, conspiracy/criminal mischief, theft of secondary metal, as well as misdemeanor conspiracy/unlawfully taking secondary metal from the premise and theft from a motor vehicle.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, the thefts began at the end of December with police responding to a car dealer on Behringer Highway where 28 catalytic converters were cut from 28 different vehicles with a total loss estimated at $30,802.37.

On Jan. 1, another business on Rich Highway reported that a catalytic converter had been cut from a van. Further investigation revealed that four vehicles had been damaged at this location with this loss valued at $6,804.91.

A second car dealer on Behringer Highway reported on Jan. 13 that four catalytic converters had been cut and stolen there. This loss was estimated to be $1,472.47.

Two saw blades and a flashlight were found at the sites near the vehicles that had been cut.

A month later, Feb. 22, the first victim reported that 11 more catalytic converters had been cut from vehicles there.

They were able to provide police with surveillance photos of two individuals who kept walking by their surveillance camera the night before the thefts were discovered.

Investigators were advised that state police had arrested Dana Bortz for theft in a separate case and he was questioned in regard to these thefts.

Police say Dana Bortz admitted he stole the catalytic converters from each site. He reportedly stated that his brother, Jamie, helped him by being the lookout while he was under the vehicles cutting the parts out.

The total value of the items taken from the vehicles is listed as $95,779.38 in the criminal complaint.

Both men are incarcerated in the county jail on $25,000 bail each with a preliminary hearing scheduled for Friday at District Judge Pat Ford’s office.

Online court documents show that Dana Bortz is facing retail theft charges in a separate case in Clearfield County and theft charges in two separate cases in Jefferson County.

Jamie Bortz also has one theft case filed in Jefferson County.

Curwensville Borough

Police were contacted concerning a complaint of fireworks on Chestnut St.

Police were called the area of Schofield and River St. for a report of a bicycle lying in the roadway.  Upon arrival it was found to be under the bridge.

Police responded to a motor vehicle accident on State St.  No injuries were reported.  One vehicle was towed from the scene.

Police responded to a verbal altercation along Fredricka Ave.  It was handled without incident.

CLEARFIELD –The Winburne Fire Company may have felt a bit of déjà vu Monday, as a second woman accused of stealing from them was sentenced.

Sarah Yvonne Dunlap, 37, of Winburne pleaded guilty during sentencing court to three felony counts each of theft by unlawful taking and access device fraud for using a fire company credit card for things such as a trip to the Poconos.

Dunlap, who was the treasurer for the company, reportedly started using the card in January of 2016, just a few months after a former treasurer, Brittany Nicole Bell, was caught stealing funds totaling up to $43,000.

Bell, who paid $30,000 in restitution prior to her sentencing in October of 2016, pleaded guilty and was sentenced by Judge Paul Cherry to 90 days to one year in the county jail.

Dunlap was not so lucky. She had signed an “open” plea agreement leaving the sentence up to the judge.

Fire Chief Harold Davis told Judge Fredric J. Ammerman that she put the lives of the members of the company at risk by wasting the money on her own personal needs rather than them being able to use it for fire equipment.

“We feel we have been let down by a family member.”

Dunlap’s attorney, Ken Pennington, defended her, saying she felt remorse and “she is here to accept responsibility for her actions.”

He noted that she had no prior criminal record and should receive a minimum three to 12-month county jail sentence, which would allow her to possibly work and pay the restitution sooner and support her family. 

Deputy District Attorney Trudy Lumadue noted that it is fortunate that the fire company decided to obtain insurance in case of future thefts or things could be a lot worse for them.

She asked Ammerman to consider that he could give Dunlap a minimum of up to 18 months for each count and pointed out that Dunlap had not paid any of her restitution of over $55,000.

When she addressed the court, Dunlap told Ammerman that she regrets her decisions and admitted there was no excuse for what she did. She asked Ammerman for leniency.

In the end, Ammerman sentenced her to a total of 18 months to five years in state prison.

According to the affidavit, an investigation began in August of 2018 after a member of the fire company discovered a large transaction from a resort near the Poconos.

During a search of the account records, it was discovered that Dunlap began using the credit card for her own use in January of 2016.

The pattern of activity continued in 2017 and 2018 when she made unofficial transactions for trips, food, vehicle and insurance payments, online shopping and cash withdrawals.

During these years when the fire department general account was low, she transferred funds from another fire company account.

In an interview with investigators, she admitted to making the transactions and apologized to the fire company members at a meeting for taking the money, according to the criminal complaint.

Clearfield Borough

Police received information of theft of a bicycle.  Police are investigating the incident.

Police responded to a incident involving harassment.  Police arrived on scene and deescalated the argument.

Police responded to a “hit and run” incident involving a driver of a motor vehicle to hit a stop sign and leave the scene.  Police located the driver of the vehicle.  Citations to be filed.

Police responded to a report of a large recreational fire in the back yard of a residence.  The homeowner received a warning.

Police responded to a report of a driver of a vehicle discharging a firearm while on a public roadway.  Police arrived in the area but were unable to locate the vehicle.  Police are investigating the incident.

Police responded to a report of two males engaged in a verbal argument.  Police arrived and deescalated the incident.

Police responded to an incident involving a rock being thrown through the front windshield of a vehicle.  Police are investigating.

Police responded to second complaint of large aerial fireworks being ignited in the backyard of a residence.  Police locate the individual lighting the fireworks who was previously given a warning.  Charges to be filed.

PSP Clearfield

State police investigated a domestic incident in Brisbin Borough that was reported 8 days after the incident took place.  Both parties were cited through District Court.

CLEARFIELD – A local couple is facing felony drug charges for allegedly selling methamphetamine to a confidential informant and undercover officer.

Jason D. Peters, 44, and Danielle C. Yontosh, 46, both of Clearfield, have been charged by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General following a state-wide grand jury investigation.

Peters has been charged with 10 felony counts of manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver and two counts of criminal attempt.

He has also been charged with a felony count each of conspiracy/ manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver and criminal use of communication facility.

Yontosh has been charged with felony manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver (two counts) and conspiracy.

The grand jury conducted an investigation into the sale of methamphetamine in and around Clearfield County between April 2019 and January, according to the presentment.

Law enforcement utilized a CI and undercover officer to make multiple controlled purchases from Peters. Yontosh was allegedly involved with one purchase of meth.

The first controlled purchase occurred on April 26, 2019, and was arranged by the CI through Facebook Messenger and a telephone call.

Peters agreed to sell two grams of the drug for $200 at his business, Peters Tinting and Detailing, and the CI would have to come there alone.

The CI traveled to Peters’ garage and was followed by surveillance officers. Inside the office, he/she reportedly observed a stack of red plastic bags on the desk and a large amount of meth.

Peters took two grams of the drug from the supply, then it was weighed and packaged in front of the CI. The CI paid Peters the agreed upon amount for the drug.

After leaving the garage, he/she turned over two bags – containing approximately one gram each – of meth to investigators.  Lab tests showed the substance was meth and weighed 3.63 grams.

The second controlled purchase occurred May 10, 2019, and the CI arranged by telephone to purchase one gram of meth for $100 at Peters’ garage.

However, when the CI arrived, Peters said he was out, and waiting for his source to bring another supply. He reportedly asked the CI if he/she had interest in Xanax for $60/bottle, and he/she declined.

While the CI waited to meet Peters again, an undercover agent observed Yontosh drive into the garage’s parking lot and pick up Peters.

Yontosh and Peters traveled to a local McDonald’s, then returned to the garage; when the CI contacted Peters, he said he/she could come back up to purchase the gram of meth.

The CI returned to the garage where he/she met with Peters and Yontosh, and used their cellular phone to take a picture of Yontosh and the drugs in close proximity to her.

Yontosh reportedly asked Peters if the CI could be trusted, he replied “yes” and she provided an eight-ball of meth from which Peters removed a smaller amount.

Peters weighed the drug, and the CI provided him $100 in exchange for approximately one gram. The drug was turned over to officers and later determined to weigh .41 grams.

A third controlled purchase occurred June 24, 2019 when the CI arranged via text to purchase one gram of meth from Peters for $100 at his garage.

An agent observed the CI as he/she went to the office to meet Peters, and saw the two conduct the transaction. The meth was turned over to officers and later determined to weigh .84 grams.

The grand jury also learned the agent was able to purchase meth directly from Peters himself through the use of the CI who had contact with Peters via telephone.

The agent arranged to meet Peters on Aug. 28, 2019 to purchase one gram of meth for $100. For the transaction to occur, the CI told Peters that he/she was out of town and sending a friend.

Peters agreed to meet the CI’s friend at his new business location. It was noted he moved it from Air Stream Way to the Clearfield-Curwensville Highway following the last controlled purchase.

When he arrived at the garage, the agent met several people who directed him to an office where he met with Peters. After some talk over the price, the agent paid $100 and was given a bag containing rubber gloves, one of which contained meth.

The drug was sent out for lab testing and it was later found to weigh .87 grams, according to the grand jury presentment.

On Oct. 30, 2019, the agent directed the CI to arrange the purchase of one gram of meth from Peters for $100. After a series of texts, it was arranged for the following day.

The agent traveled to Peters’ garage and attempted to purchase one gram of meth Oct. 31, 2019; however, when he arrived, Peters reportedly stated he was waiting for a supply. The agent left.

Later the agent contacted Peters asking if he’d be able to purchase any meth that day, and Peters replied no. He told the agent he could purchase meth in the future if he knew ahead of time.

On Nov. 26, 2019, the agent also attempted to purchase one or two grams of meth from Peters by contacting him via telephone and text messages.

Peters reportedly responded saying he would have to find out if he could get some, and because the drug deal took too long to arrange, the agent told Peters he got some from another source.

On Jan. 20, the agent made another controlled purchase of one gram of meth for $100 from Peters at his garage where he and the CI met Peters in his office.

After some discussion, Peters allegedly reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a small bag that was suspected to contain one gram of meth.

Peters handed the bag to the CI and the agent provided $100 as payment for the drug. Then, Peters pulled out a plate, placed a small additional amount of meth on it and offered it to them.

The CI and agent declined Peters’ offer to use the drug there, and left. Lab testing found the drug from this purchase weighed .88 grams.

Police say both Peters and Yontosh have been arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Mike Morris, and are currently housed in Clearfield County Jail awaiting preliminary hearings.

CLEARFIELD – A Curwensville man is facing felony and misdemeanor charges for an alleged assault that police say hospitalized another man with head injuries.

Keavon L. Chisolm, 29, is charged by Curwensville Borough police with felony aggravated assault, misdemeanor recklessly endangering another person, simple assault (two counts) and disorderly conduct, plus summary harassment.

Chisolm had all charges held for county court following a preliminary hearing Wednesday during centralized court. His bail is currently set at $100,000 monetary.

The charges stem from a fight that occurred June 30 in the 500 block of Filbert Street, according to the affidavit of probable cause filed with the office of Magisterial District Judge Mike Morris.

Upon arrival at the scene, Officer Joseph Witherite found one male lying on the ground with blood coming from his mouth. He attempted numerous times to speak with the victim, but he could not respond.

He also saw an object under the victim’s body near his chest, and lifted his left arm to find a cellular phone. Because the victim was breathing and bleeding heavily, Witherite summoned emergency services as well as back-up from the Lawrence Township police.

After it was found Chisolm had engaged in a fight with the victim, he started to approach the scene yelling and throwing his arms in the air. Witherite requested township officers to expedite their response due to Chisolm’s behavior.

The officer made contact with Chisolm, as EMS and township officer Levi Olson arrived on-scene. Chisolm began to calm down and wasn’t causing problems, so Witherite had back-up officers slow their response.

Chisolm said he walked down Filbert Street and observed the victim who owed him $200 in the window of his home. He said he yelled from the street about the money, the victim came outside “enraged” and shoved him to the ground.

He said after he got up, the victim put his hands around his throat and at this point, he began to swing at the victim in order to defend himself. When the victim went down to the ground, he said he headed back to his apartment, but the victim followed.

Chisolm said he repeatedly told the victim to stop, and also saw that he was reaching into his pocket for something, but he didn’t know what for. He said out of fear, he began to strike the victim who went to the ground again.

However, upon further investigation, Witherite learned witnesses saw Chisolm kick the victim in the head area several times while he was on the ground and not fighting back.

The victim’s wife said he became upset when he heard Chisolm yelling on the street, and went outside to handle the situation. She said she neither saw the victim attempt to grab nor choke Chisolm, but did see them shoving one another.

She said Chisolm struck the victim, causing him to fall backward and strike his head. She said she went to grab her cellular phone and when she came back to the window, they were still fighting but now further up the street.

She said she didn’t see what occurred just prior to this point but was told the victim was kicked several times while he was on the ground. Chisolm was then taken into custody by Witherite with assistance from township officers.

The victim was transported by ambulance to a landing zone at the Curwensville High School and flown to UPMC Altoona due to concerns of having suffered head trauma, according to the affidavit.

After this, Witherite was requested to contact Curwensville Fire Chief Shawn Fye, who reported that the victim’s condition was uncertain, as he apparently had a seizure during transport.

He also spoke with a paramedic who said the victim could be suffering from anything as severe as skull fractures to as minor as a concussion.

They said the victim did have a seizure and was able to answer questions, but had vomited when intubated, which was a sign of possible brain trauma.

On July 1, Witherite contacted the victim’s wife who said an initial scan showed blood on the victim’s brain. She said he was still on a ventilator and would have another brain scan done that day.

PSP Clearfield

State police an incident of theft at the Bigler UniMart in Bradford Twp.  An unknown individual paid for merchandise with a counterfeit $100 bill.  Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Clearfield.

State police investigated a theft of services from a business in Bigler, Bradford Twp.  A company agreed to pay for services rendered and then retracted the payment. The investigation continues.

State police are investigating a theft that occurred at the Roadhouse restaurant at the Kylertown truck stop.

State police are investigating an incident of criminal mischief on Tony Hill Rd. in Cooper Twp.  Unknown actor(s) vandalized property with a motor vehicle.  The investigation continues.

State police arrested Kenneth Edwards, 36, of Clearfield for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.  Charges have been filed.

State police responded to a report of a domestic dispute in Morris Twp.  The incident occurred as two females were involved in a verbal argument that turned physical.  Both were cited for assault harassment.

State police are investigating an incident of theft from a motor vehicle on Walton St. in Decatur Twp.  Unknown actor(s) entered the victim’s vehicle and removed a wallet.  Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Clearfield at 857-3800.

State police responded to a report of an aggressive pit bull attempting to bite people on Pinetop Rd. in Bradford Twp.  Upon arrival, the dog was located at a neighbors residence and was attempting to bite the victim.  The pit bull was detrude and returned to the owner’s residence.  A dog law enforcement officer reported to the residence and the dog owner was subsequently cited for violations.

PITTSBURGH – A local woman waived indictment and pleaded guilty in federal court to aiding and assisting in the preparation or filing of a false income tax return, U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady announced Thursday.

Kathy Billotte, age 59, of Frenchville, Clearfield County, pleaded guilty before Senior U.S. District Judge Arthur J. Schwab.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Billotte was a tax return preparer and operated a tax return preparation business known as “K B Tax Services.”

She reportedly falsified annual income tax returns prepared for at least 15 individuals during the period of 2013 through 2017, ensuring the individuals received tax refunds to which they were not entitled.

Specifically related to the offense to which she pleaded guilty, Billotte prepared and filed on Feb. 26, 2016, a 2015 federal income tax return for a taxpayer identified as “T.G.”

She falsely and fraudulently reported that he/she operated a private business and incurred business expenses, as well as inflated unreimbursed business expenses and charitable donations.

The total tax loss to the Internal Revenue Service or all 15 clients was reportedly $196,105.

Schwab scheduled sentencing for Nov. 18, at 11:30 a.m. The law provides for a total sentence of not more than three years in prison, a fine not to exceed $250,000, or both.

Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Billotte was released on bond pending sentencing in the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn J. Bloch is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Billotte.

PSP Clearfield

State police are investigating a theft from a motor vehicle on Curtin St. in Osceola Borough.  Unknown person(s) removed a black Taurus 9mm pistol from a vehicle.  Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Clearfield.

State police are investigating a theft of scrap copper valued at $908.00  on Henderson St. in Woodward Twp.  The investigation continues.

State police are investigating an incident of theft on Cross Roads Blvd. in Beccaria Twp.  Unknow person(s) removed a wheel chair from a garage.  Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Clearfield.

State police responded to a call of a possible overdose at the Best Western Travel Inn in Decatur Twp.  The female was transported via EMS to the hospital.

State police responded to a motorcycle accident on the Lumber City Hwy.  A 60 year old DuBois man was traveling west when a deer ran out in front of him.  The motorcycle sustained moderate injury.  The male was transported to the hospital via EMS with a possible injury.

State police responded to a single vehicle accident on I-80 in Graham Twp.  A vehicle operated a 26 year old Kittanning female traveled off the highway and lost control.  The vehicle then traveled across both lanes striking an embankment at overturning.  The operater then fled the scene.  The vehicle sustained heavy damaged and was towed from the scene.  The operate has been cited with numerous citations.

Lawrence Twp.

Police received a request for a criminal investigation for the PA State police Firearms Division for a 50 year old Penfield woman who attempted to purchase a firearm at the Rural King in Clearfield.  The offender provided false information when filling out the application.  Charges have been filed.

Police responded to the Red Roof Inn for a report of suspicious activity.  Upon arrival police located a 38 year old female and a 37 year old male under the influence of Methamphetamine and hallucinating.  A search of the hotel room resulted in numerous Methamphetamine, Marijuana, Suboxone and drug paraphernalia.  Both were housed in CCJ.

HOUTZDALE – Clearfield-based state police are seeking the public’s assistance with identification of a burglary suspect.

According to police, the incident occurred between 3 a.m. and 4:15 a.m. Tuesday at the laundromat at McAteer Village Apartments, Houtzdale.

The suspect reportedly spray-painted the security camera and used some type of torch to remove a coin machine before leaving the premises.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Trooper Derek Southern at the state police barracks at 814-857-3800.

Clearfield Borough

Police responded to an incident involving packages being thrown into a neighbor’s yard.  Police are investigating the incident.

 Drug paraphernalia was located at a Daisy St business.  Police retrieved the item and disposed of it.

Police responded to a noise compliant on Turnpike Ave.  Police arrived and the parties involved agreed to quiet down.

Police conducted traffic control on Bridge St due to unusually crowded traffic lanes caused by a vehicle accident on I-80. 

Police were dispatched to a potential gas leak on E Market St. 

Police were notified of an incident involving a package being taken from the front porch of an E Market St residence.  Police are investigating.

Police were notified of a phone scam involving individuals pretending to be Penelec Workers in attempt to gain money by threatening to shut off power.

Police were dispatched to a noise complaint on W Market St.  Police made contact with the party involved who agreed to stop playing his guitar.

Lawrence Township

Police are investigating a theft of tools from the parking lot of Kwik Fill gas station on S. 2^nd Street.  An individual was working on a vehicle and left a yellow tray of tools behind.   Upon return, the individual could not locate the tools.  The investigation continues.

Police received a report of theft of a Pavilion laptop from a residence on Parkview Drive by a known suspect.  Investigation lead to the recovery of the item.  Charges were not filed at the request of the victim.

Curwensville Borough

Police responded to a domestic dispute on Bloomington Ave.  The male suspect was taken into custody.

Police received a complaint of a fraudulent IRS call.  Police remind residents not to give out their personal information over the phone.

Police received a complaint of a fraudulent Penelec call.  Police remind resident not to give out their personal information over the phone.

DUBOIS – A DuBois man is facing charges for robbing a local convenience store.

Jimmy Lee Gibbs, 22, was charged with felony robbery and terroristic threats as well as misdemeanor counts of recklessly endangering another person and theft by unlawful taking in connection with an incident at the Snappy’s on the Bee Line Highway in Sandy Township on July 29 at 1:44 a.m.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, when officers arrived at the store, they were told the male suspect who was wearing all black with a black bandana around his face had fled on foot in an unknown direction.

Even though the officers had arrived only three minutes after the call for the robbery was made, when they pulled in the parking lot, they did not see anyone. Additional officers arrived and the area was searched.

The clerk reported that after the suspect approached the counter with a drink, he passed a note ordering the clerk to empty the registers or he would “blow ya face off.” The clerk did as he was told, emptying all the registers and giving the suspect the money.

At no time did the clerk see a gun, he told police.

When the security footage was reviewed, police saw the suspect remove his left hand from his pocket revealing tattoos on his hand.

During the investigation officers reviewed other security footage of patrons in the store and reportedly saw Gibbs, who matched the description of the suspect at 11:30 p.m.

Although he was wearing different clothes, the distinctive tattoos on his hand were visible, according to the criminal complaint.

Police noted his walk also matched the unusual walking pace of the suspect.

An officer who had previously spoken to Gibbs regarding an active warrant also recognized the tattoos as matching Gibbs’ tattoos.

A search warrant was issued for his residence in Treasure Lake where authorities reportedly found clothing that were the same as those worn by the robber.

Gibbs waived his right to a preliminary hearing Friday during centralized court at District Judge Pat Ford’s office in DuBois. He remains incarcerated in the county jail on $100,000 bail.

Lawrence Township

Police responded to CNB Bank for a report of possible drug paraphernalia found within a cash deposit.  Officers recovered a baggie of white powder that tested positive for cocaine.  Three suspects have been identified, a 42 year old male, a 50 year old female and a 51 year old female all from Clearfield.  The investigation continues.

Police received a report of harassment by communication.  A female indicated that she was receiving harassing calls and messages from her ex-husband. Both parties were given notice to cease, but the male messaged again after notification.  Harassment charges are pending.

Police received a report of theft.  A female victim reported that she dropped her unemployment debit card in a friend’s vehicle and it was never returned.  The card was used for approximately two weeks before being deactivated.  The investigation continues.

PSP Clearfield

State police investigated a DUI crash that occurred along Old Franklin Siding St. in Houtzdale Borough.  The operator, a 23 year old male from Houtzdale was found to be under the influence.  Charges are pending blood results.

State police arrested 41 year old Jarrod Gesin of DuBois for DUI and drug possession.  Charges have been filed.

State police are investigating the report of criminal mischief in Graham Twp.  An unknown person(s) defaced a Joe Biden for President flag which was hanging from the victim’s mailbox.

A firearm was located on a roadway in Bradford Twp.  The owner has been located.

State police responded to a dispute on Lingle St. in Osceola Borough.  Patrick Mercer, 59, of Ephrata backed his vehicle up to another vehicle owned by Michelle McCloskey, 50 of Osceola Mills to the point that McCloskey’s vehicle could not be moved.  An argument ensued and then McCloskey allegedly spit on and shoved Mercer.  Both were cited for harassment and McCloskey was cited for disorderly conduct.

State police are investigating a theft on Deer Creek Rd. in Graham Twp.  Three “Biden for President” signs were taken from the victim’s residence.

State police are investigating a theft that occurred along Rolling Stone Rd. in Cooper Twp.  Unknown individuals entered the victim’s motel room and stole a Visa bank card and $400.00 in cash.  Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Clearfield.

HYDE – A Clearfield man was taken into custody for attempted homicide in connection with an alleged stabbing incident that occurred Monday in Hyde.

Robert J. Bailor, 47, was also charged by Clearfield-based state police with felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor terroristic threats and simple assault.

Sometime between 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m., state police say Bailor – without provocation – started stabbing a 76-year-old man outside his Clarendon Avenue residence, causing injuries to his neck and stomach.

At approximately 3:10 p.m., Bailor was taken into custody at the Penn Highlands Clearfield Hospital to be arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Pat Ford on the charges.

State police were assisted in the incident by the Lawrence Township and Clearfield Borough police departments.

CLEARFIELD – Justin Centra, 39, of Clearfield is behind bars and will face charges for allegedly inappropriately touching two young girls, according to Lawrence Township police.

During an interview at the Child Advocacy Center of Clearfield County, Victim 1 said she was awoken during the early-morning hours Monday by Centra rubbing her legs. She said he tried to touch her inside her pants, but she didn’t allow him.

Victim 2 was also interviewed at the CAC-CC and stated this had happened to her for “most of her life.” Mainly, she said the assaults occurred when she was 10 and 11 years old, and Centra was both physically and mentally abusive.

Centra was taken into police custody on a felony traffic stop Tuesday, and is currently housed in the Clearfield County Jail.

Lawrence Township

Police are investigating an incident of fraud.  The victim reported that his identity had been stolen through the PA Pandemic Unemployment Portal.  The investigation continues.

PSP Clearfield

State police investigated a crash that occurred on Drane Highway in Decatur Twp.  The driver’s vehicle left the roadway, drove through a field and struck a fence.  The driver then re-entered the roadway and struck a guide rail.  The driver was determined to be under the influence.  Charges are pending blood results.

State police investigated an incident of criminal mischief on Princess St. in Brisbin Borough  a 36 year old Altoona man damaged the victim’s cell phone.  Charges are to be filed.

State police are investigating a theft on Laura St. in Chester Hill Borough.  Unknow actor(s) siphoned gasoline from a 2006 Buick Lacrosse.  Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Clearfield.

State police investigated a report of an ATV crash on Eureka St. in Woodward Twp.  The operator suffered suspected minor injuries and was transported for medical treatment.  The operator was believed to be under the influence.  Charges are pending blood results.

State police are investing an incident of forgery in Cooper Twp.  The victim had reported that a known male suspect removed a check from his check book and removed $500.00 from the checking account.  The investigation is ongoing.

State police arrested Jarrod Gesin, 41, of DuBois for DUI and drug possession following an incident in Boggs Twp.  Charges have been filed.

Curwensville Borough

Police responded to an incident of harassment on Allegheny St. and West St.

Police responded to an underage drinking party on Filbert St.  The investigation is ongoing.

Police responded to a call for an unwanted person along South St. and Pine St.  The offender was advised not to come back on the property.