PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Stockton, California, pleaded guilty in federal court to violation of federal narcotics and money laundering laws related to a nine-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around the counties of Jefferson, Clearfield, and Allegheny, U.S. Attorney Cindy Chung announced on Wednesday, Aug. 3.

Juan Villagran, age 24, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possesses with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine before U.S. District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand. Villagran was one of 47 defendants charged in six related indictments as part of the Return to Sender investigation.

In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Villagran supplied at least 50 pounds of methamphetamine that was shipped from California and Nevada to Jefferson County, Clearfield County, and Allegheny County.

Wiegand scheduled sentencing for Villagran on Dec. 7, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. The law provides for a sentence of not less than ten years to a maximum of life in prison, a fine not to exceed $10,000,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

The court ordered that the defendant remain detained pending sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan D. Lusty and Michael R. Ball are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the multi-agency investigation of this case, which also included the Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Services, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, and Pennsylvania State Police. Also assisting were the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, and the Clarion Borough Police Department.

This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States. OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A Clearfield man pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of violating federal narcotics laws, U.S. Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced Thursday, Aug. 4.

Logan Mactavish, 39, pleaded guilty to count two of the superseding indictment before Senior U.S. District Judge Kim R. Gibson.

In connection with the guilty plea, from July 2019 to June 2020, Mactavish conspired to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

Gibson scheduled sentencing for Dec. 14, 2022. The law provides for a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and maximum sentence of life in prison, a fine of $10,000,000 or both.

Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Mactavish.

Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Millcreek Police Department, Erie Bureau of Police, and other local law enforcement agencies.

This prosecution is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten communities throughout the United States.

OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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.

DUBOIS – A Penfield man twice designated as a sexually-violent predator is facing charges for possessing child pornography.

Raymond Mikelonis, 65, was charged by agents of the attorney general’s office with two felony counts each of disseminate photo/film of child sex acts, and child pornography along with a felony count of criminal use of communication facility.

During centralized court on Friday, he waived his right to a preliminary hearing sending the charges on to the court of common pleas for further disposition.

He is being held without bail in the Clearfield County Jail because of the “nature of the charges and the possibility of life in prison if found guilty,” according to online court documents.

Previously he was determined to be a sexually-violent predator for a child porn case in 2012 and an indecent assault case in 2006.

The criminal complaint in this new case details how AG agents traced files of suspected child pornography to Mikelonis’s computer through his internet provider in July.

A search warrant was executed on his home on July 27 and his computer seized. Numerous media files of child pornography were recovered from it.

When he was questioned by investigators, he confirmed he lived at the residence alone and that the computer taken did belong to him.

At first, he claimed the images were put there by someone “out to get him.” Later he stated that he started looking at child porn because he was “curious”.

In July of 2012, Mikelonis was determined to be a sexually-violent predator following a hearing on another child pornography case.

At that time, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to nine months to seven years in state prison.

Mikelonis was on probation at the time of his arrest in that case and he received a revocation sentence of three months to five years for the violation.

The probationary period stems from an indecent assault case in 2006. For that, he was sentenced to seven months to four years in state prison with five years consecutive probation.

According to reports on the indecent assault charges, Mikelonis exposed himself to three young girls while he was babysitting them and touched them inappropriately.

State police at Clearfield

• State police investigated an alleged fight between two inmates at SCI Houtzdale on July 20. Both were charged with harassment.
• State police received a report of a burglary Aug. 2 at the Chester Hill Volunteer Fire Company. Upon review of surveillance, it was discovered that a 31-year-old Philipsburg man allegedly stole a Midea room air conditioner unit, a Survivor Streamlight, a case of Country Meats beef sticks and a white wash bucket. The investigation is ongoing at this time.
• State police conducted a DUI checkpoint Aug. 6 on state Route 153 in Boggs Township, Clearfield County. Troopers made four DUI and two criminal arrests, as well as issued 12 traffic citations and 23 warnings.

Lawrence Township

• Police reported the arrest of Jeremy Gregoire, 30, of Clearfield following an incident Aug. 5. According to a department-issued news release, officers observed a vehicle and identified its operator as Gregoire, whose license was suspended. He allegedly drove recklessly on various roads to avoid police contact until his vehicle got stuck in Little Clearfield Creek. Gregoire’s passenger told officers she was afraid while Gregoire was fleeing because the vehicle almost overturned; she was lodged in county jail on failure to appear warrants. Gregoire was lodged on charges of reckless endangerment, hindering apprehension, disorderly conduct, trespass by motor vehicle and related traffic offenses; he also had a detainer through state parole.  Police were assisted by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

CLEARFIELD COUNTY, Pa. (EYT) – State Police in DuBois are investigating a rape that occurred recently in Clearfield County.

Police said the incident happened on Aug. 5 around 1:30 a.m. in Woodward Township, Clearfield County.

Investigators said an unknown male entered the victim’s apartment while she was at work. When the victim returned home, the male was still inside of her apartment. The male allegedly sexually assaulted the victim and left.

The victim is listed as a 28-year-old Houtzdale woman.

No further information is being released at this time due to the nature of the incident.

The investigation is ongoing.

Clearfield Borough

• Police responded to East Pine Street for a tree limb falling onto a vehicle.  Fire crews were summoned to the scene and assisted with its removal. 
• Police received a report about an alleged theft from an East Locust Street residence.  The caller stated that a friend had stolen multiple items from him while he was away. The investigation is ongoing at this time.
• Police responded to the Clearfield County Fairgrounds for a report of a male having a heart attack.  Police and EMS arrived and assisted the male to the hospital. 
• Police responded to Stuart Avenue for a reported disturbance between two individuals.  The individuals agreed to separate for the evening. 
• Police responded to a vehicle accident near the intersection of East Market and North Fourth streets.  One of the drivers involved was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and taken into custody. 
• Police conducted a vehicle stop that resulted in the seizure of multiple controlled substances.
• Police received a report from the Clearfield County Probation Office in reference to a male who was attempting to use drug-free urine with the intent to pass a drug test.  The investigation is ongoing at this time.

 Sandy Township

• On Aug. 5, a black and white puppy was found running around in the area of FedEx on Industrial Drive.  The owners did not come forward and custody of the dog was transferred to the county dog law officer. 
• On Aug. 5, police received a report of a man who was lying in a ditch on Tipp Street.  However, the man was gone upon officers’ arrival. 
• On Aug. 5, an Erie couple was lost in the area of Loeb Avenue, and when they stopped at a residence for directions, the homeowners’ dog attacked the 54-year-old man, causing injuries to his leg, stomach and arm. 
• On Aug. 5, a Brockway woman reported that while she was in the Walmart parking lot, she witnessed an unknown male yelling and hitting his dog that was in his vehicle.  When she confronted him about his actions, the man threatened to harm her and then fled the scene.
• On Aug. 5, police received a report of a domestic disturbance at a Hanes Drive residence. A 28-year-old female reported that she and a 30-year-old male got into an argument and when she tried to walk away, he grabbed her arm and tried to restrain her.  After he left the scene, officers located the male and he was transported to Penn Highlands ER for an evaluation.
• On Aug. 6, police responded to Snappy’s Convenience Store for a reported domestic incident in the parking lot.  The situation was handled without incident. 
• On Aug. 6, a 51-year-old Drifting man reported that his 49-year-old girlfriend was refusing to leave his camp at the Treasure Lake KOA so he called security.  The woman left prior to officers’ arrival.
• On Aug. 6, Treasure Lake Security reported that a female driving a Honda struck the front gate arm before it was raised for her to travel through.  Damage was not extensive.
• On Aug. 6, a DuBois man lost control of his vehicle causing it to strike the south side of the Sandy Plaza.  There was no obvious damage to the building, and the man was transported to Penn Highlands via EMS.
• On Aug. 6, police received a report of damage that was done to an unoccupied home in Treasure Lake. Officers spoke to the parents of the involved juveniles who agreed to handle the situation and pay for the damages. 
• While on patrol Aug. 6, officers found a wrecked Ford Focus along Larkeytown Road.  While investigating, a 28-year-old DuBois man approached officers and said he was driving and his brakes failed, causing him to end up in the ditch. 
• On Aug. 7, a Treasure Lake woman reported that unknown people were banging on her door and around her house.  The woman’s daughter was following a vehicle that was possibly the offending party but lost sight of them.  Officers were unable to locate the vehicle.
• On Aug. 7, employees of Snappy’s reported that there was a male inside a van that had been parked in a neighboring lot for over a week.  The man told employees that the van was broken down and he was waiting for parts.
• On Aug. 7, a 78-year-old Treasure Lake woman pulled from the Doolittle Station parking lot into the path of a 66-year-old Arizona man who was driving north on the Rich Highway.  Both drivers were transported to the hospital by EMS; both vehicles were towed from the scene with severe damage. 
• On Aug. 7, Treasure Lake Security reported that a mid-sized SUV exited the back gate in the wrong lane, damaging the inbound gate arm. 

CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield man is facing charges following a DUI crash, Lawrence Township police say.

The crash happened around 9:49 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9 along Race Street, according to a department-issued news release.

At the scene, police learned the driver – later identified as 48-year-old Kristopher Viglione – had fled on foot.

Viglione was found and subsequently taken into custody; further investigation revealed details of the crash.

Reportedly, Viglione struck the guiderail on Race Street before driving over it and striking a parked vehicle with his truck.

Police say when he attempted to flee the area, his vehicle got stuck in a residential yard and on the curb.

Viglione was determined to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.

After refusing to submit to a legal blood draw, Viglione was medically cleared and housed in Clearfield County Jail on charges.

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.

Lawrence Township

• Police responded to a reported domestic Aug. 10 in Hyde. Upon arrival on-scene, contact was made with the victim who had bruising from two, separate incidents that occurred on the same day. Her injuries were allegedly caused by Zachary D. Tibbens, 26, of Clearfield. Tibbens has been charged with two counts each of misdemeanor simple assault and summary harassment.

Clearfield Borough

• While on patrol, police located a suspicious vehicle parked behind a Nichols Street address. Contact was made with the occupants and multiple controlled substances and paraphernalia were reportedly seized by officers.
• While on patrol, police located a female for whom there was an active state parole warrant.  She was subsequently taken into custody, and as a result, multiple controlled substances were allegedly located by police. 
• Police received a report about a heavily intoxicated male who had fallen and injured his arm and face.  Police and EMS arrived on-scene and located the male who became combative with emergency personnel and hospital staff.  Charges are to be filed. 
• Police received a report of a male sleeping in the backseat of a vehicle that did not belong to him.  Police located the male who also reportedly had controlled substances and drug paraphernalia on his person.
• Police responded to a possible cardiac arrest at a local residence.  Police and EMS arrived on-scene and discovered the situation was a potential drug overdose.  The male stabilized and was transported to the hospital.

Lawrence Township

• Police reported a drug-related DUI occurred Aug. 12 on Race Street in Lawrence Township. During a traffic stop, a 19-year-old Wallaceton man was allegedly under the influence of a controlled substance. He was subsequently taken to Penn Highlands Clearfield for a legal blood draw. His passenger – a 27-year-old Woodland woman – was allegedly in possession of a controlled substance. Charges are pending at this time.
• Police reported a DUI occurred Aug. 13 on River Road in Lawrence Township. During a traffic stop, a 35-year-old Clearfield man was allegedly found to be under the influence of a controlled substance. He was subsequently taken to Penn Highlands Clearfield for a legal blood draw. Charges are currently pending at this time.

CLEARFIELD – A man who wrote a bad check to purchase a home for over $197,000 but moved into it anyway argued in court Monday about getting his belongings back.

James Bernard Schubert, 60, pleaded guilty to two felony counts of theft by deception before President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman, who sentenced Schubert to 21 months to six years in state prison.

Prior to sentencing, Schubert explained that he was arrested while he was away camping and was unable to get his items including some antiques out of the residence.

Because the home is on the market again, he is concerned he will lose his furnishings and have to start over once he is released from prison.

His attorney, Jendi Schwab, asked that the restitution of $15,810 be reduced because the owners have the property back. She was encouraged to file a motion for a restitution hearing. She also mentioned the items left in the home.

Schwab argued for a maximum sentence of four years instead of six due to Schubert’s age and health, which Ammerman decided against, sticking with the original plea.

Ammerman noted that Schubert has a long history of thefts that go back to the 1980’s and in various counties.

“He’s been around,” Ammerman stated, adding that Schubert is a “career criminal.”

According to the affidavit of probable cause, the victim notified police of the crime in September of 2020. He said he met Schubert and a woman in late June of 2020 when they were living in a camper in a strip mine. Schubert told him they were looking to buy a house.

They claimed they were in the process of buying one but were unable to close the deal because of complications from divorce proceedings.

After he showed them the property on Lick Run Road in Lawrence Township, he said he would take it. The owner allowed them to stay in the camper in his driveway.

In July they met with an attorney to complete the paper work. A man was identified as Schubert’s financial advisor prepared the check for $197,292.74, which included closing costs.

Schubert told the attorney to hold the check for a week to allow bank transfers from Pittsburgh to be completed.

After this, the victim allowed them to move into the home and the utility bills were transferred into their names.

Later he contacted the attorney saying to hold the check because it was bad and he would issue another one, but never did.

Schubert also arranged to purchase the victim’s pickup truck after he traded it to a local dealer, but never showed up at the dealer to complete the deal.

At another point, Schubert agreed to pay $15,000 more for furniture and other belongings that were still in the house, which he and the woman were using.

When investigators contacted the attorney to get the check, which was a cashier’s check from a bank in Pittsburgh, they discovered the routing number was for another bank.

The bank with the correct routing number confirmed the account number on the check did not exist in their bank.

CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield woman who hid an escapee from the Clearfield County Jail in her home had her bail revoked Monday.

Amber Dawn Dunsmore, 27, was in court for sentencing on four cases, but the plea agreement was withdrawn by Deputy District Attorney Trudy Lumadue.

Lumadue explained that Dunsmore has new charges, including a hindering apprehension charge because her father, Robert Lee Miller, 51, was staying at her home.

President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman granted a motion to revoke her bail on a possession with intent to deliver charge.

Her attorney, Daniel Nelson, without admitting anything acknowledged that the new charges were enough for her bail to revoked.

According to the affidavit in the hindering apprehension case, officers searched Dunsmore’s residence multiple times without finding Miller.

On June 26, a neighbor advised officers that Miller was hiding under the trailer in a crawl space that he accessed via a trap door in the trailer near a water heater.

Dunsmore, who had been warned previously that she would be facing charges if she was hiding her father, again denied her father was in her home. When asked the location of her water heater, she initially said she didn’t have one, then said it was broken.

She gave police permission to search her home where they found the water heater and trap door under a carpet. After opening the door, an officer was able to see Miller hiding in a small crawl space. He was then taken into custody.

It was noted in the report that insulation had been pulled down to block the crawl space from view outside.

In this case, she is charged with felony escape, and misdemeanor charges of both hindering apprehension and conspiracy/facilitating escape.

Miller and Donald John White, 46, both walked off a work detail outside the jail on Memorial Day. White was apprehended on June 17.

The criminal complaint in the drug case details how in July of 2021 police were at her home assisting probation officers looking for one of their clients.

During their search of the home, they found methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. There was a child living in the home at this time.

In this case, she is charged with felony possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, endangering the welfare of a child, intentional possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

She now has a total of seven cases with various other charges including retail theft, theft by unlawful taking, and for not confining a dog within her premises.

CLEARFIELD – A Woodland man who was a no-show for his trial on Tuesday was found guilty of a gun charge in Clearfield County Court.

Ralph C. Best, 60, was found guilty of possession of firearm prohibited, a felony of the second-degree, following a trial held in his absentia.

He was also a no-show for sentencing July 27 on misdemeanor assault charges in this case and for jury selection last week in a separate case, resulting in the issuance of two bench warrants.

According to trial testimony, Best showed up – uninvited – at his ex-girlfriend’s Lawrence Township home at approximately 5 a.m. on June 9, 2021.

She said he made accusations of infidelity and also didn’t want her to take a trip with some friends. “I told him he didn’t have control over what I could and couldn’t do.”

She said Best got on top of her, and as he held her down on the bed, he took her gun from its holster on her right hip and put it to her head.

After counting 1, 2, 3, the woman said she heard Best cock the gun before putting it under his chin and threatening to kill her and then himself.

She said she pleaded with Best to give her gun back, and eventually he laid it in her left hand, but there wasn’t much she could do as he was still holding her down.

As they struggled for control of the weapon, she said it discharged and Best grabbed his leg, yelling: “… you [expletive] shot me.”  She said he took off before she could find out if he was okay.

The woman said she immediately went to her friend’s home because she thought she shot Best. Her friend took possession of the gun and made a call to police.

Upon arrival on-scene, Officer Zachary Cowan retrieved the North American Arms .22-caliber, five-shot revolver and secured it in his patrol vehicle.

Later the woman said Best called asking her not to report the incident, since the bullet missed hm and he didn’t require any medical attention.

Per court documents, Best is prohibited from possessing or handling a firearm due to his criminal history.

Clearfield County Assistant District Attorney Steve Johnston prosecuted the case on behalf of the commonwealth. Attorney Ryan Dobo of the Public Defender’s office represented Best.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report of a theft that occurred Aug. 10 on Filbert Street in Curwensville Borough. During the incident, someone allegedly removed a chainsaw from the victim’s property. Anyone with information is asked to contact troopers at 814-857-3800.
• State police reported a DUI incident occurred Aug. 14 along the Kylertown – Drifting Highway in Morris Township. Following a moving violation, troopers attempted a traffic stop; however, the male driver continued for around one mile, then began to accelerate. As a result, a PIT maneuver was conducted and the vehicle stopped, at which point the driver was taken into custody for suspicion of DUI and fleeing/eluding police.
• State police received a report of theft Aug. 14 at Country Garden Six Pack in Philipsburg. During the incident, unknown person(s) allegedly distracted and confused the cashier in a “quick change” scam of the store. Then, they fled the scene in a four-door Pontiac G6; anyone with information is asked to contact troopers at 814-857-3800.

Lawrence Township

• Police responded to a reported disturbance Aug. 17 at the Economy Inn, Clearfield. During the incident, a 48-year-old male allegedly yelled threats of violence towards others staying there. Officers arrived and advised him to cease his actions but were called back to the scene a short time later. Upon arrival, the male was located inside his room and his disturbance had ceased. Charges are currently pending.
• Police received a report of harassment and disorderly conduct June 22 at the Clearfield Skate Station. During the incident, a female juvenile allegedly hit and pushed other juveniles and staff. She was detained by officers and charged for the incident.
• Police received a report of theft and criminal mischief Aug. 16 on Mount Joy Road, Clearfield. During the incident, a 36-year-old Clearfield man allegedly trespassed on private property, then broke the rear window of a vehicle. He claimed he was the owner and had taken all the items from the trunk.  Further investigation revealed he neither owned the vehicle nor was permitted on the property. He was subsequently taken into custody, and once medically cleared, housed in Clearfield County Jail on charges.
• Police reported a drug-related DUI occurred Aug. 16 in the area of Lawhead Street and Clarendon Avenue in Lawrence Township. During a traffic stop, a 28-year-old Hyde man was suspected of being under the influence of a controlled substance. As a result of investigation, police searched his vehicle and allegedly seized a controlled substance.  The man’s vehicle was towed from the scene and he was housed in county jail at the request of the Probation Department. Charges are pending at this time.
• Police reported a drug violation occurred Aug. 16 on South Second Street in Lawrence Township. During a traffic stop, two Clearfield men were allegedly found in possession of drugs and paraphernalia. Charges were filed.

CLEARFIELD – A Clearfield man pleaded guilty to removing two vehicles from a repair shop where he worked and setting fire to another during sentencing court Monday.

Thomas Harley Peters, 36, was sentenced by President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman to one to three years in state prison for felony theft by unlawful taking and arson in one case and felony theft, flight to avoid apprehension and resisting arrest in another.

Prior to sentencing, his former employer spoke for him saying that Peters “needs help” and he would be a great candidate for the work release program. Peters has worked for him off and on for about 10 years, he stated.

Ammerman noted that Peters had fought with police and injured an officer because he was using methamphetamine, which is why he received a state prison sentence.

According to the affidavit in the first case, on Jan. 30, police discovered a burnt vehicle between Weber Road and Nelson Road in Lawrence Township. It appeared someone had been off-roading before setting it on fire.

The vehicle was traced to a woman who said she had given it to another couple who was supposed to scrap it about a month earlier. Later it was discovered they had sold the jeep to Peters.

Another vehicle in the same area just 1,500 feet from Weber Road was found stuck in a ditch. Some blood was recovered from the vehicle.

The vehicle’s owner told police it was being repaired at the same business where Peters worked.

The owner confirmed the vehicle had been taken from the lot and that his former employee, Peters, was driving a jeep.

There was no forced break in at the business and the only thing missing was the keys to the car that police had recovered.

According to the affidavit in the second case, on March 31, police received a notice of a stolen vehicle in Lawrence Township. The victim told police that Peters was on some type of drugs after taking a break. He removed a truck from his business and drove it into the field behind his auto garage.

Several officers entered the field through a gate, which was closed behind them and spotted the truck with Peters standing 10 yards from it. After Peters saw the marked police car, he fled on foot with a few officers chasing him. He was told to stop numerous times.

One of the officers tried to grab Peters, but Peters slipped his grasp, causing the officer to fall. Peters’ boot impacted the officer’s wrist as he continued to run.

After they lost sight of him, additional officers were brought in to search the area.

A relative of Peters called county control, reporting that he was at her home in the back yard. He was attempting to take a four-wheeler but couldn’t because she had the keys. He was now hiding under her porch.

Police arrived causing Peters to run around the house. One officer tackled him and began to cuff him. Peters continued to fight until the officers, working together, were able to handcuff him.

Peters told them that he was surrounded by “faces in the woods and that they were going to kill him.”

When he was searched, police found a baggie of a crystal substance suspected to be methamphetamine.

State police at Clearfield

• State police received a report of an ATV theft Aug. 17 on Church Street in Morris Township. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-857-3800.
• State police on Aug. 17 assisted the Department of Navy with locating a Goshen Township male for whom there was an active federal warrant. He was taken into custody without incident.
• State police were contacted Aug. 20 after a set of keys was found in the 100-block of Lake Street in Bradford Township. The keys were on a purple key chain clasp with a black Tile device. Anyone with information is asked to contact state police at 814-857-3800.

Lawrence Township

• Police reported a DUI incident occurred Aug. 18 along state Route 879 in Lawrence Township. During a traffic stop, a 44-year-old Clearfield man was allegedly found to be under the influence of alcohol. Charges are currently pending at this time.

DUBOIS – A DuBois man accused of strangling a woman, and a Clearfield woman who fought with police while he was being taken into custody are scheduled for preliminary hearings Friday.

Vincent J. Lingenfelter, 27, was charged last week by DuBois City police with two counts of felony strangulation, aggravated assault, terroristic threats, resisting arrest and recklessly endangering another person. He is in the Clearfield County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail.

Alexandria T. Sammarcelli, 26, is charged with aggravated assault and obstructing justice as a result of the incident. She is in custody with bail set at $50,000.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, on Aug. 17, police responded to a domestic assault in DuBois. The perpetrator, later identified as Lingenfelter, was saying that he would shoot any officers if they came to the home.

When they arrived, they could hear yelling inside the residence, but no one answered when they knocked on the doors. Someone was yelling for help, saying he was choking her.

They were able to gain entry through sliding glass doors. Sammarcelli was seen upstairs and ordered to come down, which she did. When asked who else was upstairs, she refused to answer, then finally yelled that her boyfriend, Vinnie was up there.

An officer called for him to come down and when he didn’t, several officers went upstairs.

At the top, an officer saw the victim in the bedroom on the floor. She was holding her throat. She said she had been choked by Lingenfelter and he had covered her mouth so she couldn’t breathe. There were visible red marks on her neck and mouth, the officer noted in his report.

She didn’t know where he was, but he had said he was going to buy a gun and if she called the police, “he was going to shoot everyone.”

Lingenfelter was found hiding under a bed in another bedroom. He would not come out or show his hands and reportedly resisted as the officers tried to handcuff him. He kept yelling that he didn’t do anything.

While this was happening, Sammarcelli came up the steps yelling that he “needed her.” She tried to push past one of the officers as he was trying to handcuff Lingenfelter. Another officer grabbed her and pushed her out of the room.

Even though she was told she was under arrest, she allegedly tried to get away and refused to comply with orders to put her hands behind her back. Another officer assisted him and they were able to handcuff her.

After they took her downstairs, she started screaming again saying she was in fear for Lingenfelter. She then lunged at Lingenfelter and an officer while still being held by another officer. Two officers stopped her and attempted to escort her out into the patrol vehicle.

Police say the entire way to the car, she screamed and attempted to stop them by digging her heels into the ground and pulling away.

When they got to the car, she was instructed to get in. She refused so an officer had to push her. She then reportedly turned around and kicked him in the stomach. But, he was able to push her feet into the vehicle and close the door.

Their hearings are scheduled for centralized court at 10 a.m. on Friday at District Judge Dave Meholick’s office.

Clearfield Borough

• Police responded to a report of a female scattering rubbish on the side of the road.  Police located the female and she agreed to pick up the items. 
• Police and EMS responded to a report of a female experiencing a medical emergency while sitting in a vehicle.  Emergency personnel arrived and assisted the female out of the vehicle and into an ambulance.
• Police responded to a report of a dispute between two people at an East Cherry Street residence.  Police arrived and deescalated the incident. 
• Police received a report of an alleged theft of a package from an East Walnut Street residence.  The investigation continues at this time.
• Police received a report of trespassing at a Bigler Avenue residence.  The incident was to have occurred within the last two weeks, and the investigation continues at this time.
• Police responded to a “911 hang-up” call at a NW Fourth Avenue residence.  Clearfield County Control advised that the caller requested an ambulance before hanging up.  Police arrived and located a female who required medical attention; EMS arrived and transported the female to the hospital. 

Lawrence Township

• Police received a report of public drunkenness Aug. 20 in the area of Turnpike Avenue and Paradise School Road in Lawrence Township. During the incident, a male was jumping out in front of passing vehicles. He was later taken to the hospital for evaluation and allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance. Charges were filed.
• Police received a report of a domestic assault Aug. 19 on Park Avenue Extension in Lawrence Township. As a result, a male was taken into custody for allegedly assaulting and threatening a female. He was subsequently housed in county jail to await arraignment.
• Police have arrested a teen for burglary, criminal trespass, underage drinking and related offenses following incidents at Sheetz and Walmart on Aug. 21.  According to police, a 19-year-old male acted extremely disorderly by ripping open five bags of chips and attempting to steal packages of gum at Sheetz. Then, he allegedly forced entry at Walmart and opened up more chips until he was chased from the store. He was found by police outside, and taken into custody.

By Anthony Hennen | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Alcohol-related crashes in Pennsylvania hit a five-year low in 2020. While motor vehicle-related injuries also have fallen, the death toll has been relatively flat.

“Alcohol-related fatalities are trending downward,” the Pennsylvania DUI Association noted. The state saw 7,700 alcohol-related crashes in 2020 and 293 fatalities in 2020, compared to 9,390 crashes and 299 fatalities in 2019. In 2016, 10,256 crashes occurred, with 297 fatalities.

Injuries, however, fell significantly: while 2016 had 6,589 injuries, 2020 had 4,917, a 25% reduction.

Keeping the number of drunk drivers low has outsized benefits. “Although alcohol-related crashes accounted for approximately 7% of the total crashes in 2020, they resulted in 26% of all persons fatally injured in crashes,” the PA DUI Association noted.

The problem is generally one of youth.

While the number of fatalities involving drunk drivers under the age of 21 has increased in recent years, the youngest drivers aren’t the most likely to die in an alcohol-related crash. Instead, it’s drivers aged 31-35, as well as drivers aged 26-30. Those two groups account for 80% of driver fatalities in alcohol-involved crashes.

Overall, drivers ages 21-35 had the most crashes connected to alcohol.

On the bright side, however, underaged and drinking drivers in crashes have fallen dramatically. In 2011, 943 crashes happened that involved drivers who were drinking and underaged. By 2020, only 441 crashes occurred.

Nationally, Pennsylvania fares relatively well. It’s 39th in drunk driving crashes and has followed the overall trend of declining crash-fatality rates.

Preventing drunk-driving injuries and deaths depends on a few factors.

Police enforcement is one aspect. “DUI checkpoints are consistently found to reduce crashes,” one study found, and that included non-alcohol-related crashes. 

Cultural beliefs matter, too. 

“Increases in factors associated with anti-alcohol community norms, values, attitudes, and beliefs were related to decreases in alcohol related crashes at the county level,” Richard J. Stringer, a professor of sociology and criminal justice at Kennesaw State University, argued. “Conversely, measures associated with pro-alcohol factors were related to increased alcohol-related crashes.”

Something overlooked could also play a role: street design. 

“Roadway design has a strong impact on how people drive and is often more influential on driver behavior than the posted speed limit,” Steve Davis of Smart Growth America has noted. When roads and streets have fewer barriers to speed or don’t account for pedestrians or cyclists, they’re put at greater risk.