Crash
PAXINOS -A Sunbury man escaped injury after snowy weather caused him to lose control of his car on Route 61 around 7:35 a.m. Saturday.
State police said William Bielski, 23, will be cited with failing to drive at a safe speed after his Pontiac Sunfire slid on slush-covered Route 61 near the intersection of Route 487 in Shamokin Township and collided with a guardrail.
Driver injured
TREVORTON ROAD - Christopher Kern, 34, of 1435 Pulaski Ave., Coal Township, suffered injuries when the 2000 Volkswagen Beetle he was driving traveled off Route 225 (Trevorton Road) into a yard and struck two parked vehicles at 1839 Trevorton Road Sunday night.
Coal Township police said Kern was driving north at 8:54 p.m. when he lost control of the car, which hit a 1996 Ford truck that was pushed into a 2013 Volkswagen. The vehicles are owned by Kathleen and Todd Kinney, of 1839 Trevorton Road.
Kern was transported by AREA Services Ambulance to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, where he underwent emergency room treatment before being released.
Kern's car was towed from the scene by East End Auto.
The accident remains under investigation.
Driver flees
THARPTOWN - Township police are searching for the driver of a vehicle that struck guardrail along Route 61 at the Brewery Curve at 10:18 a.m. Saturday.
Police said the operator was traveling south when his or her vehicle exited the road and hit guardrail before fleeing.
The driver is requested to call Coal Township police at 570-644-0333.
Jacker caught
MANHEIM - A 22-year-old Mifflinburg man accused in a car-jacking at a gas station near Milton was apprehended in Manheim Borough, Lancaster County.
Ryan Clayton was apprehended following a hit-and-run crash about 6:30 a.m. Monday, for which he is charged with receiving stolen property and accident-related offenses. He was driving a 2008 Ford Edge that he allegedly robbed from a woman in Kelly Township, Union County.
State police at Milton said Clayton pulled Corrinne Rank, 60, of Milton, from inside the sport-utility vehicle about 8:20 p.m. Sunday. He jumped into the vehicle and drove off from the Sunoco Gas Station and fled west on Crossroads Drive (Route 1004). Rank suffered a minor injury. Robbery-related charges are pending.
Strikes plow
LAVELLE - Two Ashland men escaped injury in a crash on Main Street (Route 4027) involving a state-owned snow plow.
According to state police at Frackville, Garrett Vandemark, 21, was driving west and rounding a slight right turn onto Main Street, near Barry Road, about 7:30 a.m. Monday when he observed an oncoming PennDOT plow truck and applied his vehicle's brakes. The 2006 Chevrolet Equinox slid into the eastbound path of the 2010 Mack Granite Snowplow and struck its front tire.
The plow truck was driven by Glenn Weinrich, 61. Both men were wearing seat belts, police said. The vehicles sustained minor damages and were driven from the scene.
Hits pole
SELISNGROVE - State police at Selinsgrove said a Sunbury woman was driving too fast on a snow-covered Route 35 when she wrecked a pickup truck into a utility pole about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday in Penn Township, Snyder County.
Destini E. Whary, 22, will be cited for driving too fast for conditions. Police said she was driving north near Sand Hill Road, about one mile west of Selinsgrove Speedway, when she lost control of a 1999 Mazda B4000. She was wearing a seat belt and suffered a minor injury, police said. DH&L Ambulance assisted.
2 crash
HUMMELS WHARF - A Sunbury woman will be cited for running a traffic light near the Susquehanna Mall and striking another vehicle.
State police at Selinsgrove said Constance J. Benner, 72, was driving north on the Susquehanna Trail (Routes 11/15) in a 2011 Ford Escape when she ran the traffic light at Roosevelt Avenue about 1 p.m. Sunday and struck a 2015 Subaru Forester driven by Annette H. Shively, 63, of Mifflinburg. Police said both women were wearing seat belts. The Subaru was towed.
Lost control
SELINSGROVE - A Sunbury woman lost control of her vehicle Monday on Routes 11/15 and crashed into a concrete barrier in Union Township, Snyder County.
State police at Selinsgrove said Carolyn R. Epler, 55, was driving a 2002 Chrysler Concord south about 9:45 p.m., between Aqueduct Road and Lauver Lane, when the vehicle slid onto the shoulder and struck the barrier before spinning clockwise and striking the barrier a second time. The vehicle continued to spin before coming to rest.
Epler was wearing a seat belt and was not injured, police said. She will be cited with violating the traffic code, driving vehicle at a safe speed.
Driver critical
WHITE DEER TOWNSHIP - A Shamokin man remains in critical condition at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, following a crash involving his vehicle and a Mack truck on Interstate 80 near White Deer Township, Union County at 9:55 a.m. Friday.
State police at Milton report a 2013 Ford Focus, driven by Clinton Geist, 31, of Shamokin, was traveling north on State Route 8004, the ramp between Route 15 and Interstate 80 while a 2013 Mack truck, driven by Russell L. Booker, 56, of Scottsdale, and towing two trailers, was traveling east on Interstate 80 in the right eastbound lane.
Police said Geist's vehicle left the ramp in a northeasterly direction and entered a grassy area near it, then spun clockwise. The left front portion of the Focus then struck the wooden post of a traffic sign. After impact, Geist continued on across the merge lane and entered Booker's lane of travel. The truck's front right portion then struck the rear right of the Focus. The crash caused the Focus to spin again and it struck a guardrail adjacent to the south berm before coming to a stop.
After the impact, the truck traveled into the left eastbound lane of Interstate 80 and the second trailer partially left the roadway, then traveled 360 feet before flipping onto its left side and striking a bridge rail. The truck continued on before leaving the roadway and coming to rest on the south berm.
Geist was transported to Geisinger by White Deer Township Ambulance. Booker was not injured in the crash. Police reported that Geist will be cited for a traffic violation in the crash.
Two students cited
COAL TOWNSHIP - Police cited two 12-year-old females for disorderly conduct after the two engaged in a fight at Shamokin Area Middle/High School Jan. 20. The citations were filed with Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, of Shamokin.
DUI charges filed
SHAMOKIN - Ralph H. Goodison, 48, of 2133 Spruce Road, Sunbury, was charged with two counts of driving under the influence, and cited accidents involving damage to attended property, accidents involving damage to unattended property, reckless driving and careless driving based on the investigation into a hit-and-run crash Dec. 8 in the 200 block of West Sunbury Street.
Shamokin City Police Patrolman William Zalinski reported officers responded to a hit-and-run accident and found Goodison in the area of South Pearl Street with his driver side door open, leaning in the vehicle.
Police determined that Goodison had struck three vehicles, two of which were occupied at the time, a PPL uility pole and a state traffic sign.
After being taken to a local hospital for treatment, police drew blood for chemical testing. Results showed that Goodison's blood contained methamphetamine, amphetamine and oxycodone at the time of the accident.
The charges were filed with Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, of Shamokin, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for Feb. 24.
Disorderly conduct
SHAMOKIN - Daniel Lee Stevens, 51, of 109 S. Market St., Shamokin, will face two counts of disorderly conduct and a public drunkenness charge after an incident at 4:20 p.m. Friday at Sundance Vacations, in the Mill Road Square complex, in the 500 block of North Franklin Street.
Shamokin City Police Cpl. Bryan Primerano reported a female from Sundance walked into the city police station, also in the Mill Road Square complex and reported Stevens was just at their businesss and was holding an item that he stated was a bomb and it was going to explode.
Upon arrival, Stevens handed the item over to the police, which was determined to not be a bomb or explosive. Primerano noted Stevens was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time.
After being placed in a holding cell at the police station, Stevens allegedly clenched his fist, took an aggressive stance and threatened to punch police before taking off all his clothes and going to sleep.
A preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III is scheduled for Feb. 24.
Code violations
SHAMOKIN - Three individuals were cited by City Police Cpl. Bryan Primerano on Jan. 18 for violating Shamokin's public nuisance ordinance.
- Richard K. Miller, 41 of 395 Old Route 15, Port Trevorton, was cited for his property at 102 S. Pearl St.
- Vernon Hoke, 60, of 716 E. Dewart St., Shamokin, was cited for his property at 113-115 S. Pearl St.
- John E. McCabe, of 59 Floyd Street, Staten Island, N.Y., was cited for his property at 116 S. Pearl St.
Drug paraphernalia
SHAMOKIN - Brandon J. Menne, 22, of 18 S. Market St., Apt. 3, Shamokin, and Holly E. Madden, 24, of 417 Main St., Ranshaw, were charged by Patrolman Raymond Siko II with possession of drug paraphernalia relating to a Jan. 20 incident at Menne's apartment.
Police said 12 syringes and two clear plastic containers containing residue of heroin were found at the apartment.
Multiple charges
SHAMOKIN - Michael P. Rutkowski, 27, of 1149 W. Independence St., Coal Township, has been charged by Cpl. Jarrod Scandle with institutional vandalism, public drunkenness, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest relating to disturbances that occurred early Saturday at Independence Fire Company and Shamokin Police Station.
According to a criminal complaint filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, Rutkowski refused several orders by police to place his hands behind his back to be handcuffed after being found under the influence of alcohol in the vestibule of the fire company shortly before 3 a.m.
While in a holding cell at the police station, police said Rutkowski placed a plastic cup in the toilet, blocking the drain. Police reported Rutkowski continually flushed the toilet, causing the cell area and hallway to flood with water. Officers had to remove the water and dry the area.
Charges filed
SHAMOKIN - Patrolman Raymond Siko II has filed charges of criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and possession of drug paraphernalia against Brett Michael Kline, 21, of Mahanoy City, in connection with a Jan. 16 disturbance at 46 Raspberry Hill.
Police said Kline caused approximately $400 damage to a lock on a door and fled the residence while claiming to be in possession of a handgun. Kline was taken into custody by police at McDonald's on Route 61, where he was found possessing a pocket knife and glass smoking pipe containing burnt residue. No handgun was discovered.
Retail theft
COAL TOWNSHIP - Antonina Parisio, 59, of 997 Bear Gap Road, Elysburg, was charged with retail theft by Coal Township Police.
Patrolman Chad Yoder said Parisio placed several cans of frappuccino, salad items and snack cakes into her purse and left Walmart Supercenter, Coal Township, at around 12:08 p.m. Jan. 1. The items are valued at $32.16.
Phone, DVDs stolen
SHAMOKIN DAM - State police at Selinsgrove are investigating the theft of a Nintendo Wii, Atari game system, I-phone 5C and approximately 100 Blu-ray DVDs from Carmen Ayala-Torres, of 3268 N. Old Trail Road, Shamokin Dam, Jan. 18.
Two vehicle crash
MONROE TOWNSHIP - A Coal Township woman suffered a minor injury in a two-vehicle crash on the North Susquehanna Trail at the intersection with Lori Lane at 7:45 a.m. Thursday.
State police at Selinsgrove report a 2011 Toyota Corolla, driven by Christina M. Fischetti, 37, of Freeburg, was stopped in the left southbound lane of state routes 11 and 15 at the intersection with Lori Lane, while a 2007 GMC Envoy, driven by Desiree R. Ignaszewski, 21, of Coal Township, was also stopped behind Fischetti. Police say Ignaszewski traveled forward, striking the rear of Fischetti's car.
Ignaszewski suffered a minor injury in the crash, and was cited for following too closely.
Burns cross
ELIZABETHVILLE - State police at Lykens are continuing their search for the person(s) responsible for placing a two-foot cross on the front lawn of Ashley Yvette Brooks, of 249 Greenfield Estates, Elizabethville, and setting it on fire at 6 p.m. Jan. 22.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call state police at 717-362-8700.
Registration violation
KULPMONT - Patrolman David Tomtishen has charged April Lee Ortega, 41, of 727 Spruce St., Kulpmont, with unauthorized transfer or use of registration and altering a plate relating to a Dec. 4 traffic stop in the 900 block of Spruce Street.
Police reported Ortega, whose driver's license is suspended, had a fraudulent sticker on her license plate.
Two-vehicle crash
MONROE TOWNSHIP - A Coal Township woman suffered a minor injury in a two-vehicle crash on the North Susquehanna Trail at the intersection with Lori Lane at 7:45 a.m. Thursday.
State police at Selinsgrove report a 2011 Toyota Corolla, driven by Desiree R. Ignaszewski, 21, of Coal Township, was stopped in the left southbound lane of state routes 11 and 15 at the intersection with Lori Lane, while a 2007 GMC Envoy, driven by Christina M. Fischetti, 37, of Coal Township, was also stopped behind the Corolla. Police said Fischetti traveled forward, striking the rear of Ignaszewski's car.
Ignaszewski suffered a minor injury in the crash, while Fischetti was cited for following too closely.
(The drivers were incorrectly identified in this release which appeared in Friday's edition. The correct version appears today.)
The Shamokin Police Department reported 3,615 crimes to the Uniform Crime Reporting System between 2005 and 2009 during the tenures of retired chiefs Richard Nichols and John Brown - Nichols for the first year, and Brown the next four. That's compared to 1,514, 58 percent less, under former Chief Edward Griffiths and current Chief Darwin Tobias III, who took over in May 2014.
Shamokin's total crimes reported during the last 10 years is 5,129. Coal Township tallied 5,871 during that time, a difference of 14.5 percent. The number of crimes per year reported for Shamokin ranged from a low of 261 in 2010 to a high of 933 in 2005, a difference of 72 percent. In the township during that time, the range was 463 to 837, a difference of 44.7 percent.
Shamokin reported 8.5 percent more crimes in the first five years compared to Coal Township, but 69.4 percent less in the last five years.
But the numbers are on the rise. The first four months of 2014 saw 74 crimes reported, a rate of 18.5 a month. The monthly rate for the last eight months rose to 38.5 with 308 total crimes reported. There were 27 crimes reported in January through the middle of last week.
Reached Friday, Griffiths defended the data, expressed pride in it, and said it was a testament to the work of the department's officers. Policing, he said, isn't only about reporting crime and making arrests; prevention is a major role, and that's not reflected in the figures.
Tobias said last week the figures weren't reflective of the amount of work being performed by officers. Mayor William D. Milbrand believes the data is inaccurate, and opposes suggestions to close the department overnight or end minimum staffing requirements.
- Eric Scicchitano
Crash
MILTON - A Bloomsburg man escaped injury in a rollover crash Tuesday south of Milton in West Chillisquaque Township.
State police at Milton reported Sunday that Patrick F. Anderson, 28, was driving a 2003 Saturn Ion south on Route 147 near Route 405 when about 7:10 a.m., he lost control on the icy roadway while rounding a left curve. The vehicle left the roadway, struck a small tree and rolled onto its roof.
Anderson was cited for violating the traffic code, driving vehicle at safe speed. The vehicle was towed.
Crash
COAL TOWNSHIP - William McAndrew, of Mount Carmel, escaped injury after his vehicle slid from Route 901 near Industrial Park Road and collided with a fence shortly after 11 p.m. Sunday.
His vehicle was towed from the scene by Joe's Auto Body.
Hit and run
COAL TOWNSHIP - Coal Township police are asking for information in locating a blue vehicle, possibly a Volkswagen, with damage to the driver side front tire and quarter panel area after it was involved in a hit-and-run accident early Sunday morning on the 1600 block of Tioga Street.
The vehicle was traveling west on Tioga Street when it struck a parked 2004 Toyota, pushing it into a 2009 Chevrolet, police said. The suspect vehicle left the scene of the accident.
The Toyota sustained moderate damage to the driver side wheel area and was towed from the scene of the accident, police said. The Chevrolet sustained minor damage to the front bumper area.
Anyone with information about the accident is asked to contact the Coal Township police at 570-644-0333.
DUI
MOUNT CARMEL - Joseph Victor Kolasa, 40, of 461 Tamarack Road, Renovo, was charged with a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence and summary counts of accidents to unattended property, reckless driving, careless driving and driving with a licenses suspended for a previous DUI by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Keith Tamborelli after he allegedly struck a guard rail on Route 54 near Natalie in the early morning hours of Oct. 10.
Tamborelli said an EMS unit from Schuylkill County found Kolasa sitting in his vehicle with the lights on in the parking lot of Superior Oil. Kolasa refused treatment and EMS contacted police.
When Tamborelli pulled up, Kolasa exited his vehicle and began walking in front of it. Kolasa appeared intoxicated but refused a field sobriety test and a blood test. Several open containers were in the vehicle and one was in the cup holder.
Kolasa told Tamborelli he had not been driving but Tamborelli found keys to the vehicle in the area where Kolasa had been walking in front of the car.
Kolasa said he didn't remember any guard rails and his car had a tire blow out. Tamborelli said debris from Kolasa's vehicle was all over the roadway in the location where the accident occurred.
DUI
MOUNT CARMEL - Alexia Lauren Wheary, 19, of 1529 Pulaski Ave., Coal Township, was charged with a misdemeanor count of DUI and summary offenses of failing to yield for an emergency vehicle, trespass by motor vehicle, careless driving and underage drinking by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Keith Tamborelli after the officer said he found her driving while intoxicated on a logging road posted with no trespassing signs near Brennan's Farm Road around 2 a.m. on Oct. 12.
Tamborelli said Wheary attempted to flee in her vehicle after he activated his emergency lights and signals. Other police joined in the pursuit and used their vehicles to box her in. She was taken to the Shamokin Police Station where she failed field sobriety tests. Her mother came to pick her up, police said.
Theft, criminal conspiracy
MOUNT CARMEL - Brian William Wolfe, 32, of 837 Chestnut St., Apt. 3, Kulpmont, and David J. Swatski Jr., 32, of 126 S. Main St., Herndon, were each charged with misdemeanor counts of criminal conspiracy, theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property and a summary offense of criminal trespass by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Matthew Filarski for allegedly stealing metal from Mallard Contracting Company Inc. at around 11 a.m. Jan 5.
Filarski said an employee of Mallard Contracting Co. witnessed a dark-colored Subaru on the property with two males loading metal into their vehicle. A receipt from Jeff's Recycling showed Wolfe had sold 600 pounds of steel for $63 on Jan. 8. Wolfe also owned a black Subaru matching the employee's description, police said.
Filarski said Wolfe admitted to stealing the metal and taking it to Jeff's Recycling Center and identified Swatski as his co-conspirator.
Swatski denied involvement but was identified by an employee at Jeff's Recycling Center as being in the vehicle during the sale of the metal and was shown standing at the sale window on surveillance footage.
Wolfe was also charged with trespass by motor vehicle for driving the car on land posted with no trespassing signs. The metal taken was valued at $1,435.20.
Bad checks
MOUNT CARMEL - Jessica Lynn Kemper, 44, of 331 E. Third St., Mount Carmel, was charged with a misdemeanor count of writing bad checks by Mount Carmel Township Police Chief Brian Hollenbush for allegedly writing a check to Mostik Disposal for $275 on June 3 without enough funds in her account.
Hollenbush said he became involved with the incident after Kemper failed to complete the District Attorney's Advent Bad Check Program and has not contributed any money toward the deficit.
DUI, drug paraphernalia
MOUNT CARMEL - Tyler Abraham Heitzman, 29, 680 Hebe Bypass Road, Herndon, was charged by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Matthew Filarski with two counts of driving under the influence, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving with a suspended license, failure to obey traffic signals and violating the open container law for an incident that occurred at around 3 a.m. Dec. 21 in Locust Summit.
Filarski said Heitzman failed to stop for a red light on Route 901. Police said Heitzman smelled of alcohol and failed multiple field sobriety tests. An open bottle of Woodchuck hard cider and a multi-color glass smoking device were inside the vehicle.
A blood test revealed a blood alcohol concentration of .127 percent.
Underage drinking
SHAMOKIN - Michael Shinskie, 20, of 720 N. Franklin St., Shamokin, was charged with disorderly conduct and underage drinking after he allegedly disturbed the neighborhood and threw a snowball at a neighbor's door at around 6:30 a.m. Monday.
Police said Shinskie admitted to consuming alcohol.
Drug charges
SHAMOKIN - Bryan S. Hornberger III, 21, of 417 S. Coal St., Shamokin, was charged by Cpl. Bryan Primerano with felonies of possession with intent to deliver Spice and criminal use of a communication facility, and a misdemeanor of possession of Spice.
The charges were filed in connection with an incident Friday morning at Hornberger's residence, where police found a plastic bag containing Spice and a cellphone allegedly used to make drug transactions.
DUI charge
COAL TOWNSHIP - Janie Ann Sanders, 36, of 401 Webster St., Ranshaw, was charged by Patrolman Edward Purcell with driving under the influence of a combination of drugs and careless driving relating to a Jan. 16 incident in the 1100 block of West Water Street.
Police said Sanders had Clonazepam, Amino Clonazepam, Alprazolam, Oxycodone-free, Duloxetine and Diphenhydramine in her blood system while operating a vehicle erratically shortly after 4 p.m.
Hit-run, DUI
SHAMOKIN - Charles H. Backes, 54, of 870 W. Mulberry St., Coal Township, was charged by Patrolman Nathan Rhodes with driving under the influence of alcohol, hit and run and careless driving involving an accident in the first block of West Arch Street early Friday.
Backes, who police say refused to submit to a blood test, allegedly hit a parked vehicle with his truck at about 3:30 a.m. before leaving the scene. Backes was stopped by Rhodes a short time later.
Phone lease unpaid
COAL TOWNSHIP - Cpl. Terry Ketchem has charged Christian D. Krych, 20, of 156 E. Independence St., Apt. 3B, Shamokin, with theft of leased property.
Police reported Krych failed to pay $699 for a mobile phone he leased Oct. 17 from Rent-A-Center Inc. at the Plaza at Coal Township.
Fugitive caught
COAL TOWNSHIP - Gerald R. Barnhart, 47, of 343 S. Diamond St., Shamokin, who is wanted in Mississippi, was taken into custody by Patrolman David Sage following a traffic stop at 5:20 p.m. Friday on Route 61 at Tharptown.
Police said Barnhart, whose Pennsylvania driver's license was suspended, was charged by Sage with being a fugitive from justice. Police said he violated his probation conditions in Mississippi.
Guilty pleas
n SHAMOKIN - Cody Hlavaty, 20, of 227 W. Willow St., Shamokin, pleaded guilty Tuesday to possession of drug paraphernalia and was ordered by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III to pay a $300 fine plus costs and placed on supervised probation for one year.
His sentence will run concurrent to any other sentence he is serving.
Hlavaty was charged by Shamokin Patrolman Raymond Siko II in connection with a Nov. 24 incident at Shamokin Police Station.
n SHAMOKIN - Jose Carlos Santiago, 32, of 1219 W. Mulberry St., Coal Township, pleaded guilty Tuesday to a summary of harassment and was ordered by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III to pay a $200 fine plus costs.
Additional charges of simple assault, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct were withdrawn.
Santiago was charged by Shamokin Patrolman Raymond Siko II with assaulting his former girlfriend, Xlomara Alvarado, of 20 E. Lincoln St., and smashing multiple items inside her home Nov. 25.
DUI
WEST CAMERON TOWNSHIP - Justin M. Russell, 33, of 316 Trevorton Road, Shamokin, was charged with two counts of driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license, driving on roadways laned for traffic, driving a vehicle at safe speed and careless driving following a Dec. 20 accident on Lower Road.
Trooper David Boucher, of the Stonington State Police barracks reported in court documents Russell allegedly told police he drank a 12-pack of beer before driving. Blood testing showed his blood alcohol level to be .175 percent.
The charges were filed with Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones of Mount Carmel, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 4.
Hindering arrest
KULPMONT - Two counts of hindering apprehension or prosecution were filed against Alonzo F. Watts, 49, of 1025 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, by borough police.
Kulpmont Police Chief Michael Pitcavage reported in court documents Watts allegedly lied to police when identifying his son, Diondre Watts, calling him by a different name knowing Diondre had several warrants against him.
A preliminary hearing is set for Feb. 25 before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, Mount Carmel.
Two cited for fight
SHAMOKIN - Alexander Spence, 23, of 242 S. Pearl St., Shamokin, and a 17-year-old Shamokin male were cited for disorderly conduct and harassment after the two engaged in a fight at Spence's residence at 11:09 a.m. Wednesday. The citation was filed by Shamokin Police Patrolman Raymond Siko II.
Harassment
PILLOW - State police are investigating incidents of harassment by a man from Texas toward a village woman.
State police at Lykens said Jennifer Andino, 30, of Pillow, received several texts, calls and emails from a known 49-year-old male from Texas between 2:30 and 6 a.m. Wednesday. Andino told police the male has done this on numerous occasions and she had asked him to stop several times.
ATM card theft
ELYSBURG - Ralpho Township Police charged Bradley J. Hine, 18, of 2103 Airport Road, Elysburg, with theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and access device fraud after a Dec. 12 incident at his residence.
Police reported in court documents Hine allegedly took his mother's ATM card from her vehicle's glove compartment and tried to remove $80 from the account. The ATM confiscated the card after three unsuccessful attempts.
The charges were filed by township police Patrolman Chris Dailey with Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, of Mount Carmel. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 25.
Harassment
SHAMOKIN - Jose C. Santiago, 32, of 1219 W. Mulberry St., Shamokin, was cited for harassment by Patrolman Raymond Siko II after an incident Nov. 25, when he allegedly struck and shoved Xionna Alvarado, 32, of Shamokin, at a Lincoln Street residence.
DUI
ATLAS - Thomas F. Kruskie, 53, of 126 E. Columbia Ave., faces DUI charges after an incident at his residence Dec. 5.
According to court documents filed by Mount Carmel Township Police Patrolman Brian Carnuccio, Kruskie took a pickup truck owned by his son, Tyler Kruskie, without permission. Police found Thomas Kruskie in Mount Carmel Borough and took him into custody.
At the township police station, Kruskie became belligerent, telling police he wouldn't take any tests and saying he could beat them up if he didn't have the handcuffs on.
Carnuccio charged Kruskie with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, driving under the influence and driving while operating privilege is suspended. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 25 before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, of Mount Carmel.
Retail theft
COAL TOWNSHIP - James Abney, 20, of Shamokin, was cited for retail theft by township police for allegedly stealing $119.60 worth of food from Walmart while employed there.
DUI
STRONG - Eric R. McAndrew, 29, of 1241 Poplar St., Kulpmont, was charged with two counts of driving under the influence, driving on roadways laned for traffic and careless driving after a traffic stop in Strong at 2:39 a.m. Nov. 15.
Mount Carmel Township Police Patrolman Kelly Campbell reported in court documents a Ralpho Township officer observed McAndrew operating a vehicle that was straddling the center line of Route 61 and driving at a slow rate of speed. Campbell was called to the scene and administered field sobriety tests, which McAndrew allegedly failed.
McAndrew was taken for chemical testing, which showed his blood alcohol level to be .237 percent.
The charges were filed with Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, of Mount Carmel, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for March 4.
Guilty plea
MOUNT CARMEL - Gerald R. Barnhart, 47, of 343 S. Diamond St., Shamokin, was sentenced to 12 months probation and ordered to pay a $200 fine and court costs after pleading guilty to a charge of misbranding a controlled substance in a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, of Mount Carmel, Wednesday.
The charges were filed by Kulpmont Police Patrolman David Tomtishen following a traffic stop in the area of Second and Chestnut streets, Kulpmont, July 20.
Charges of altered, forged or counterfeit documents and plates, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, exceeding maximum speed limits, driving without a license, driving an unregistered vehicle and driving without required financial responsibility were withdrawn in the case.
Deer accident
LOWER AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP - An Elizabethville woman suffered a minor injury in a crash involving a deer at 9:30 p.m. Saturday on Route 147 near Boyles Run Road.
State police at Stonington said a 2007 Nissan Altima, driven by Michelle E. Florczyk, 36, of Elizabethville, was traveling on Route 147 when it struck a deer that had run onto the road.
Florczyk's passengers, John Cade, 41, of Elmira, N.Y., and a 16-year-old female were not injured in the accident.
Grandmother assaulted
THARPTOWN - Brandon Strausser, 33, of 231 Center St., Tharptown, was charged by Patrolman Chad Yoder with simple assault and harassment after he allegedly grabbed his 78-year-old grandmother, Ruth Latsha, by the hair and threw her onto a couch and floor before striking her head off a wall several times at their home.
Latsha suffered injuries to her face, hands and ribs, police said.
The assault occurred at about 4 p.m. Friday.
Strausser was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones of Mount Carmel and committed to Snyder County Prison in lieu of $20,000 cash bail.
Penney's worker charged
SELINSGROVE - Christina Fischetti, 37, of Freeburg, has been charged by state police at Selinsgrove with theft for allegedly stealing $1,374.99 by making false returns at JC Penney's in the Susquehanna Valley Mall while she was employed at the store over the last six weeks.
Hospital disturbance
THARPTOWN - Barry C. Hughes, 44, of 1119 N. Lombard St., Shamokin, will be charged by Coal Township Patrolman Chris Williams with disorderly conduct involving a disturbance at 7:45 a.m. Sunday in the emergency room at Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital.
Police said Hughes cursed and threatened emergency room personnel.
Teens charged in fight
COAL TOWNSHIP - A 13-year-old male will be charged by Coal Township police with simple assault and harassment relating to a fight shortly before 1 p.m. Jan. 22 at Shamokin Area Middle/High School.
Police said another 13-year-old male involved in the fight will be charged with harassment.
Car theft
MOUNT CARMEL - Charges were filed last week against a borough man accused in two September car thefts within a four-day period.
Edward J. Kleman, 28, of Mount Carmel, is accused of stealing a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu from Kyle Patrick Sept. 12 or Sept. 13. The vehicle was parked outside 113 N. Locust St. Kleman and Michael McGinley, who is not yet charged in the case, were apprehended on Sept. 14 by Virginia state troopers following a vehicle and foot pursuit. The vehicle was crashed and sustained severe damages, according to police. Restitution of $2,000 is sought.
Kleman was arraigned Thursday before Magisterial District Judge Hugh A. Jones on felony counts of burglary, conspiracy, trespass, theft and receiving stolen property. He also was charged with a misdemeanor of loitering and prowling at night, and remanded to jail on $10,000 bail. All charges were filed by Mount Carmel Lt. Christopher Buhay.
Police said Kleman stole a 2011 Chevy Aveo shortly before 6 a.m. Sept. 9 that was parked with its engine running outside Turkey Hill at Fifth and Market streets. The vehicle was owned by David Slotterback, and was found Sept. 11 on the outskirts of the borough. About $720 in restitution is sought for various items missing from inside the vehicle.
He was arraigned on felony counts of theft and receiving stolen property and a misdemeanor count of theft from motor vehicle. Separate bail was set at $10,000.
Preliminary hearings in both cases are scheduled for today.
Scattered rubbish
MOUNT CARMEL - John T. Guise Jr., 52, of 215 E. Fifth St., was cited by Chief Todd L. Owens with scattering rubbish. Guise is accused of dumping bags of household trash about 1:30 p.m. Jan. 29 into a Dumpster leased by Community Pharmacy, 49 S. Oak St. His name was discovered on several items in the trash.
Neighborhood dispute
MOUNT CARMEL - Kelly A. McCormick, 27, of 309 S. Market St., was cited by Lt. Christopher Buhay with harassment. She is accused of repeatedly calling names at a neighbor, shoveling snow onto the neighbor's sidewalk and banging on a wall separating their homes.
Ignores commands
MOUNT CARMEL - Kayla Weidow, 25, of 332 S. Market St., was cited by Cpl. David Donkochik with disorderly conduct. She is accused of failing to obey a fire police officer directing traffic during an emergency call about 10:15 p.m. Jan. 29.
Drunken disturbance
MOUNT CARMEL - Andrew Snyder, 47, of 350 S. Vine St., was cited by Patrolman Matthew Dillman with public drunkenness and harassment. He is accused of banging on apartment doors about 2:30 a.m. Friday at 49 S. Oak St. Police said he defecated inside his pants and had no idea where he was.
Liquor theft
MOUNT CARMEL - David H. Cooper, 47, of 416 E. Avenue, was cited by Cpl. David Donkochik with two counts of retail theft for allegedly stealing bottles of Jim Beam whiskey from the State Liquor Store at 136 S. Oak St. on Jan. 31 and Friday.
Suspicious call
SHAMOKIN - A citizen reported receiving a suspicious telephone call from a person claiming to be an officer with the Internal Revenue Service. The caller claimed an arrest warrant existed for the citizen due to unpaid taxes and spoke of settling the matter out of court. The call was reported to local authorities.
Trash charge
MOUNT CARMEL - Marie E. McWilliams, 26, of 309 N. Maple St., was charged by Patrolman William Adamski with scattering rubbish. She is accused of dumping bags of household trash about Jan. 12 in public trash receptacles on Oak Street. Her name was discovered on several items in the trash. Restitution of $10 is sought.
Crash
BURNSIDE - An Elysburg man was cited for a stop sign violation following a crash Tuesday at Route 125 and Burnside Drive in Coal Township.
Harold E. Kase Jr., of 127 S. Maple St., drove a 2005 Peterbilt dump truck from Burnside Drive onto Route 125 and into the oncoming path of a 2008 Chevrolet Colorado driven north by Keith Peifer, of 225 S. Market St., Shamokin.
The crash occurred about 1 p.m., and no injuries were reported. The pickup truck sustained moderate damage and was towed. The dump truck sustained minor damage. Kase was cited for violating the traffic code, duties at stop signs.
SELINSGROVE - The Courtyard Theater will present "Weekend at Withingham's," an audience participation murder mystery dinner, in late February.
The two-hour production involves "a play within a play," said Bob Taylor, the theater's artistic director.
"The setting is in a restaurant, and the audience is watching a dinner theater," Taylor said. "The people are watching a theater company perform a play called 'Weekend at Withingham's.' That's how it starts out."
And then a murder occurs.
As the play progresses, "the audience will be involved in questioning the suspects, and in writing down who did it, and why," Taylor said.
Taylor, who is directing the play, said that Chris Reis has been cast as Warren Deluth; Tara Fulmer as Claudia Trubundis; Alexis Fulmer as Rachel Teirson; Zach Walborn as Peter Quinn; Eric Kerchoff as Robert Whitaker; and Ted McCollum Jr. as Vinny Padula. Taylor will play the part of Dr. Goldstein.
The theater will present three performances of "Weekend at Withingham's." The show dates are: Feb. 27 and 28 and March 1.
The Friday and Saturday shows will begin at 7 p.m., and the Sunday performance will be a matinee, starting at 2 p.m. Tickets will cost $35 and will include a three-course meal catered by Garfield's Restaurant and Pub.
The theater is located in the Susquehanna Valley Mall. Call the box office for reservations at 570-374-0060. Reservations are required. Cash and credit cards accepted.
Drugs
MOUNT CARMEL - Kaitlyn Ann Else, 26, of 731 Scott St., Trevorton, was charged by Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Kelly Campbell with a felony count of hindering apprehension or prosecution, two misdemeanor counts of possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia and a misdemeanor of possession of a controlled substance for an incident occurring at around 1 p.m. June 10 at 149 E. Saylor St.
Police reported Else was found in possession of a glass smoking device, a clear light bulb containing burnt residue, several clear and blue Ziploc bags commonly used to package illegal substances, a black travel case with several syringes and a clear plastic container with black electrical tape around it and a clear liquid inside it.
Police said Damien Michael Slovick, of 149 E. Saylor St., Atlas, and Bryan Scott Shedaker, 30, of Pittsburgh, were previously charged with the same offenses.
Assault, harassment
SHAMOKIN - Penny Jean Miller, 47, and Rebecca Miller, 22, both of 308 S. Fifth St., Shamokin, have each been charged with a misdemeanor count of simple assault and a summary offense of harassment for a fight that occurred at around 1:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at their home.
Penny told police she had been arguing with Rebecca, who reportedly suffers from behavioral disorders and had not taken her medication, according to court documents. The argument escalated and Rebecca allegedly punched Penny with a closed fist. Each said the other had assaulted her during a physical altercation and both had physical injuries when police arrived.
Children and Youth Services responded to the house due to the arrest of both adults and living conditions that included several weapons, a loaded fire arm, garbage and insects.
While being interviewed by police, Penny suffered what appeared to be a seizure and was taken to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital. Rebecca was taken to the Shamokin police department, where she provided a written statement and was released.
Drug paraphernalia
SHAMOKIN - Loni Jo Hornberger, 35, of 651 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, was charged by Shamokin police with possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia for an incident that occurred at around 3:30 p.m. Monday at 46 Adams St.
Northumberland County Adult Probation alerted police to the house after they located a missing juvenile and narcotics during a home visit. Officers said Hornberger was found in possession of a bluish-colored straw commonly used for snorting controlled substances. The straw contained a white powder residue, and Hornberger said it was several medications crushed and inhaled through the straw, police said.
A second female, Donna Shaffer, was found to be in possession of two round pink pills, identified as Oxycodone, and white powder residue around her nasal cavities, said police. She was taken into custody by probation officers.
The juvenile was in position of a white powder substance in a clear baggy stored under a pack of cigarettes, said police. He was turned over to Montour County Probation, who has been searching for the youth.
Scattering rubbish
COAL TOWNSHIP - Two individuals have been charged by Coal Township Police for scattering rubbish. In both cases, the trash was found in the mountain area behind Coal Run on land owned by the Susquehanna Coal Company, Marion Heights.
Robert F. Santore, 51, of 217 Third St., Coal Township, was charged after allegedly dumping household trash sometime between Nov. 10 and Jan. 6.
Timothy Kopp, 27, of 719 E. Dewart St., Shamokin, was charged after allegedly depositing and burning household trash sometime between March 14 and Jan. 6.
Drug paraphernalia
SHAMOKIN - Randy B. Elliot II, 25, of 1240 Poplar St., Kulpmont, was charged by Patrolman Raymond Siko II with possession of drug paraphernalia during an incident at 4:30 p.m. Monday in the 900 block of North Shamokin Street.
Police reported Elliot possessed four syringes commonly used to inject heroin, a silver spoon and four blue packets commonly used to package heroin.
Stepmom assaulted
SHAMOKIN - Cpl. Bryan Primerano has charged Belinda Smith, 22, of 403 S. Fifth St., Shamokin, with simple assault, stalking and disorderly conduct relating to a disturbance shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday.
According to a criminal complaint filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, Smith is accused of punching, choking and biting her stepmother, Susan Poltenovage, threatening to kill her with a kitchen knife and removing a credit card and cash from her purse at 403 S. Fifth St.
Scrap metal stolen
RIVERSIDE - Two Shamokin men have been charged with stealing scrap metal valued at $741 from 615 Ave. E Sept. 22.
Thomas E. Mowery, 51, and Caleb V. Robinson, 31, both of 708 Kase St., were charged by Riverside Officer Jennifer Goss with theft, receiving stolen property and criminal trespass for taking the scrap metal belonging to David Martin.
Mowery and Robinson were arraigned Wednesday by Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones and released on $10,000 unsecured bail apiece.
Retail theft
MOUNT CARMEL - Heather R. Crumb, 29, of 106 Wall St., Danville, was cited by police Chief Todd Owens for retail theft for allegedly attempting to steal 10 DVDs and 12 lollipops from the Dollar General store, 240 S. Market St., at 3:23 p.m. Thursday.
Police said store employees caught Crumb placing the items valued at $60.50 in her purse prior to leaving the store.
Dog loose
SHAMOKIN - Ashley Mutschler, 29, of 239 W. Pine St., was cited by Patrolman Scott Weaver for allowing her pit bull to run loose in her neighborhood about 2 p.m. Sunday.
Supermarket thefts
SHAMOKIN - Two teenage boys, a 15-year-old from Excelsior and a 17-year-old from Shamokin, were cited by Cpl. Jarrod Scandle with retail theft for allegedly stealing a combined $68.99 in merchandise from Weis Markets about 8 p.m. Feb. 7.
Foul language
SHAMOKIN - Barry C. Hughes, 44, of 1119 N. Lombard St., was cited by Cpl. Jarrod Scandle with disorderly conduct. Hughes is accused of using obscene language toward police officers during an incident outside his home about 8:10 p.m. Feb. 6.
Liquor law violations
KULPMONT - Jan Sobieski Society, 35 S. 10th St., Kulpmont, was cited Dec. 12 by the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement for several liquor law violations committed between Jan. 1 and Dec. 8, 2014.
The club was cited for failing to adhere to by-laws, failing to maintain complete and truthful records covering the operation of the licensed business for two years immediately preceding Dec. 8, 2014, failing to maintain records in conformity with the provisions of the liquor code and Title 40 of the Pennsylvania Code, failing to return its catering club liquor license to the board after the licensed establishment had not been in operation for 15 consecutive days between Oct. 26 and Nov. 21, 2014, and failing to have a board-approved manager complete Responsible Alcohol Management Program (RAMP) training within 180 days of the board's approval of the appointment.
The charges will be brought before an administrative law judge who has the authority to impose penalties ranging from $50 to $1,000 for minor offenses and up to $5,000 for more serious offenses.
Retail theft
COAL TOWNSHIP - Patrolman Chris Lapotsky has charged Joshua Tagliaboski, 26, of 130 N. Nice St., Frackville, with retail theft for allegedly stealing $283.44 in merchandise from Walmart Supercenter at 11:25 a.m. Feb. 3.
Hit and run
COAL TOWNSHIP - Police here are investigating a hit-and-run accident that occurred between 5 p.m. Friday and 11:30 a.m. Saturday in the 1200 block of West Holly Street.
Police said a parked black 2005 Chrysler 300 sedan was struck by a vehicle on its passenger side front bumper, causing moderate damage.
Anyone with information about the accident is urged to call Coal Township police at 570-644-0333.
Retail theft at Giant
SELINSGROVE - Shylo Aikey, 21, of Selinsgrove, was charged by state police at Selinsgrove with retail theft for allegedly stealing $199.12 in merchandise from Giant in Monroe Market Place at 2:15 p.m. Saturday.
Stalking
COAL TOWNSHIP - State police at Stonington reported four female staff members at SCI-Coal Township received unwanted phone calls of a sexual nature between Oct. 8 and Thursday.
No other information was released about the alleged stalking incidents that continue to be investigated.
Theft of services
STONINGTON - Shawnee Pennycoff, 32, and Donna Pennycoff, 66, both of 1330 W. Walnut St., Coal Township, were charged by state police at Stonington with theft of services for allegedly leaving a 55-gallon trash can full of household garbage at Northumberland Memorial Park on Route 61 Feb. 10.
Crash details
STONINGTON - State police here have released details involving a three-vehicle accident Saturday night on Route 61 between Reading Turnpike and Valley Road in Shamokin Township.
Police said a 17-year-old Huntington Mills male was driving a 1994 GMC S-10 pickup truck north on Route 61 in the southbound lanes at 8:22 p.m. when Daniel H. Kritzer, 50, of Herndon, who was operating a 2000 Volkswagen Passat south in the left lane of the highway, swerved in an attempt to avoid a head-on collision with the truck.
Police said the truck then struck the left side of the Passat, causing it to rotate approximately 180 degrees counter-clockwise before coming to rest in the right southbound lane, facing east. After colliding with the Passat, the truck struck a 2011 Buick Enclave head-on driven south by Gregory Lubeskie, 41, of Kulpmont. Police said Lubeskie's vehicle had been traveling behind the Passat.
The truck and Enclave then traveled across a concrete median into the northbound lanes of Route 61 before coming to rest in the median and left northbound lane of the highway, facing east.
Trooper Samuel Edwards, who investigated the crash, said the 17-year-old truck driver, three passengers in the Passat including Sherri Kritzer, 44, of Herndon, an 11-year-old Herndon boy and a 16-year-old Herndon girl, and two passengers in the Enclave, Carole L. Lubeskie, 43, of Kulpmont, and a 4-year-old Kulpmont boy who was in a child safety seat, suffered minor to moderate injuries and were transported to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital.
Daniel Kritzer and Gregory Lubeskie escaped injury.
All three vehicles were towed from the scene.
The operator of the pickup truck was cited by Edwards for driving on the wrong side of the road.
The police report said the 17-year-old truck driver entered Route 61, but did not indicate what prompted him to travel north in the southbound lanes or from what road or direction he entered the highway.