Police Beat Sept. 4
Box truck crashes: Traffic on Interstate 70 eastbound and Interstate 79 southbound was backed up for miles for more than an hour when a box truck crashed into the back of a disabled tractor-trailer on I-70 just east of the Beau Street exit, South Strabane, about 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, state police said. The driver of the box truck, who was not identified, had to be cut out of the wreckage by South Strabane firefighters, but he was not injured. He told police he took his eyes off the road to look at his global-positioning system.
Fence damaged: Joseph and Nancy Zipko of 790 Berry Road told South Strabane police Wednesday 20 feet of post and rail fence was damaged. The damage estimate is $1,500, police said.
Briefcase stolen: A 47-year-old Union woman told Southwest Regional police her Coach briefcase was stolen from her vehicle while the vehicle was parked at her Route 88 home Wednesday.
Identity stolen: Danielle Ashmore of Washington told Washington police her personal information was used to open accounts at Barclays and XpressBet. She told police $2,050 was charged to the two accounts.
Wallet stolen: James Paruet of Washington told Washington police his wallet was stolen and credit cards used at several businesses in the Washington area. Police have a suspect.
Card stolen: Amy Wright of 445 Fayette St. told Washington police Wednesday her credit card was stolen and used to make a $151.65 purchase.
Warrant arrest: Ryan Wallace, 25, of 617 N. Main St., Washington, was placed in Washington County jail Wednesday on a probation violation after he allegedly was found with a stamp bag of heroin and a scale during a probation compliance check at his home. Washington police plan to file drug charges against him.
Gun stolen: Lawson Bowser of 309 Tyler Ave. told Washington police Wednesday his Ruger .45-caliber handgun, Samsung Galaxy cellphone and Playstation 3 controllers were stolen in a burglary of his home.
DVR box stolen: Sandy Dyson of 195 Fourth St. told Washington police Wednesday her Comcast DVR box was stolen from the patio of her home.
Teen missing: Justin Gilbert, 13, of 174 Jollick Manor, was reported missing Wednesday to Washington police. He is black, 5 feet, 7 inches tall with a thin build. He was last seen wearing a black shirt and camouflage pants.
Woman assaulted: Grace Africa of 418 E. Maiden St. told Washington police she was assaulted while sitting on the porch of her home. She said a man she knows only as “Trey” demanded money and then slapped her across the face. She told police he is black and in his 20s.
Computer stolen: Cory J. Miller, 27, of 1108 Maple Terrace, Washington, will be charged with theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property. Raenna Dewitt told Washington police she loaned a laptop computer to Miller. When she asked for the computer to be returned, Miller allegedly told her another man drove off with it in the bed of his truck. Upon further investigation, police said they found the computer at Route 19 E-Z Cash, where Miller allegedly sold it for $50, signing his name, date of birth and address to a merchandise sheet. Charges will be sent by summons.