North Strabane police apprehend woman, boyfriend
A North Strabane Township woman, wanted on several bench warrants, and her boyfriend were taken into custody Saturday after he allegedly helped her elude capture two days earlier when an attempt was made to serve the warrants.
Kristin Joy Harps, 36, and David Michael Hillen, 35, both of 60 Carl Ave., Eighty Four, were taken into custody about 8 p.m. by North Strabane police during a traffic stop for equipment and registration violations after the vehicle Harps was driving was spotted near the intersection of Carl and Helen Street. Police knew she was wanted on warrants.
Police tried to stop the car, but Harps allegedly refused to immediately pull over. She instead drove to her house, parked, got out of the driver’s seat and appeared to reach in the back of the car, police said. She was taken into custody and handcuffed.
Township police accompanied constables Thursday as they went to the couple’s home to serve a bench warrant on Harps for failure to appear on a felony retail theft charge, as well as bench warrants from three other cases.
As they tried to take her into custody, she reportedly jumped out of a window and fled. She was last seen running in the direction of Route 519. The area, including an abandoned barn, was searched, but she was not found. Police said Hillen delayed opening the door, which allowed Harps time to get out the window.
When Harps was taken into custody Saturday, she reportedly told police she had empty heroin stamp bags hidden in her bra. Harps was taken to Washington County jail on the warrants.
Police said a female guard searched her and found the paraphernalia. Harps will be charged by township police with possession of paraphernalia, driving with a suspended license, having expired inspection and failing to immediately stop for police.
Hillen was arraigned before District Judge Robert Redlinger on charges of hindering apprehension and allowing Harps to drive his vehicle without a license.
He was placed in jail on a $5,000 percentage bond. He is scheduled for an April 25 hearing before District Judge Jay Weller.