2 city brothers, 15-year-old boy charged
Two Washington brothers and a 15-year-old Washington boy all face charges after city police said they found a stolen gun and suspected heroin while checking on the welfare of people reportedly involved in a fight outside a Maple Terrace residence early Saturday.
Brandon Cohen, 19, of 131 Maple Terrace, was arrested on charges of receiving stolen property and selling or furnishing alcohol to minors. His brother, Terrance Cohen, 27, of Fayette Street, was taken into custody on bench and domestic relations warrants. The 15-year-old boy was taken into custody on a juvenile probation detainer.
Police were called about 12:15 a.m. for a report of a large fight in front of 131 Maple Terrace. Officer Matthew Karlowsky, who filed the charges against Brandon Cohen, said the 19-year-old indicated the fight was in front of his home and invited police in to check on the welfare of the people inside his home.
Karlowsky said he noticed the 15-year-old had a holster and was drinking alcohol. The gun was found under some clothing and other items on an L-shaped couch in the residence, police said. Brandon Cohen allegedly told Karlowsky he had stolen the gun earlier Friday and had given the weapon to the boy.
The gun had been reported stolen Friday to South Strabane Township police. The owner, Jesse Bails of Washington, told police that the 9 mm Smith & Wesson semi-automatic handgun had been in the console of his vehicle when it was stolen. Bails’ vehicle had been parked in the lot at Walmart, Trinity Point.
Terrance Cohen had been on the second floor and came down the steps. He reportedly admitted to police he had the warrants. When he was searched, police said they found seven bundles of suspected heroin in his pockets.
Brandon Cohen was arraigned before District Judge Ethan Ward and placed in Washington County jail on $100,000 bond. He is scheduled for a June 27 preliminary hearing before District Judge Robert Redlinger. Terrance Cohen, who was placed in jail on the warrants, will be charged by Karlowsky later with possession and possession with intent to deliver heroin. The 15-year-old was released to County sheriff’s deputies, who took him to a juvenile detention center.