Police Beat Nov. 21
CALIFORNIA
Assault arrest: Norris R. Williamson, 20, of Philadelphia, was arrested Friday night by California police on charges of simple assault and harassment after he allegedly assaulted his former girlfriend and her roommate in their apartment at Vulcan Village. He was arraigned before District Judge Curtis Thompson and released on $15,000 unsecured bond.
CANONSBURG
Taken into custody: Amy Levy, 48, of 305 Greenside Ave., Canonsburg, was taken into custody Sunday by Canonsburg police on a bench warrant after a traffic stop on Cecil Street. She also will be charged with possession of a controlled substance and paraphernalia after she was found with suspected drugs. She was placed in Washington County jail on the warrant.
Warrant arrest: Brandon Nicotra, 21, of 208 W. College St., Canonsburg, was taken into custody Friday by Canonsburg police on a bench warrant and placed in Washington County jail.
CANTON
Two charged: Chad Eric Opfer, 37, and Jennifer M. Reedy, 32, both of 449 Extension Ave., Washington, were charged Friday by state police with theft of services for allegedly failing to pay for a $75 meal at Denny’s, 1395 W. Chestnut St., Canton, Oct. 7. The charges were sent by summons from the office of District Judge David Mark.
CHARTIERS
Theft arrest: Mercedes Renee Stamm, 24, of 220 Onyx Circle, Chartiers, was arraigned Friday on two counts each of theft and receiving stolen property filed by township police. She is accused of stealing a gold wedding ring and tennis bracelet owned by Tamela Stamm in July and selling the items at a pawn store. She was arraigned before District Judge David Mark and placed in Washington County jail on $5,000 bond.
Equipment stolen: An employee of Tarr Concrete, 45 Arden Road, told Chartiers police Thursday a chain saw, pole saw and other equipment was stolen from the business.
CHARLEROI
Assault alleged: Cody Michael Rubin, 25, of 530 McKean Ave., Charleroi, is charged by Charleroi Regional police with simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct over allegations he struck his girlfriend, Brittany Huber, in the head in his residence about 11 p.m. Nov. 15, court records show. District Judge Larry Hopkins issued the charges via summons Friday.
DONORA
Drug arrest: Jerrid R. Powell, 38, of 141 Bertha Ave., Donora, was arrested Sunday on a warrant obtained by Donora police charging him with possession and possession with intent to deliver, criminal use of a communications facility and possession of paraphernalia after he allegedly tried to sell heroin to a woman Nov. 9 on McKean Avenue. He was arraigned before District Judge Curtis Thompson and placed in Washington County jail on $25,000 bond.
FALLOWFIELD
Man charged: Matthew C. Puskarich, 33, of 37 Clearview Road, Somerset Township, is charged by state police with driving under the invfluence of drugs as a driver who allegedly caused a three-vehicle hit-and-run accident about 11:55 p.m. Aug. 30 on Route 481 near Interstated 70, court records show. Police accused Puskarich of being under the influence of heroin and cocaine when his car crossed the center line and struck two trucks. He also is charged with causing an accident that involved damages to other vehicles and failure to stop and render aid. A witness supplied police with the car’s license number. Police filed the charges Monday before District Judge Larry Hopkins.
HANOVER
Two arrested: Chelsea Ann Elias, 29, of, Burgettstown, and Christopher Brown, 31, of 4 Hubbard Road, Burgettstown, were arrested Saturday afternoon by Hanover police. Elias was wanted on a warrant obtained by state police charging her with escape for failure to return to a Pittsburgh halfway house in February. Hanover police also charged her with flight to avoid apprehension when she ran from Brown’s car. She was later found at a home on Steubenville Pike. Brown was charged with hindering apprehension and possession of paraphernalia. Both were arraigned before District Judge Curtis Thompson. He denied bond for Elias on the escape charge and set a $15,000 bond on the Hanover charge. Brown’s bond was set at $7,500. Both were placed in Washington County jail.
NORTH STRABANE
Drug charges: Grayling Michael Fisher, 21, of 642 Linnwood Road, North Strabane, was charged last week by state police with possession and possession with intent to deliver and possession of paraphernalia after he allegedly sold a controlled substance to an informant in a parking lot on McClelland Road in August 2016. The charges were sent by summons from the office of District Judge Jay Weller.
Theft charges: Christopher L. Paxon, 33, of McKeesport, was charged last week by North Strabane police with theft after he allegedly stole money from the tip jar at Sweet Hut, Park Place, earlier this month. The charge will be sent by summons from the office of District Judge Jay Weller.
PETERS
Thefts from cars: Peters Township police are investigating multiple thefts from vehicles and one burglary in the Venetia area late Wednesday through early Thursday. Police said a purse was stolen from an unlocked car in the 100 block of Hardwood Drive; a purse was taken when a passenger window was broken in a car parked in the 500 block of McCombs Road; and a wallet was stolen from a vehicle parked in the 200 block of Sutherland Drive when the thief smashed a window. A home in the 100 block of Creekwood Drive was also burglarized when a person entered through an open garage door and stole a purse. Police also said a purse was stolen from a car parked in the 100 block of Old Oak Road in McMurray Nov. 12. Investigators think the thefts and burglary are related. Anyone with information is asked to call Peters Township police at 724-942-5030.
SMITH
Arson charges: Timothy Ryan Bonner, 45, of 312 Vance Drive, Langeloth, was charged last week by Smith police with two counts of arson and one count of criminal mischief after he allegedly set fire to a car parked outside the home on Vance. The car also had bullet holes in it. Bonner, who was intoxicated, suffered burns on his face and was flown to UPMC-Mercy hospital in Pittsburgh for treatment. Bonner told the state police fire marshal he had been drinking beer and used a disposable lighter to start the fire. The charges were sent by summons from the office of District Judge Gary Havelka.
SOUTH STRABANE
Three charged: South Strabane police charged three people last week with retail theft for separate incidents at different stores in the township. Christopher T. McKune, 47, of 54 W. Walnut St., Washington, is accused of stealing tools from Lowe’s, Strabane Square, Nov. 9. Jessica Marie Campbell, 33, of 268 Smithfield St., Canonsburg, is accused of stealing $392 in items from Walmart, Trinity Point, Nov. 10. Christopher C. Old, 24, of Pittsburgh, is accused of stealing items valued at $400 from Target, Strabane Square, Nov. 14.
WASHINGTON
Scaffolding stolen: Mark Burgess of Washington told Washington police Sunday five sections of scaffolding valued at $2,000 were stolen from outside 719 N. Main St.
Wallet stolen: James Little of Washington told Washington police he was jumped Saturday and his wallet containing credit cards and $100 was stolen as he walked to his East Maiden Street home from a bar on South Main Street.