Police and Fire

Four Individuals From Ellwood City Charged in Connection In Drug Trafficking Operation Originating in Puerto Rico

Four individuals from Ellwood City are among seventeen from Lawrence County, Pennsylvania; Puerto Rico; and Youngstown, Ohio, who have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh for violating federal narcotics, firearms, and racketeering laws, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced on Thursday. The defendants were charged in two Indictments that were unsealed today and allege that, between September 2022 and March 2024, the defendants conspired to distribute cocaine throughout Western Pennsylvania, specifically in the New Castle area, as well as in Youngstown, Ohio. As alleged in the Indictments, members of the two charged groups would transport, either…


POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

ASSAULT: On February 28th at approximately 1:46AM police responded to a call of possible domestic disturbance. The arrestee assaulted his two cousins and destroyed their cell phones over an argument. The arrestee, a 17-year-old male of New Wilmington, was charged with two counts of simple assault, two counts of harassment, and one count of criminal mischief, according to criminal complaint. CORRUPTION OF MINORS: Garrett Duncan, 23, of Ellwood City, is charged with corruption of minors, displaying obscene/sexual materials and criminal use of a communication facility after an incident reported on February 18th. According to a criminal complaint, Duncan is accused…


POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

THEFT: According to a report, and on October 8th at approximately 4:11 a.m., William Russell, 56, of Mercer, agreed to pick up three prescription medications for a 71-year-old victim, totaling $1,471.95. Russell picked up the medications at Rite Aid in Ellwood City but never delivered them to the victim. Russell was charged with theft, receiving stolen property, and possession of a controlled substance by a person not registered. Russell was unable to be located and remains wanted on these charges and several other active warrants. He is known to frequent the City of New Castle. If anyone has information on…


Brown, Policy Committee Host Hearing on Pennsylvania’s Drug Crisis

NEW CASTLE – The escalating drug crisis that has gripped communities not only in western Pennsylvania, but throughout the Commonwealth, was the focus of a House Republican Policy Committee hearing last week in New Castle. The hearing held Tuesday was hosted by Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence), along with committee Chairman Joshua D. Kail (R-Beaver/Washington). “Addiction is complex and multifaceted, and it is devastating our communities,” said Brown. “We must determine comprehensive strategies for recovery now before more of our loved ones perish. By convening policymakers, experts, and community stakeholders, the committee aims to develop effective solutions that will empower individuals…


POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

THEFT: On February 14th at approximately 2:30 a.m., PA State Police were dispatched to a residence in the 300 block of Reserve Square, Wayne Township for a report theft from a motor vehicle. According to the report, a known victim, 29-year-old male, reported that he had reviewed video surveillance of his property and there was an unknown actor(s) observed near his vehicles. After checking his property, it was discovered that items were stolen from his flatbed tow truck and from the tool box on his trailer the report relates. Investigation is on-going, anyone with information is asked to contact PA…


Local Fire, EMS Companies Receive Much-Needed State Grants

Grant funding will be coming to several first responder companies in the 9th Legislative District under a program administered by the Office of the State Fire Commissioner (OSFC) within the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), according to Representatives Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) and Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence). Every emergency service organization that completes the application process receives funding. Projects eligible for funding include: construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, or reduction of existing debt. “First responders are at the core of our communities,” said Brown. “Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel treat those…


POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

THEFT: On January 17th, at approximately 7:32 a.m., police investigated the report of theft in Perry Township. Police discovered that one or more unidentified people broke into unlocked vehicles, according to criminal complaint. No one has yet to be charged. HARASS PHYSICAL CONTACT: On February 5th, at approximately 2:48p.m., police responded to a report of a disturbance on McCartney Hollow Rd. Both parties, male, one 36, and the other 60 years old, both of Fombell, were engaged in a verbal argument that escalated into a brief physical altercation before both parties separated on their own accord. Charges will be filed,…


POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

THEFT: On the dates of January 16th and 17th, multiple victims have reported thefts in the area of Perry Highway and Frew Mill Road in Perry Township, Lawrence County. Through investigation, PA State Police have discovered that several wallets, mechanical tools, check books, and a firearm were taken from the vehicles that were unlocked and parked in driveways. THEFT: Kaitlyn Simmons, 30, of Ellwood City was charged with Theft after an incident on January 23rd. According to a criminal complaint, and at approximately 4:26 p.m., police received a call of retail theft at Giant Eagle in Franklin Township. Simmons had…


Donation Made To ECPD K9 Fund and Youth Bureau Program

A $5,000 donation through the efforts of the KC Venezie Charitable Foundation and Mayor Anthony J. Court was made this week to the Ellwood City Police Department K9 Fund and Youth Bureau Program. The donation was provided to help support the police departments programs that assist with community protection and safety. The ECPD K9 Fund and its Youth Bureau program are a fully funded by donations. Funds are used for training, equipment, food and housing for the Ellwood City Police Department K9 dog, Nico. Nico is a dual purpose work dog that specializes in narcotics detection as well as area…


Officer Robert Bird Receives A Commendation For Life Saving Act

Officer Robert Bird received a commendation from Mayor Anthony J. Court for his heroic acts that saved a man’s life. Officer Bird was dispatched to a vehicle that crashed into a residence on Orchard Avenue in Ellwood City last week. Upon arrival he encountered a truck that caught fire. The driver of which was trapped inside suffering from a medical emergency. Officer Bird quickly broke the window of vehicle and removed the driver which was engulfed in flames. “We here in the Ellwood City Police Department and Ellwood City Community are extremely proud of Officer Robert Bird. Because of his…