Police: Being a Firefighter Doesn’t Grant Legal Immunity

Fire Firefighter Assaults Fiance

• According to the criminal complaint, on Dec. 2, Corey Wearing, 35, of Ellwood City assaulted his fiance. On Dec. 3, police visited the victim at the Ellwood City hospital where she was being treated for injuries. The victim stated she was at her house in Ellwood City and had gotten into an argument with Wearing. Wearing was angered with the victim’s son, who is autistic, for asking questions. He subsequently assaulted the victim. The victim had a black and blue eye, injury in the middle of her forehead, injuries on her back, neck and shoulder area, and a bite mark on her arm. The victim stated that Wearing had banged his own head off a wall to create a mark and told the victim that if she called the police, she would get arrested. He also said that Ellwood City police would not arrest him because he is a firefighter, and they all know him. Wearing was charged with simple assault and physical harassment.

Man Claws and Scratches Woman

• According to the criminal complaint, on Nov. 30 around midnight, officers were dispatched to View Street in response to a domestic disturbance. The victim advised that Jeffrey Benson, 48, of Evans City, had locked her out of the residence following an argument. The victim regained access to her bedroom through the window. Benson subsequently jumped on the bed, clawing and scratching the victim. The fight moved to the living room where Benson jumped on the victim again on the couch and clawed and scratched her. Following the fight, Benson fled the residence. Officers apprehended Benson at Nico Lucciano’s parking lot on Woodside Avenue. Benson had a warrant for arrest from Butler County and was taken to the Ellwood City Police Station. He was charged with simple assault and physical harassment.

Man Charged with Theft from Landlord Also Charged with Bad Checks

• According to the criminal complaint, on Dec. 2 Brian Downs, owner of Pete’s Uptown Beverage, reported that David Robertson, 34, of Ellwood City, had given him five bad checks. Robertson had failed to make arrangements to pay the checks. The checks were given in October and November and totaled $421.59. Robertson also owed a service charge of $270. Investigating officers believed Robertson had no intention or means of covering the checks. He was charged with theft by deception and bad checks. Robertson was previously charged with stealing and selling almost $3000 worth of inventory from his landlord and was transferred to the Lawrence County Jail last week.

Driving Too Slow

• According to the criminal complaint, on Nov. 26 around 2:30 a.m., officers observed a truck stopped on the Fifth Street bridge. Officers stopped the truck and spoke with the driver Donald McCloskey, 44, of Ellwood City. McCloskey appeared to be intoxicated and was taken to the Ellwood City Hospital. He was charged with a DUI and driving too slow for conditions.