POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

THEFT:
Kathleen Minerd, 31, of New Castle is charged with Retail Theft after an incident on July 27 at a Sheetz location on US Route 422, Slippery Rock Township, Lawrence County. According to the report, and at approximately 11:37 p.m., police responded and after its investigation found Minerd stole several food/drink items from within the store, totaling $21.52 in lost product. Items included Dr. Pepper, Prairie City Cake Bar, two Nerds Cluster Candy, Reese’s Sticks, Peanut Butter & Honey Sandwich, Caramel Cremes, and Pepperoni Puffs. Minerd is charged with Retail Theft, Receiving Stolen Property, and Disorderly Conduct, and then incarcerated at the Lawrence County Jail.

THEFT:
A theft from a motor vehicle was reported at a residene on Confederate Lane, Hickory Township, Lawrence County some time between July 19th at 8:00 p.m. and July 20th at 6:29 a.m. According to the report, police arrived at the scene and found that an unknown actor(s) entered an unlocked vehicle that was parked in the 29-year-old female victim’s driveway. The actor(s) stole a wallet and then threw the wallet in the back of the neighbors residence. The victim later came outside and found her vehicle door left open. Anyone with information please contact the police at 724-598-2211.

ACCIDENT:
On July 5th at approximately 6:19 a.m., police responded to a report of a vehicle that had went off the roadway into a tree in the area of 2066 Mountville Road, Perry Township, Lawrence County. According the police investigation and information provided by the operator, Lawrence Durnell, 66, of Portersville, her 2012 Ford Focus was traveling east when an alleged deer ran accross the roadway causing the driver to veer off the roadway into a tree. The car sustained heavy front end damage and required towing. Durnell sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital. Durnell is charged with several violations, primaril with driving too fast for conditions.

DRUG BUST:
On July 25th, the City of Beaver Falls Police along with K-9 Pungo, Officers from New Brighton Police Department, PA Attorney General’s Office and the Beaver County Emergency Services Unit executed a search warrant at 1400 6th Ave. Apt. 1 Rear after a few week long investigation of narcotics trafficking. During this warrant multiple items were seized. Some of the items seized consisted of approximately 2 ounces of crack cocaine, powder cocaine, approximately 30 oxycodone pills, digital scales, three firearms (two stolen and one with an obliterated serial number), marijuana, multiple EBT cards, $324.00 in US currency, and multiple rounds of 5.56mm ammunition for an AR-15 style rifle.This search warrant resulted in the arrest of Robert Carpenter and Chonte Law who were taken into custody for numerous charges including possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and various firearms charges.

ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF FIREARMS:
A resident of New Castle pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal firearm laws, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced July 18th. Angel Cruz II, 33, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that Cruz sold two firearms to a confidential informant during a controlled-buy operation in exchange for $1,000. Cruz, who has a felony conviction for robbery, is prohibited from the possession of firearms and ammunition. In connection with his federal arrest, law enforcement conducted a protective sweep of his New Castle residence. Law enforcement observed ammunition during the protective sweep, and law enforcement then applied for and obtained a search warrant for the residence. The subsequent search resulted in the seizure of an additional firearm. Judge Wiegand scheduled sentencing for Nov. 18, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. The law provides for a total sentence of ten years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Pending sentencing, the court ordered Cruz to remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.