POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

THEFT:
On April 12th at approximately 4:44 p.m., PA State Police investigated a report of a stolen firearm from a residence on Burns Road, Lawrence County. According to the report, a black in color Spike Tactical AR-15 style rifle, chambered in 5.56 caliber, was stolen as the suspect gained access to the victim’s unlocked vehicle, stealing the rifle from the rear seat. There is an approximate 4-day window from when the 18-year-old male victim last saw his rifle and when he noticed it missing. An investigation is going. Anyone with information is asked to call PA State Police New Castle and reference incident number PA23-477493

DRUG POSSESSION:
On April 7th at approximately 6:28 p.m., PA State Police initiated a traffic stop on Frew Mill Road near S. Cascade Street, New Castle for a vehicle violation. According to the report, two males, a 37-year-old from Ellwood City, and a 43-year-old from New Castle were both taken into custody as the operator of the vehicle displayed signs of impairment and the front seat passenger was found to be in possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Jacob Smith, 31

MISSING PERSON:
The Pennsylvania State Police are attempting to locate Jacob Christian Smith, 31, of Pulaski Township. According to a public information report, a missing persons report was filed on April 12th at 6:50 p.m., where was Smith is reported missing. According to the report he was last contacted via text message on April 11th at approximately 4:00 p.m. He is believed to be suicidal and sent a text message to his wife alluding to this. Smith is also believed to operating a blue Dodge Laramie. Smith is known to frequently carry a firearm on his person. Anyone with information about Smith and his whereabouts are requested to contact PA State Police New Castle at 724-598-2211

ACCIDENT:
Police are investigating a two-vehicle crash that occurred on Portersville Road at its intersection with Mile High Road. According to the police report a 2018 Ford F350 driven by a 27-year-old male from Youngstown was traveling south on Mile Hill Road, and a 2010 Subaru driven by a 22-year-old male from Chicora, PA was traveling south on Portersville Road, Perry Township. The F350 was negotiating a left turn onto Portersville Road and proceeded without waiting for clearance. The Ford F350 entered the traffic lanes of Portersville Road and struck the Subaru. There were no injuries reported as a result of the crash. Seatbelts were worn by all occupants at the time of the crash.

SIMPLE ASSAULT, DISORDERLY:
Robert Bollinger, 34, of New Castle, is charged after an incident on April 5th in Slippery Rock Township. According to the criminal complaint, and at approximately 6:27 p.m., police were dispatched to a residence on Frew Mill Road for a report Bollinger coming to the residence and displaying a handgun. Upon arrival, police spoke with the complainant who related that Bollinger displayed a handgun and pointed it directly at her and also waved it around. The complainant was in fear of being shot. According to the report, Bollinger was also yelling about the complainant’s son who later arrived at the residence and related he recognized the vehicle from the reported incident and told police Bollinger told him he asked about money he was owed and that Bollinger made terroristic threats including statements about shooting.  Based on the information set forth, police respectfully requested Bollinger be called to court to answer charges of Simple Assault, Terroristic Threats, Disorderly Conduct and Harassment.

source: Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office

HIDTA Operation 132
On April 13, 2023, detectives from the Lawrence County District Attorney’s HIDTA Task Force, with the assistance of the Ellwood City Police Department executed two sealed search warrants in an apartment building at 217 Fifth Street, Ellwood City. The sealed search warrants stemmed from a three (3) month narcotics investigation into the distribution of controlled substances throughout Lawrence County, primarily in the Ellwood City Borough. Detectives located and seized the following evidence during the execution of the search warrants:

• 10.9 total gross grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine
• 16.1 total gross grams of cocaine
• 25 Vyvanse pills, a schedule II-controlled substance
• 3 digital weigh scales with suspected drug residue
• Numerous used heroin stamp bags
• Numerous items utilized for the manufacturing of controlled
  substances

The two targets of the investigation were taken into custody and charged with the following: Nicolas Nazari: Two counts of Pennsylvania Title 35: 13(a)(30) – Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance. One count of: Pennsylvania Title 35: 13(a)(32) – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Andrew Hammond; Two counts of: Pennsylvania Title 35: 13(a)(30) – Possession With Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance. Micah Ndungu was also taken into custody and lodged on an active Beaver County bench warrant.