POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

ASSAULT:
On July 23rd at approximately 8:09 a.m. police were called due to a report of domestic abuse between a male and female at a residence on State Line Road, Little Beaver Township. The caller advised police that the female told him she was struck with a gun by her boyfriend, Denis Lozinsky. According to a criminal complaint police arrived on scene and had concluded that the victim was no longer inside the residence. Officers attempted to hail Lozinskiy before making entry. It is reported that Lozinskiy then used the weapon to end his life as police entered the residence. Lozinksiy was transported to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead.

INDECENT ASSAULT:
According to a police report and between the dates of January 1, 2021, and June 27, 2024, a 27 year-old-man from Mercer, PA engaged in sexual acts with a juvenile female, 13, of Slippery Rock, for the duration of approximately one year. The investigation is ongoing, according to a criminal complaint.

DUI:
Kenneth Whitla, 32, of Beaver Falls, is charged with DUI after an incident occurring on July 9th. According to a criminal complaint, and at approximately 6:15 p.m. police conducted a traffic stop on a sedan after it crossed the double yellow line near the intersection of Fifth Street and Fountain Avenue. Police approached Whitla and observed an odor of alcohol emanating from the vehicle and two young children in the back seat of the vehicle according to the complaint. The report relates Whitla admitted to consuming beers and agreed to take a Standard Field Sobriety Test for which he failed. Police placed Whitla in custody and advised Whitla to call the children’s mother to collect them.

DUI:
Miguel Ward, 43, of Erie, is charged with DUI after an incident occurring on July 7th. According to a criminal complaint, and at approximately 4:53 a.m. police responded to a car crash on Route 488 near Pleasant Hill Road and come in contact with Ward, who was driving. Ward was found with unsure balance and bloodshot eyes according to the complaint and was asked to conduct a Standard Field Sobriety Test for which he failed. Ward was transferred to a nearby hospital for blood tests.

THEFT:
Patricia Minett, 68, of Portersville, is charged with Theft after an incident occurring on July 24th. According to a criminal complaint, and at approximately 12:05 p.m. police were dispatched to a residence on Old Route 422, Slippery Rock Township to find the victim who reported her dog was stolen by who she believed was Minett. Police spoke to Minett who denied having taken the dog. Later, police were informed that the victim had video evidence of Minett taking the dog. Police once again spoke to Minett, at which time she returned the dog.

HIDTA OPERATION 18
On Friday, August 2, 2024, Detectives from the Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office HIDTA Drug Task Force (SIU), the New Castle Police Department and Ellwood City Police Department executed a sealed search warrant at 754 Altman Road, New Castle, Pennsylvania 16101. Upon entry SIU Detectives located Mr. Lamont SHERROD and Ms. Lateasha GARDNER inside of the kitchen of the targeted address. Detectives conducted a methodical search of the residence, and the following items were seized:
1. $595 in United States Currency,
2. One (1) Taurus G3C 9mm handgun with serial # ACD830613,
3. 9.8 gross grams of suspected crack cocaine,
4. 146.6 gross grams of suspected marijuana,
5. 130.5 suspected MDMA (Ecstasy) tablets,
6. 14 suspected Oxycodone tablets, and
7. One (1) Digital weight scale.
Both SHERROD and GARDNER were taken into custody.