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Police and Fire

August 25, 2026

Letter To The Editor: Before Pennsylvania Legalizes E-Bikes, It Must Get Safety Right

The following is an op-ed submitted by Scott L. Bohn, Executive Director of the PA Chiefs of Police Association. This is published as his opinion in full as provided. Before Pennsylvania Legalizes E-Bikes, It Must Get Safety Right By: Scott L. Bohn Pennsylvania is confronting a growing public-safety challenge involving e-bikes, e-scooters and other micromobility devices. The concern is no longer theoretical. PennDOT reported bicyclist fatalities rose from 19 in 2024 to 28 in 2025, with 12 killed riding e-bikes. This summer, a 12-year-old York County boy died following an e-bike collision with a pickup truck. And last year, the…

August 14, 2026

POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

HARRASSMENT: Jacob Freed, 38, of Portersville, is charged with Harassment after an incident occurring on August 4th. According to a report, PA State Police were informed by a 21-year-old victim that Freed had pushed her into a wall at a residence on Route 488, Perry Township, and refused to allow her to leave. The incident is reported to have taken place between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and charges are pending according to the report. RECKLESS DRIVING: Chad Henry, 37, of Ellwood City is charged with Reckless Driving after an incident occurring on June 21st. According to…

July 31, 2026

POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY: Joseph Frelin, 24, of Ellwood City, is charged with receiving stolen property after an incident occurring on July 12th. Police were dispatched to contact Shenango Township Police Officer in regards to an arrest warrant for Frelin. Police were advised that Frelin had taken a gun and several power tools from his uncle. He was eventually found and arrested at Uni-Mart by officers according to a criminal complaint. POESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE: Daniel Dourlain, 43, of Ellwood City is charged with possession with the intent to distribute after an incident occurring on July 14th at approximately 1:28…

July 28, 2026

SCAM ALERT: Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office Warms About Sophisticated Phone Scam

The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about a sophisticated phone scam involving fake arrest warrants and fraudulent court documents. In a social media post, the office said scammers are posing as law enforcement officers or court officials and falsely claiming you have an active warrant. They pressure victims to stay on the phone while they withdraw cash and direct them to deposit money through a Bitcoin ATM, Coinstar machine, or purchase gift cards. The Sherriff Office advises to remember: We will NEVER demand payment over the phone to avoid arrest or clear a warrant. We will NEVER…

July 10, 2026

POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

HARASSMENT: Trent Sirak, 23, of Ellwood City, is charged with Harassment after an incident occurring on June 25th at approximately 11:00 p.m. Police were dispatched on pursuit of Sirak after a report of harassing and threatening phone calls made by Sirak to a female victim. Through the night the victim called the Police to update them on Sirak’s location and the nature of the phone calls he would make to her. The female related that Sirak accused her of setting him up before asking her to leave with him so he could take her to Pittsburgh. Officers were on patrol…

June 19, 2026

POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

RECKLESS DRIVING: Jase Barr, 24, of Ellwood City is charged with Reckless Driving after an incident occurring on May 24th. According to a criminal complaint, and at at approximately 7:10 p.m., police were dispatched near Sixth St and Crescent Ave for a reported crash. The 66-year-old female victim stated she paused at a stop sign, saw no one coming, and drove into the intersection when she noticed Barr driving towards her at a high rate of speed without slowing. Surveillance video showed a silver Chevy SUV driven by Barr colliding with and causing the victim’s vehicle to spin. Barr drove…

June 17, 2026

Brown Announces State Funding for Housing Rehabilitation and Community Revitalization Projects in Lawrence County

HARRISBURG – Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) today announced two Lawrence County projects have been awarded a total of $500,000 through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) program to support housing improvements, accessibility upgrades and community revitalization efforts. The funding was approved this week by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) Board as part of a statewide investment in affordable housing and community development initiatives. “Safe, affordable housing is essential to the strength and stability of our communities,” said Brown. “These investments will help improve housing conditions for seniors, individuals with disabilities and families throughout Lawrence County while also…

June 16, 2026

Ellwood City Borough Council Approves Police Drone Purchase

Ellwood City Borough Council approved a quote from Steel City Drones in the amount of $13,152 for the purchase of a drone for the Police Department (contingent upon union ratification of the policy) during Monday’s regular meeting. According to Sargeant Michael McBride, the drone will provide thermal images and will aid police and first responders during police calls and during any type of “disaster” event. Officer Robert Bird will be officially trained at Steel City Drones on how to use the drone, but McBride said it can be piloted by any officer as long as it is flown under 400…

June 16, 2026

ECPD Issues Community Assistance Request Regarding Attempt Vehicle Break-Ins

In a social media post Monday evening, the Ellwood City Police Department issued a community assistance request in regards to a string of attempted vehicle thefts and vehicle break-ins. The full Facebook.com post relates: The Ellwood City Police Department is investigating multiple attempted vehicle thefts/vehicle break-ins that occurred overnight in the area of 300 and 400 block of Ninth Street and the 1200 block of Crescent Avenue. At this time, Kia vehicles and similar makes/models appear to have been specifically targeted. Residents in these areas are asked to review any home security camera, doorbell camera, or surveillance footage from overnight…

May 29, 2026

POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

SIMPLE ASSAULT: Davie Crawley, 55, of New Castle is charged with Simple Assault and Harassment after an incident occurring on May 16th. According to a criminal complaint, and at approximately 8:48 p.m., police were dispatched to a reported domestic disturbance at a residence on Massachusetts Drive and were advised that a 36-year-old female victim had traveled to her mothers house to retrieve an item when she heard Crawley yelling. The victim had stepped in to separate Crawley and her mother, which escalated into a verbal argument the complaint relates. The victim stated from there the argument had become a physical…