Police and Fire

POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

HARASSMENT: On September 24, at approximately 6:43 p.m., PA State Police were dispatched to a known address on Beaver Street, Wampum Borough, for a reported domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, both parties involved, Sharon Norris, 43, and Justin Norris, 45, were separated. One individual was treated at the scene for a minor head injury. Further investigation led to both parties receiving charges of harassment and disorderly conduct will be filed through MDJ 53-3-01. SIMPLE ASSAULT: David Carter, 43, of Ellwood City, is charged with Simple Assault and Harassment after an incident on September 28th. According to the criminal complaint, and at…


POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

ENDANGERING WELFARE OF CHILD: On August 2nd at approximately 5:29 p.m., Ellwood City Police were dispatched to an area of Haig Street and Madison Avenue for a caller reporting a 4-year-old girl by herself sitting in the middle of the road. The caller advised no parents around and when police responded to the scene and spoke with the caller they were advised this is an ongoing issue with the child. Officers made contact with the girl and asked where she lived. The girl took officers to a house on Byng Street where police made contact with Tyler Chickos, 26, the…


Florida Businessman Pleads Guilty in $100M Health Care Fraud Scheme Involving Ellwood City Medical Center

PITTSBURGH – A resident of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to three counts of conspiracy related to the submission of fraudulent health care claims, United States Attorney Cindy K. Chung announced today. Daniel Hurt, 58, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, pay and receive unlawful kickbacks, and commit money laundering, as charged in a criminal Information filed in the Western District of Pennsylvania on July 26, 2022; one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, as charged in a criminal Information filed in the District of New Jersey on August…


POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

ASSAULT: On July 4th at approximately 9:15 p.m, PA State Police investigated the report of a fight between neighbors over fireworks at a residence on Railroad Avenue, Wayne Township. Three suspects have been charged including Mary Cruz, 46, of Youngstown, and a 16-year-old female from Youngstown. DISORDERLY CONDUCT: On August 28th at approximately 6:08 p.m., PA State Police, Shenango Township Police, and Hickory Township Police responded to the false report of a robbery at a residence on Ellwood Road, Slippery Rock Township. Upon investigation, it was determined that a juvenile had texted 911 as a joke. THEFT BY DECEPTION/IMPERSONATION: On…


POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF: On Wednesday, August 24th, at approximately 7:58 p.m., PSP New Castle responded to a reported trespassing on Rim Road, Slippery Rock Township. Upon arrive a 57-year-old Ellwood City female stated that an unknown male and female broke her antique ladder, valued at $800.00, that was hanging from the front porch of the residence. The victim provided trail camera footage which showed a female in a red dress and a male in black shorts and t-shirt on the front porch of the residence. There are currently no suspects. BURGLARY/TRESPASSING: According to a criminal complaint, on June 26th at approximately…


POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF: On August 1st, at approximately 12:05 a.m., PA State Police were dispatched to Freeds Trailer Park, New Beaver Borough, Lawrence County, in reference to criminal mischief. On scene a 38-year-old female, of New Galilee, advised that the neighbor threw an egg at her window. The actor was warned and charges were not filed due to the Victims request. HARASSMENT: On July 1st, at approximately 5:53 p.m., PA State Police responded to the report of Harassment at Freeds Trailer Park, New Beaver Borough, Lawrence County. A 26-year-old female, of New Galilee, stated she was grabbed and pushed by her…


Council Promotes Ellwood City Police Officer to Sergeant

Ellwood City Borough Council voted Monday night to promote Ellwood City Police Officer Rob Magnifico to sergeant. Council had a choice to make in promoting one officer or two. Magnifico along with fellow Officer Matt Kennedy were the choices to fill the position. Councilman Caleb Cragle and Councilwoman Jan Williams voted to promote two officers but were met with opposition from the rest of council. Councilmen James Barry, Brad Ovial, and George Celli and Councilwomen Judith Dici and Michelle Lamenza voted to appoint one officer—Magnifico—to fill the role. Before the vote, Councilman Cragle asked Mayor Anthony Court, who heads the…


POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

THEFT: Micah Ndungu, 20, of Ellwood City, is charged with Theft and Receiving Stolen Property after an incident on July 23rd. According to the criminal complaint, Ellwood City Police were called to Fifth Street for a report of theft. The victim reported he was attempting to sell an iPhone 11 Pro on Facebook Marketplace for $400.00 and was meeting the purchasing party at McDonald’s. The victim stated that at approximately 9:13 p.m. the alleged purchaser of the phone grabbed it and ran away. Officers paroled the area but unable to locate the individual. After reviewing video surveillance from the incident,…


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…


POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

BURGLARY: A 37-year-old man has been charged with burglary after an incident on June 28th in Wampum. According to a criminal complaint, and at approximately 11:53 a.m., police were dispatched to Wampum Park Housing complex for reports of burglary. Video surveillance shows Robert Grim arriving at the complex at approximately 2:03 a.m. and entering through a window located at the rear. A victim stated she woke up and discovered many things inside her apartment missing, namely her Xanax prescription, cash, and a debit card. The victim believes her son, Grim, was responsible for the burglary as he has stolen from…