Police and Fire

Former Ellwood City Resident Pleads Guilty to Charges Related to the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

A former resident of Ellwood City pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced on November 7th. Shayne Clapper, 30, pleaded guilty to five counts before United States District Judge William S. Stickman. In connection with the guilty plea, the court was advised that in January 2023 through February 2023, Clapper initiated a sexual relationship with a minor known to him. Clapper provided the minor with a cell phone that he used to communicate with the minor. Clapper requested and received nude images from the minor….


POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

PUBLIC INTOXICATION: Blake Zeigler, 21, of Ellwood City is charged with public intoxication after an incident on September 25th. According to a criminal complaint, and at approximately 12:46p.m., police were dispatched to 7-11 and advised that a male was loitering outside asking customers to purchase him tobacco in exchange for cocaine. Officers were aware of this incident. Police then located Zeigler, who was riding a bike, and advised him of the complaint to which Zeigler denied. Police then noticed a smell of alcohol emitting from Zeigler and asked him step off the bike. Zeigler refused and reached for his pocket….


POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

ASSAULT: Lawrence Morini, 22, of Wampum, is charged with Simple Assault after an incident occurring on September 28th. According to a criminal complaint, and at approximately 10:58 p.m. ECPD Officers were dispatched to a nearby bar for reports of an assault that occurred. When police arrived, ECFD was conducting CPR on the victim and witnesses explained the situation to officers. The owner of the bar was contacted and showed ECPD Police video footage of the incident. According to the complaint the victim had been causing problems at the bar and was asked to leave. When the victim was leaving he…


POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

THEFT: Paula Schwartz, 39, of Ellwood City, is charged with Theft after an incident reported on September 18th. According to a criminal complaint, and at approximately 3:00 p.m., the owner of Uni-Mart reported a theft that occurred at his business and advised police that his employee, Schwartz, stole money out of the cash drawer and five cartons of cigarettes overnight. Police reviewed surveillance and paperwork from the store that cooperated with the owners report.  Police contact Schwartz at her residence and spoke with Schwartz who related she was dealing with a mental health episode and later admitted to the theft….


Statement Released Regarding Tragedy At Ellwood City Forge

Ellwood City, PA – ELLWOOD City Forge last night experienced an act of violence perpetrated by an intruder that resulted in the death of a team member. All other team members are safe and the facility was secured last night. The facility will remain closed through the weekend. There is an active investigation and we are working with law enforcement officials to fully understand the event. We are not able to provide any further details at this time, nor disclose the name of the victim. “On behalf of the entire ELLWOOD City Forge team, we are shocked and saddened by…


UPDATE: Man Shot, Killed After Incident Inside Ellwood City Forge Thursday

updated: Friday, September 20th 9:52 a.m. According to numerous media outlets, Ellwood City police have confirmed one male is dead and a suspect is in custody after a shooting Thursday night at Ellwood City Forge. The shooting happened inside the facility around 6:30 p.m. according to Mayor Anthony Court. It is unclear how many people were in the manufacturing facility during the incident. According to a police report, Ellwood City Police responded to the facility for a shooting that occurred within the facility and, upon arrival, a 36-year-old male, of Fombell, was found deceased from an apparent gunshot wound. The…


School Shooting Threat Deemed Not Credible

A Lincoln High School student has been disciplined after making a threat on Tuesday. District information released to parents Tuesday afternoon was provided as follows: At 12:45 PM on Tuesday, 9/10/2024, [the district] administration was alerted to a threat made by a student, which stated that the student would “shoot up the school tomorrow.” The threat assessment team convened promptly and determined that the threat was non-credible. However, the statement has been taken very seriously and actions have taken place to ensure a safe school environment. The principals have applied appropriate school discipline in response to the situation. Please be…


Man Arrested For Killing A Woman, Injuring 4 Others In Driveby Shooting

According to a public information news release, on September 7th at approximately 1:57 a.m., PA State Police investigated a homicide that occurred at Breaker’s Pub, located on Portersville Road, Ellport Borough, Lawrence County. According to the report, Nathan Fink arrived at the pub and was involved in a physical altercation with bar patron. After the altercation Fink was escorted to leave the premises and left operating a white GMC Sierra. A few moments later, Fink returned to the parking lot of the pub and opened fire shooting a rifle and handgun at the exterior of the pub, striking multiple vehicles…


POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

SIMPLE ASSAULT: Tyler Cox, 22, of Ellwood City, is charged with Simple Assault and Harassment after an incident on September 1st. According to a criminal complaint, and at approximately 8:31 p.m., officers were dispatched to Loop Street for a disturbance and were advised of a physical domestic with an male actor fleeing the scene. The male, later identified as Cox was located near Evans Drive and Cox told officers an argument turned physical. Police returned to the residence to get a statement from the victim whom was found with a swollen right eye after she was punched by Cox. The…


POLICE: Weekly Police Blotter

THEFT: Steven Tedrow, 34, of Ellwood City is charged with Theft after an incident occurring on April 4th at approximately 10:30p.m. A victim told police his credit card was stolen and used for the following purchases: Speedway April 4th, at 11:24p.m. $108.71 for a carton of cigarettes, April 4th at 11:28p.m. $104.31 for a carton of cigarettes, Sunoco Gas Station on April 4th at 11:51p.m. $106.95 declined purchase of a carton of cigarettes according to a criminal complaint. POSSESSION: Chad Smith, 51, of Ellwood City is charged with Possession after a reported incident on or about August 6th. Police, while…