Nuisance violations

SHAMOKIN - Cpl. Bryan Primerano cited Larry S. Burda, 63, of 701 N. Shamokin St., Shamokin; Jhoel Leonardo, of South Richmond Hill, N.Y., and Ola A. Adedeji, of 204-206 W. Mulberry St., Shamokin, for allowing properties they own to become public nuisances.

Police said Burda's property at 701-703 N. Shamokin St., Shamokin, Leonardo's property at 625 E. Commerce St., and Adedeji's residence are in danger of collapsing and have materials falling from them.

The citations were issued in connection with Nov. 24 incidents.

Sunbury man cited

LOWER AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP - A Sunbury man who suffered minor injuries from a one-vehicle accident on Route 4017 at 7:49 a.m. Tuesday was charged with a traffic violation, according to state police at Stonington.

Trooper James Yankovich said Kim S. Walker, 57, was traveling in a 2001 Ford Ranger around a right curve along Boyer Hill Road just north of Jews Hollow Road when he lost control of the vehicle.

Walker crossed the southbound lane, left the roadway and struck a tree with the front passenger side, which caused the truck to spin 90 degrees, police said.

The vehicle came to final rest on the passenger side facing a southeast direction, police said.

Kim, who was wearing his seatbelt, was examined by Americus Ambulance at the scene and then released, police said.

The truck was towed from the scene by Aurand's Autobody, police said.

Lower Augusta Fire Company also assisted on the scene.

Traffic enforcement

State police at Milton announced they will increase traffic enforcement over the Thanksgiving holiday period in Union, Northumberland and Montour counties.

Through Monday, troopers will enforce motor vehicle laws including speeding, aggressive driving, texting and driving and driving under the influence.

Police said the holiday weekend is traditionally the heaviest travel period of the year and want to remind motorist to slow down and be on the alert for aggressive drivers.

Theft

GILBERTON - A Shenandoah man was arrested this week for allegedly taking two large bean soup pots and several steel stands/supports from the Continental Fire House along Main Street, according to state police at Frackville.

Police said charges against Derek Davidson, 29, in the office of District Judge Bernadette J. Nahas, Frackville.

Disorderly conduct

TREVORTON - A 16-year-old girl was charged by Zerbe Township Police for disorderly conduct relating to an incident in which she was smoking a cigarette and sitting crosslegged on 10th Street near Mahanoy Street at 3:40 p.m. Friday.

Police said the girl refused to get out of the street, which diverted traffic.

The charges were filed by Chief Robert John in the office of District Judge John Gembic, Shamokin.

Deer crash

RUSH TOWNSHIP - A Mount Carmel woman escaped injury after the vehicle she was driving collided with a deer at 7:38 p.m. Thursday on Route 54 near Boyd Station Road.

State police at Stonington report a 2008 Ford Escape driven by Stephanie Pultynovich, 28, of Mount Carmel, was traveling east on Route 54 when a deer ran onto the roadway. Pultynovich struck the deer and her vehicle sustained disabling damage to its front end.

The driver was not injured and no charges will be filed.

Chimney fire

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP - Firefighters from three municipalities were summoned early Friday morning to a chimney fire that spread into a wall and roof area at a vacation home at 91 Bethel Drive.

Firefighters were dispatched to the home at 12:11 a.m. and cleared the scene at approximately 1:45 a.m.

Catawissa Fire Chief Don Traugh, who directed firefighting efforts, said a cracked flue liner in a wood-burning fireplace caused the fire to spread at the home owned by the family of Betty (Greco) Wieser of Catasauqua.

Traugh said the property was formerly a permanent residence but later became a vacation home for the Greco family. He said family members who were staying at the home for the Thanksgiving holiday escaped injury and found shelter in relatives' homes.

He said the home is not insured.

Responding were fire units from Catawissa, Elysburg and Numidia along with Elysburg Ambulance personnel.

DUI

SUNBURY - Michael Paul Keller, 33, of Gravel Run Road, Danville, was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol relating to an incident at 12:20 a.m. Saturday, according to state police at Stonington.

Trooper Justin Rosboschil said he originally stopped Keller for multiple traffic violations on Center Street in Sunbury and then noticed he was allegedly intoxicated.

Chair lift hit

COAL TOWNSHIP - Police are seeking the driver of a green Jeep that ran over a wheelchair lift Saturday outside Mountain View: A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Ambulance personnel from AREA Services had unloaded a patient at the nursing home's main entrance about 3:50 p.m. when the Jeep drove over the ambulance's lift and exited the parking lot onto Trevorton Road (Route 225), according to Patrolman Jason Adams.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-644-0333.

Purse theft

COAL TOWNSHIP - Two Shamokin boys were charged in the theft of a purse from an unattended vehicle parked in the 1100 block of West Holly Street about 7 a.m. Nov. 18.

Police said $14 was removed from the purse belonging to Shannon Fetterman, 39, of 379 Jackson Township Road, Herndon. The purse was tossed on the ground nearby.

The boys, 13 years old and 14 years old, are each charged by Patrolman Christopher Lapotsky with theft and receiving stolen property.

Knife threats

COAL RUN - A Coal Township woman was jailed Thursday after she allegedly threatened to kill a man and a teenager with a knife.

Police said Amber Moyle, 35, of 295 state Route 2026, used a butcher-style knife to threaten Lenard Kreski Sr., 48, same address, at 12:51 p.m. She threw the knife at him and also allegedly used a steak knife to threaten a 13-year-old male, police said.

Kreski was assaulted by Moyle, police said, causing his lip to bleed and leaving a scratch on his nose.

Moyle is charged by Senior Patrolman David Sage with simple assault, reckless endangerment, harassment, possessing instruments of crime and two counts of terroristic threats. She was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III and committed to Northumberland County Prison, Sunbury, in lieu of $5,000 cash bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for today.

SUV hit in lot

COAL TOWNSHIP - Susan Grow, 44, of 410 Webster St., Coal Township, reported to Coal Township Police that someone drove into the rear of her sport utility vehicle while it was parked in the Walmart parking lot along Route 61 between 6 and 7:20 p.m. Thursday. Grow's vehicle sustained minor damage, police said.

Window smashed

RANSHAW - Jeff Kropinski, of 135 Main St., told Coal Township Police a driver-side window of his 1994 Oldsmoblie Cutlass Sierra was smashed while it was parked between 3:30 p.m. Wednesday and 7 a.m. Thursday on Main Street near his home. Damage is estimated at approximately $300, police said.

Knife threat II

COAL TOWNSHIP - A 38-year-old Coal Township woman is accused of chasing her husband with a butcher knife and threatening to kill him on Sunday.

Police said Chanda Hine, of 1446 Pulaski Ave., pushed her husband, David Hine, 50, onto a bed and he pushed her away, but she continued to wave the knife and chase him. The alleged incident occurred about 10:42 p.m.

She is charged by Patrolman Christopher Lapotsky with aggravated assault, simple assault, terroristic threats and harassment. She was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III and released on $10,000 unsecured bail.

Harassment

COAL TOWNSHIP - A 16-year-old township boy is charged with harassment by Patrolman Christopher Lapotsky for an incident that occurred about noon Nov. 21 in the cafeteria of Shamokin Area Middle/High School.

Police said the boy grabbed a 15-year-old Shamokin girl around her neck and then by her arms while she was seated, pulled her from her seat and dragged her across the floor.

Crash

COAL TOWNSHIP - An 18-year-old Mount Carmel woman escaped injury after crashing into a parked vehicle in the 1100 block of Walnut Street Nov. 26.

Police said the roadway was snow-covered when Kirsten Zarski, 18, of 144 S. Maple St., lost control of her eastbound 2003 Mitsubishi about 7:10 a.m. and crashed into a 2011 GMC Acadia owned by Jessica Knapik, of Paxinos.

Zarski's vehicle was towed.

Bologna theft

COAL TOWNSHIP - Rex A. Hepner Sr., 65, of 19 E. Independence St., Shamokin, is charged with retail theft by Patrolman Christopher Lapotsky for allegedly tucking a $4 bologna into his clothing and leaving Irish Isle Provisions, West Arch Street, without paying about 2 p.m. Nov. 14.

Camera broken

COAL TOWNSHIP - A 28-year-old Shamokin man is accused of breaking a security camera at a home on West Gowen Street.

Police said John M. Anderson, of 518 N. Shamokin St., went to the residence of Kip Dorkoski at 912 W. Gowen St., walked into the back yard and allegedly struck the camera with his hand. The camera, valued at $316.69, malfunctioned and the lens cracked.

Anderson is charged with criminal mischief by Patrolman Christopher Lapotsky.

2 citations

SHAMOKIN - Brandon Chapman, 19, of 119 S. Walnut St., Mount Carmel, was issued a pair of citations by city police for underage drinking and public drunkenness related to an incident at 11:35 p.m. Wednesday at Sunbury and Rock streets.

5 cited for blight

SHAMOKIN - Five property owners were issued citations Monday by city Cpl. Bryan Primerano for violating nuisance ordinances:

- Louis J. Lippolis Jr., 49, of 846 Allentown Road, Sellersville, for a front porch detaching that is in danger of collapse at 14 S. Shamokin St.

- Brenda E. Keller, 51, of 331 S. Rock St., for a debris pile from a demolition project at 101-103 W. Montgomery St.

- Larry Burda, 63, of 701 N. Shamokin St., two citations for deteriorating condition of properties at 701-703 N. Shamokin St. and 717-719 N. Shamokin St.

- Jhoel Leonardo, of 13201 95th St., South Richmond Hill, Queens, N.Y., for the continuing collapse of 625 E. Commerce St.

- Ola A. Adedeji, of 204-206 W. Mulberry St., for deteriorating conditions at the West Mulberry Street property.

Dumping

BIG MOUNTAIN - Two Shamokin men are charged with scattering rubbish by Patrolman Christopher Lapotsky for allegedly dumping household trash in the Big Mountain area.

Police said Mark Wood, 43, of 455 S. Shamokin St., dumped the trash about 6:30 p.m. Nov. 11. It's not known when Dale Hart, 52, of 1001 E. Dewart St., allegedly dumped trash, police said.

The property is owned by Kenneth Snyder, of Paxinos.

Unruly behavior

SHAMOKIN - Eric Carmen, 30, of 20 S. Franklin St., was cited for disorderly conduct by Patrolman Scott Weaver for allegedly yelling loudly outside his home about 2:20 p.m. Saturday after being warned by police.

Two-vehicle crash

UPPER AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP - One person suffered a minor injury in a two-vehicle crash on Highland Street at 4:15 p.m. Nov. 24.

State police at Stonington said a 2009 Cadillac STS, driven by Donald Hare, 81, of Sunbury, and a 2001 Ford Focus, driven by Stephen R. Bressi, 19, of Coal Township, were traveling south on Route 61 when Hare's vehicle ran into the back of the Focus, causing Bressi to veer off the highway.

The Cadillac continued off Route 61, driving through a grassy area and a fence at the Sunbury Water Treatment Facility. Hare went down over an embankment, stopping in a small stream.

Hare suffered a minor injury and was transported for treatment, police said. Bressi and his passenger, Jennifer R. Hornberger, 18, of Coal Township, were not injured.

Assaults at hospital

DANVILLE - Two individuals were cited for harassment following separate incidents at Danville State Hospital, according to state police at Milton.

Police said Stacy Lynn Oswald, 44, struck Tiffany Zentmeyer, 24, four or five times in the head during an altercation at 9 a.m. Nov. 26.

Also, Meagan Fay Sauder, 22, punched Jenny Summers, 20, several times in the head and kicked her during a fight at 2:20 p.m. Nov. 29.

Harassment charges were filed.

Criminal mischief

SHAMOKIN - A 13-year-old Shamokin male and a 12-year-old Coal Township male were cited by Shamokin City Police Cpl. Jarrod Scandle for criminal mischief after allegedly defacing the property of others at 4:35 p.m. Sunday in the area of 1119 N. Lombard St.

According to police, the two youths threw eggs and trash onto porches and yards and poured pickle juice on a vehicle. The Shamokin male is also accused of throwing items into a neighbor's chimney.

Vehicle owners cited

SHAMOKIN - The following vehicle owners were cited by Shamokin City Police Cpl. Jarrod Scandle for violating the city's abandoned vehicle ordinance.

- Roxanne Orluskie, 45, of 1015 W. Franklin St., was cited Nov. 3 for allowing a vehicle with an expired and suspended registration and an expired inspection sticker to sit at the Raspberry Hill complex near unit No. 3.

- Sean Mikulak, 30, of 1106 Pulaski Ave., Coal Township, cited Nov. 24 for having a vehicle with an expired inspection at the intersection of Pulaski and Lombard streets.

- Eric Smith, 41, of 209 S. Franklin St., cited Nov. 24 for having a vehicle with an expired inspection in the 900 block of East Chestnut Street.

- Brian C. Snyder, 41, of 1000 N. Orange St.. cited Nov. 24 for having a vehicle with an expired inspection at the intersection of Orange and Cameron streets.

'Spice' possession

COAL TOWNSHIP - Two males face drug possession charges following a traffic stop at a DUI checkpoint Sept. 30.

Shamokin City Police Cpl. Jarrod Scandle reported he was working at a checkpoint at Route 61 and Feeney Street when he observed a vehicle traveling north on Route 61, back up and travel in the wrong direction in the northbound lane before being stopped by Scandle.

Scandle said the driver, Michael Wisnoskie, 20, of 76 Church St., Locust Gap, had bloodshot eyes and appeared to be fatigued. Wisnoskie told the officer he had been smoking "spice" or synthetic marijuana, and there was more of the material inside his vehicle.

The passengers, Eric Fletcher, 19, of Murenburg, and a female juvenile, were asked to leave the vehicle. A search of the vehicle uncovered two packets of synthetic marijuana and a glass pipe which was determined to belong to Fletcher.

Wisnoskie and Fletcher were charged with possession of a controlled substance without a license and possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia. The charges were filed with Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, of Shamokin.

Gun violation

COAL TOWNSHIP - Jacob Snyder, 22, of 1032 W. Spruce St., was charged with misdemeanor charges of improper delivery of a firearm and transferring a firearm to another person without a license following an incident on Sept. 16 in the east end of the township.

Coal Township Police Det. Jeffrey Brennan said in court documents, a victim, not identified by police, reported a Smith and Wesson .357 Magnum handgun was taken from the residence. The victim indicated Snyder had taken it.

Snyder allegedly told police he took the gun from the residence and traded it in Williamsport for 50 bags of heroin.

The charges were filed with Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, of Shamokin.

Drug paraphernalia

SHAMOKIN - Raymond K. Villari, 28, of 311 S. Seventh St., was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia after being found with a glass pipe used for smoking marijuana and a plastic bag used for packaging narcotics.

The discovery was made while Villari was allegedly smoking marijuana with a juvenile male in the area of the Fifth Street playground. The charges were filed with Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, of Shamokin.

False reports

SHAMOKIN - Shamokin City Police Patrolman Shane Mowery charged Norman J. Hemerka, 42, of 319 N. Shamokin St., Apt. 1, with giving a false report to police following the investigation into a crash on Nov. 30.

Police were called to Hemerka's home for a reported hit-and-run accident in which he said another vehicle hit his. Officers were investigating a hit-and-run accident involving a fire hydrant, and pieces of debris found at that scene matched Hemerka's vehicle. Hemerka told police he may have struck the fire hydrant the night before.

The charge was filed with Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III of Shamokin.

Needle possession

SHAMOKIN - Clinton Geist, 30, of 216 E. Cameron St., was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia by Shamokin City Police Cpl. Jarrod Scandle, after finding a syringe in Geist's possession while responding to a verbal argument between him and his father at 7:27 p.m. Nov. 13. The charges were filed with Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, of Shamokin.

DUI

COAL TOWNSHIP - Police officer Matthew Henrich charged John W. Gemberling, 24, of 711 E. Race St., Shamokin, with driving under the influence following a traffic stop on Bear Valley Road at 2:50 a.m. Nov. 23.

Henrich was called to the scene for a suspicious vehicle in the roadway and found Gemberling trying to start his vehicle. Henrich said Gemberling was sitting in the truck and was naked from the waist down. After failing field sobriety tests, Gemberling was taken for chemical testing, which showed his blood alcohol level was .242 percent.

The charges were filed with Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, of Shamokin.

Drug charges

SHAMOKIN - Police charged Steven W. Schlief, 20, of 4540 State Route 61, Paxinos, with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia after an investigation into a vehicle stolen Nov. 30.

Shamokin City Police Patrolman Shane Mowery reported in court documents that Schlief allegedly stole his grandmother's car from Sunbury and was in possession of narcotics. Another witness told police Schlief was in the 800 block of North Rock Street and threw a bag of what appeared to be marijuana into the backyard of an abandoned home.

Police found the bag, which contained green vegetable material and a red-and-black colored pipe. Schlief told police that the bag contained "Spice," or synthetic marijuana, that he purchased on the Internet.

The charges were filed with Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, of Shamokin.

Paraphernalia charge

COAL TOWNSHIP - Johnathan R, Grove, 26, of 1465 Pulaski Ave., was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia by Coal Township Police after an investigation at his residence, where a glass water pipe and metal smoking pipe were found in his bedroom by a state parole agent.

The charge was filed in the office of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, of Shamokin.

Burglary charges

RIVERSIDE - Andrew W. Pankotai, 28, of 25 Blue Springs Terrace, Danville, has been charged by Trooper Todd Leiby of state police at Stonington with two counts each of burglary, criminal trespass and access device fraud, three counts of theft, and two counts each of receiving stolen property and loitering and prowling at night.

According to a criminal complaint filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, Pankotai stole 100 tablets of Tramadol, $60 in cash, an M&T Bank card, a power inverter, a portable gun safe, a ball hitch, a Pioneer car stereo and ratchet straps belonging to Brad Diehl, Frances Kerr and Troy Roberts.

Police said the burglaries occurred Nov. 22 at 850 Fourth St. and 704 Avenue D, Riverside.

DUI

RIVERSIDE - Charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, fleeing or attempting to elude police, driving with alcohol in his system while being a minor, reckless driving, underage drinking and driving under suspension were filed by Riverside Officer Kerry Parkes against Cody A. Long, 19, of 9 Gearhart St., P.O. Box 132, Riverside.

The charges relate to a Nov. 24 high-speed chase on various streets in Riverside.

Theft charges

RIVERSIDE - Patrolman Kerry Parkes has charged three men in connection with thefts that occurred between Nov. 8 and Nov. 9 at 1302 Avenue F in Riverside.

Corey M. Hummel, 19, of Muncy, is charged with nine counts of theft from a motor vehicle, three counts of receiving stolen property and one count each of criminal conspiracy and corruption of minors.

Dustyn Kolenda, 18, of Muncy, is charged with one count of criminal conspiracy and nine counts each of theft from a motor vehicle and receiving stolen property.

Elijah M. Jones, 20, of Danville, is charged with one count of receiving stolen property.

The three men are accused of being involved in the thefts of an iPod Touch 32 GB owned by Jillian Johnson; a cooler full of beer belonging to John Weller; an iPod Nano owned by Courtney Zampetti; cash belonging to Joshua Poticher; cash and a purse owned by Ruth Browneller; cash and a wallet owned by Lynn Reichen; cash, cigarettes and a wallet belonging to Matthew Mitchell; CDs and a case owned by Vincent Zampetti, and cash belonging to Timothy McQuiston.

DUI offenses

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Aaron E. Pollock, 25, of 622 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, was charged by Patrolman David Stamets with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, careless driving, driving at an unsafe speed and a red light violation in connection with an April 13 incident on Route 61 near Kulpmont.

Police said Pollock had a blood-alcohol content of .178 percent.

Retail theft

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Jade Swank, 21, of 262 Roadarmel Lane, Paxinos, was charged by Patrolman David Stamets with retail theft.

She is accused of stealing $106.67 in merchandise from CVS Pharmacy Oct. 30.

DUI

RALPHO TOWNSHIP - Travis C. Beam, 50, of Shenandoah, was charged by Patrolman Christopher Grow with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, driving under suspension and possession of four hydrocodone/acetaminophene tablets.

Police said Beam had a blood-alcohol content of .132 percent.

The charges relate to a June 3 incident along Route 54 at All Saints Cemetery.

Simple assault

MOUNT CARMEL - Charges of simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment were filed by Patrolman Justin Stelma against Daniel J. Renn Jr., 32, of 431 E. Avenue, Mount Carmel.

Police reported Renn assaulted his mother, Colleen Renn, at 420 E. Avenue Nov. 6.

Drug offenses

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Patrolman Michael Pitcavage has charged Randy Lee Campbell, 19, of 815 Ash St., Kulpmont, with possession of a controlled substance, misbranding or adulterating a controlled substance, driving without lights to avoid being detected, driving without lights between sunset and sunrise and possession of drug paraphernalia involving a May 28 incident along Arcos Road in Strong.

Police said Campbell possessed acetaminophen and oxycodone hydrochloride.

Phone scam

The Pennsylvania State Police is advising the public of a new phone scam in which callers inform victims their relatives are in danger.

After saying the relatives have either been taken hostage or involved in minor accidents, the callers say the victims must pay $2,000 or their relatives will be harmed, police said.

The caller also possesses some background information on the victim, police said.

These phone calls are typically placed from outside the area or country, but display local numbers, police said.

The police are asking the public to be aware of this and other scams throughout the year, and they are encouraging citizens to be mindful of their personal information and to be careful giving information over phone.

Those who have received these phone calls are asked to report them to their local police.

Burglary/theft

COAL TOWNSHIP - Someone broke into a vacant residence at 815 W. Spruce St. between Oct. 1 and Dec. 2, caused approximately $1,000 in damages and removed all the copper piping in the basement, reported Coal Township Police Department.

Patrolman Jeffrey Brennan said the house is owned by Margaret Heim, of 209 W. Willow St., Shamokin.

Criminal mischief

COAL TOWNSHIP - The front and rear windshields of a 2008 Ford Mustang owned by Richard Madden, 28, of 1223 Pulaski Ave., Coal Township, were smashed with a cement block at approximately 2:50 a.m. Dec. 5, according to Coal Township Patrolman Christopher Lapotsky.

Citations

COAL TOWNSHIP - The following citations were issued by Coal Township Code Enforcement Officer Chris Petrovich this week: accumulation of garbage on porch of Andre Jarell and Nico Hafer, of 1744 Mohawk St., Coal Township; high brush, grass and weeds at 1740-1742 Mohawk St., which is owned by George Atiyeh, of 1102 Fullerton Ave., Allentown, and accumulation of tires and construction debris on property of Mark Shingara, of 323 Center St., Coal Township.

Waives hearing

SHAMOKIN - Lori Ann Dewald, 47, of 1331 W. Susquehanna St., Trevorton, waived to court charges of driving under the influence of multiple drugs, failure to drive in a single lane and careless driving relating to a July 21 accident along Route 890 in Zerbe Township.

The charges were filed by Trooper David Townsend of state police at Stonington.

Dewald was ordered by Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III to appear for plea court Jan. 6 at Northumberland County Courthouse in Sunbury, where she can plead guilty or no contest or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

Theft by unlawful taking

SUNBURY - Deborah Vincent, 57, of Sunbury, reported to state police at Stonington that sometime between 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday, someone removed a wicker chair and Christmas lights from her porch at 471 Plum Creek Road.

Car accident

TREVORTON - Two vehicles were towed from the scene of an accident that occurred at 2:36 p.m. Friday at the intersection of Shamokin and Fourth streets, according to Zerbe Township Police Department.

Police Chief Robert John said William O. Kersetter, 83, of 2495 Route 890, Paxinos, was traveling north on Fourth Street in a 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo when he failed to see a 2000 Honda Civic being driven on Shamokin Street by Michael Witkoskie, 28, of 325 E. Shamokin St., Trevorton.

Kerstetter pulled from the stop sign into the path of Witkoskie's vehicle, police said.

No injuries were reported.

Simple assault

ASHLAND - Two individuals were charged with simple assault following an incident at 3:15 a.m. Sunday at a residence on Fountain Street, Butler Township.

State police at Frackville said Krystle St. John, 25, of Ashland, and John Reese, 30, of Ashland, were involved in an argument that escalated to a physical altercation.

The charges were filed with Magisterial District Judge Christina Hale, of Frackville.

SHAMOKIN - The following hearings took place Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III. Defendants ordered to appear for plea court Feb. 10 in Northumberland County Courthouse, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Jessica Acosta-Ferrin, 28, of Macungie, waived charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal use of a communication facility and possession of a controlled substance involving incidents that occurred Nov. 8 in Shamokin.

The charges were filed by Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano.

Police reported Acosta-Ferrin traveled to Shamokin to deliver heroin and cocaine and rip off the person to whom she was selling. The plot was foiled because the buyer was a confidential police informant.

n Chanda Hine, 38, of 1446 Pulaski Ave., Coal Township, waived charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, terroristic threats and harassment filed by Coal Township Patrolman Chris Lapotsky in connection with a Dec. 1 domestic disturbance involving a knife.

Police said Hine pushed her husband, David Hine, 50, onto a bed and he pushed her away, but she continued to wave a butcher knife and chase him.

n Abigail S. Coller, 18, of 609 E. Independence St., Shamokin, waived a charge of retail theft filed against her by Coal Township Patrolman Matthew Hashuga. She is accused of stealing $172.45 in merchandise from Walmart SuperCenter on Route 61 Oct. 7.

n Candice M. Sanner, 30, and Kimberly M. Kane, 30, both of 615 N. Evans St., Pottstown, waived a charge of retail theft. They were charged by Coal Township Patrolman Matthew Hashuga with stealing $164.22 in merchandise from Walmart on Oct. 1.

n Damon Donald Francola, 50, of 5389 Lower Road, Shamokin, waived two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and charges of limitations on backing and careless driving relating to a Sept. 21 traffic stop on Lower Road near the intersection with Church Lane in West Cameron Township.

The charges were filed by Trooper Thomas Leib of state police at Stonington.

n Charges of simple assault and harassment filed by Shamokin Patrolman Scott Weaver against Brandon Ernest Long, 31, of 800 E. Sunbury St., Apt. 301, Shamokin, were withdrawn when the alleged victim refused to testify at a preliminary hearing.

Long was accused of grabbing his live-in girlfriend Jessica Strain by the throat and arms, breaking her glasses, punching her in the chest, dropping her to the floor, kicking her in the legs and continually threatening to kill her and her family Sept. 14 at their home.

n Elizabeth Farbiarz, 27, of 19 E. Independence St., Shamokin, waived a charge of retail theft filed against her by Coal Township Patrolman Matthew Hashuga in connection with an Aug. 14 incident at Walmart.

Police said Farbiarz allegedly stole $113.57 in merchandise from the store.

n Markist K. Moore, 37, of Shamokin, was held for court on charges of aggravated assault and simple assault involving an Oct. 15 disturbance at 31 N. Marshall St.

Moore is charged by Shamokin Patrolman Scott Weaver with punching Lesley Jack in the face numerous times, causing a compound fracture, and pushing him down a flight of steps.

n Shane M. Brosious, 26, of 233 Center St., Tharptown, waived charges of simple assault and harassment filed against him by Coal Township Patrolman Matthew Hashuga.

Brosious is charged with assaulting Adam Trego, causing injuries that required medical treatment. The assault occurred at Brosious' home.

Ice-related crash

RUSH TOWNSHIP - Lisa J. Seger, 51, of Shamokin, and her 53-year-old passenger, David Seger, also of Shamokin, escaped injury Monday when the sport utility vehicle in which they were traveling slid on the ice along Route 54 and crashed into a dirt embankment and PennDOT sign.

State police at Stonington said Lisa Seger was negotiating a slight curve in the road at 5:15 a.m. when she lost control of the 2004 Ford Explorer.

Harassment

DANVILLE - Stacy Lynn Oswald, of Danville, was charged by state police at Milton for harassment for allegedly striking employee Katelyn Danielle Shade, of Sunbury, at Danville State Hospital at 5:13 p.m. Sunday.

Non-injury accident

SHAMOKIN DAM - Three drivers escaped injury Wednesday in a chain-reaction accident on Routes 11/15.

State police at Selinsgrove said the crash occurred at 5:06 p.m. in the northbound lane, where a Ford Fiesta, operated by Deborah Shutt, 55, of Dornsife, rear-ended a Toyota Corolla, operated by Shaquana Ford, 34, of Sunbury, which was stopped in traffic. The Corolla was pushed forward and hit the back of a Toyota 4-Runner, operated by Todd Grinaway, 50, of Enola, which was also stopped in traffic.

Burglary charges

MOUNT CARMEL - Shawna M. McCoy, 22, of 1110 Chemung St., Coal Township, has been charged by Patrolman Matt Dillman with burglary, criminal trespass, theft, receiving stolen property and possessing 100 Percocet tablets in connection with a Nov. 13 burglary at the apartment of Anna Mazak at 351 S. Market St.

Police said McCoy is accused of stealing a diamond wrist watch with pink heart diamonds, a gold charm bracelet with about six gold charms, a bottle of Percocet containing 100 tablets, a change purse with priceless coins and an assortment of other items having a total value of approximately $700.

Retail theft

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - A charge of retail theft has been filed by Patrolman Daniel Politza against Andrew L. Spishock, 70, of Ashland.

According to a criminal complaint filed at the office of Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, Spishock allegedly stole $66.11 in merchandise from Boyer's Food Market Dec. 1.

DUI offenses

MOUNT CARMEL - Michael J. Katinsky Sr., 61, of 430 W. Fig St., Mount Carmel, was charged by Patrolman Shane Reamer with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, careless driving and driving on the wrong side of the road.

The charges were filed in connection with an Oct. 26 traffic stop at Sixth and Poplar streets.

Police said Katinsky had a blood-alcohol content of .253 percent.

Drug offenses

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Patrolman Kelly Campbell has charged Courtney Pancher, 20, of 349 S. Seventh St., Shamokin, with possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a counterfeit substance and a lighting violation involving a March 10 traffic stop along Locust Gap Highway.

Drug paraphernalia

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - A charge of possession of drug paraphernalia was filed by Patrolman Kelly Campbell against Ryan K. Kristiansen, 23, of Middletown, N.J., in connection with a Nov. 20 traffic stop along Route 901.

DUI charges

MOUNT CARMEL - Megan Bucher, 21, of 18 N. Locust St., Mount Carmel, was charged by Patrolman Matthew Dillman with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to obey traffic control devices and restrictions on alcoholic beverages involving an Oct. 19 incident in the first block of South Apple Street.

Police said Bucher had a blood-alcohol content of .170 percent.

DUI charges

MOUNT CARMEL TOWNSHIP - Jolene E. Reich, 39, of 550 Spruce St., Kulpmont, has been charged by Patrolman Kelly Campbell with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and a tire equipment violation relating to a Nov. 17 incident on Route 61 in Atlas.

Police reported Reich had a blood-alcohol content of .110 percent.

DUI charges

RIVERSIDE - Joseph P. Cirrilla, 27, of Rutherford, N.J., was charged by Patrolman Kerry Parkes with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and careless driving relating to a Nov. 24 accident on Avenue E.

Police said Cirrilla had a blood-alcohol content of .202 percent.

Strikes deer

DANVILLE - A 77-year-old Mount Carmel man was injured Wednesday after he crashed into a deer in Liberty Township, about 7 miles northwest of Danville.

According to a public information report released Sunday by state police at Milton, Joseph T. Roscoe was driving a 2001 Saturn SC1 west on Liberty Valley Road, about 1/4 mile east of Mooresburg Road, when the deer ran onto the roadway. After colliding with the animal, Roscoe's vehicle spun across the oncoming lane and struck a ditch.

The accident occurred shortly before noon.

Trooper Chad Rarig described Roscoe's injury as moderate. He was taken by Liberty Township Fire Department to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, where he remained in serious condition Sunday afternoon.

Roscoe was wearing a seat belt, police said.

Condition update

DANVILLE - A 22-year-old West Hazleton man injured in an accident Saturday on Route 225 near the Zerbe Township-Little Mahanoy Township line remained in critical condition Sunday afternoon.

Otto R. Jacome lost control of a 2003 Ford F-250 he was driving north about 10 a.m., drove down an embankment, crashed into one tree and deflected off another, state police at Stonington reported.

A passing motorist removed Jacome from the truck, which burst into flames.

Mailbox stolen

IRISH VALLEY - Nicole Marie Belgio, of 575 Elm Road, Shamokin, reported to state police at Stonington that someone stole a Bass-shaped mailbox from in front of her home between 1 p.m. Dec. 9 and 1 p.m. Dec. 10. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 570-286-5601.

2 SUVs crash

MAHANOY CITY - A 24-year-old Ashland man was airlifted to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, following a two-vehicle crash Sunday on Route 54 in Mahanoy Township, Schuylkill County.

Nikolas Wydra was listed in fair condition Sunday afternoon, according to a nursing supervisor.

State police at Frackville reported that Wydra was driving a 1998 Chevrolet Blazer north on a haul road about 1:40 p.m. and was attempting to cross Route 54 (Suffolk Road) when he drove into the westbound path of a 2004 Ford Explorer. The Explorer struck the Blazer's passenger side.

Wydra was flown by Medevac 7 to Geisinger for a head injury, Trooper Paul Hardnock said in a public information report.

The Explorer's driver, 54-year-old Michael Matunas, of Mahanoy City, was not injured. A 16-year-old passenger suffered a minor leg injury and was taken by ambulance to Schuylkill Medical Center-East, Pottsville.

Both drivers were wearing seat belts, and both vehicles were towed.

Citations against Wydra are pending, police said.

Assisting were Citizens and West End fire companies of Mahanoy City, Lost Creek Ambulance and Shenandoah ALS.

Criminal mischief

COAL TOWNSHIP - Gerald Sherman, 50, of Coal Township, reported someone smashed the outside passenger rear view mirror on his 2004 Chevy S-10 pickup truck between 2 and 6:30 a.m. Sunday in the 1100 block of West Arch Street.

Anyone with information about the vandalism is urged to call Coal Township police at 570-644-0333.

Safe stolen

WHITE DEER TOWNSHIP - State police at Milton reported someone entered the home of Kurtis Alan Vonneida on Sunshine Drive on Dec. 8 and removed a safe containing personal documents and prescriptions.

Hit and run

JACKSON TOWNSHIP - State police at Stonington are searching for the driver of a small dark car involved in a hit-and-run accident at 11:30 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of Tulpehocken Path Road and township route 350.

Police said the operator descended a hill at a speed too fast to stop in the inclement weather, causing the auto to slide through the intersection and into a building owned by Dave Weaver, of Mandata Road, Herndon, resulting in extensive damage. The driver then fled the scene east on Tulpehocken Path Road.

Police said the car had a loud exhaust and should have damage to its front end.

Anyone with information about the accident is urged to call state police at Stonington at 570-286-5601.

Domestic disturbance

EXCELSIOR - Bernadette Yeager, 51, of 176 Upper Excelsior Road, Excelsior, has been charged by Coal Township Patrolman Matthew Henrich with simple assault and harassment involving a domestic disturbance Saturday night.

Yeager is accused of pushing her husband, William Yeager, during an argument at 6:15 p.m. at their home, causing him to fall to the ground and hit his head on an antique scale. Police said William Yeager's head was bleeding and required medical attention.

Bernadette Yeager was arraigned Saturday night by on-call Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones of Mount Carmel and released on $5,000 bail.

Retail theft

SHAMOKIN - Kenneth K. Lamar, 35, of 115 W. Montgomery St., Shamokin, was cited by Patrolman Nathan Rhodes for retail theft for allegedly stealing four packs of batteries and two apple pies valued at $27.98 from Turkey Hill Minit Market on West Lincoln Street at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 9.

Theft charges

MOUNT CARMEL - Blake W. Boyer, 19, of 718 Centre St., Ashland, was charged by Lt. Christopher Buhay with burglary, criminal trespass, theft, receiving stolen property and loitering and prowling at night.

Police reported Boyer is accused of stealing $265 worth of items from a home at 510 E. Fifth St. owned by his mother, Diane Boyer, on Oct. 17.

DUI

RIVERSIDE - Gerald R. O'Brien, 56, of 28 Perry Ave., Lot 19, Bloomsburg, was charged by Patrolman Gerard Zeidler with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol relating to a Dec. 6 incident at Avenue G and Snyder's Lane.

Police reported O'Brien had a blood-alcohol content of .296 percent.

Drug paraphernalia

MOUNT CARMEL - Brandon T. Chapman, 19, of 119 S. Vine St., Mount Carmel, has been charged by Cpl. David Donkochik with possession of drug paraphernalia.

Police said Chapman was found in possession of a homemade smoking pipe and two plastic sealed baggies containing small amounts of green residue similar to Spice or marijuana.

Police reported the incident occurred Dec. 10 at Fourth and Peach streets.

Code violations

KULPMONT - Borough code officer Russ Moroz issued citations Friday against the following property owners for alleged code or ordinance violations.

George Politza, of Gibbstown N.J., was cited for a property he owns at 910 Spruce St., where a garage is in danger of collapsing.

George Atiyeh, owner of Apartments and Acquisitions, of Allentown, was cited for a building he owns at 955-957 Chestnut St., where a porch is in danger of collapsing.

Louis Apichell III, of Kulpmont, cited for violations of the borough's rental ordinance for a property he owns at 931 Scott St.

Criminal mischief

NEW PHILADELPHIA - State police at Frackville will charge James P. Druding, 41, of Ringtown, with criminal mischief following an incident at a New Philadelphia apartment between 11 p.m. Monday and 7 a.m. Tuesday.

Police say that Druding caused approximately $200 in damage to the interior of a rental property owned by George Atiyeh, 54, of Mount Carmel at 52 Water St., New Philadelphia.

Hit and run

ELYSBURG - Ralpho Township Police are investigating a hit-and-run crash that occurred Wednesday along Market Street (Route 54).

Barbara Metrocavage, of Elysburg, told police that she was driving west at 1:20 p.m. when her vehicle was struck in its rear passenger side by a van exiting the shared driveway for M&T Bank and the Family Practice Center, just south of the Valley Avenue (Route 487) intersection.

The female driver of the cream-colored van fled the scene. The vehicle should likely have damage to its front bumper and may have a red-colored paint transfer.

Anyone with information about the accident should call police at 570-672-9892.

Thrown from car

FRACKVILLE - A Mahanoy Plane woman was airlifted to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, after being thrown from a sedan that crashed into a utility pole on Route 61 near Schuylkill Mall on Wednesday.

Julia Schneider, 20, was riding in the rear seat when the accident occurred. She suffered moderate injuries and was flown to the hospital by Life Flight helicopter, according to state police at Frackville. A hospital spokesperson said she was in serious condition Thursday afternoon.

William Wetzel, 61, of Mahanoy City, was driving south in the right lane at 8:10 a.m. when he lost control of a 2001 Buick Lesabre while rounding a curve and struck the pole, police said.

Both Wetzel and an infant who was a rear-seat passenger were taken by ambulance for evaluation at Schuylkill Medical Center-South, Pottsville.

Wetzel was wearing a seat belt and the infant was restrained in a child safety seat. Police did not indicate if Schneider was also wearing a seat belt.

Citations against Wetzel are pending, police said.

Assisting were Goodwill and Altamont fire companies and Frackville and Shenandoah ambulances.

DUI

MOUNT CARMEL - Joseph L. Aiello, 30, of 651 W. Fifth St., Mount Carmel, was charged with driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license, and driving a vehicle without registration following a traffic stop at Fifth and Maple streets, Mount Carmel at 2:49 a.m. Nov. 27.

According to court documents, Mount Carmel Borough Police Patrolman Shane Reamer observed Aiello drive away from a convenience store; the patrolman knows Aiello does not have a valid drivers license. When Reamer stopped the vehicle, he detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from the vehicle.

Aiello allegedly failed two of the three field sobriety tests he was given and scored a positive breath test for alcohol. Chemical testing showed his blood alcohol level at the time was .255 percent.

The charges were filed with Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, of Mount Carmel. A preliminary hearing is set for Jan. 22.

Driver not injured

PENN TOWNSHIP - An Ashland driver who was plowing snow Wednesday was not injured when he backed the pick up truck he was driving into another vehicle, according to state police at Selinsgrove.

Trooper Thomas Grove said Robert J. Huntsinger, 53, was operating a 2002 Chevrolet 2500 in a parking lot at the Selinsgrove State School in Snyder County at 9:20 a.m. when he backed up into a 2008 Hyundai Elantra that was parked and unattended.

The driver, who was wearing his seatbelt, was not charged, police said.

Condition update

DANVILLE - A 22-year-old West Hazleton man injured in an accident Saturday on Route 225 near the Zerbe Township-Little Mahanoy Township line remained in critical condition Thursday afternoon.

Otto R. Jacome lost control of a 2003 Ford F-250 he was driving north about 10 a.m., drove down an embankment, crashed into one tree and deflected off another, state police at Stonington reported.

A passing motorist removed Jacome from the truck, which burst into flames.

SUNBURY - District Attorney Tony Rosini announced Andres Torruella, 39, of Sunbury, was found guilty following a bench trial before county President Judge Robert B. Sacavage.

Rosini said that the trial was significant in two ways, one that it marked the final trail that Sacavage would hear as president judge, and it was the first trial that both Sacavage and First Assistant District Attorney Ann Targonski have heard in abstentia, meaning the trial proceeded even though the defendant was not present.

"Proof was presented that the defendant has been notified of the time and place of the trail and he failed to appear," Rosini said.

Torruella was convicted of driving under the influence and a number of motor vehicle violations, including failure to obtain a Pennsylvania license after residing in the Commonwealth for over a year. He was sentenced to 30 days to six months in Northumberland County Prison and received a number of fines for the summary violations.

The case was prosecuted by Thomas Leib of the Pennsylvania State Police Barracks at Stonington and Targonski. Rosini commented on the fact that the bulk of the trial preparation was completed by Targonski after regular court hours due to the time constraints being placed on the staff with the pending caseload.

"Ann had to prepare for this trial and organize the evidence during off hours," Rosini said. "The workload, particularly in light of the recent homicide in Sunbury, has made it nearly impossible to prepare during the regular hours. Both Ann and Trooper Leib were dedicated to ensuring justice in this case."

"This trial was also significant as we utilized the technological advances made by Judge Sacavage and had our expert witness testify via video from New Jersey, while simultaneously viewing the video from the state police cruiser's dash camcorder," Targonski said.

A warrant has been issued for Torruella to commence serving his sentence.