SHOTS FIRED ON WEST EDWIN STREET, WILLIAMSPORT
“In reviewing the affidavit, these are serious allegations, firing multiple shots into a densely-populated building. You are a real danger to the community,” District Judge Christian Frey told Ukashah Ford, 18 years old from Williamsport. According to the police affidavit, the shooting took place about 1:10 a.m. Thursday when Ford allegedly fired several shots into the Timberland Apartment complex, an occupied structure, in the 700 block of West Edwin Street. According to SUN Gazette, Ford was arraigned, denied bail and locked up on charges of discharging a firearm into an occupied structure, aggravated assault, tampering with evidence and recklessly endangering.
GOVERNORS SHARE GUN DETAILS ACROSS STATE LINES
Governors in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania signed a 10-page agreement to exchange gun crime data for use only by law enforcement, with provisions governing security and mandated notice if the information is misused or improperly accessed. According to the SUN Gazette, the states plan to share details they get from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives through “eTrace” reports that show who first bought and sold guns recovered during criminal investigations.
GOVERNORS SHARE GUN INFORMATION ACROSS STATE LINES
The governors of Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania agreed yesterday to share information about firearms purchases in order to help detect and investigate straw buyers and other gun crimes. The deal requires each state to designate and screen the law enforcement people who will be allowed access to the data. According to a media source, the states must notify each other if the information is misused, including unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, modification, storage or deletion.
ASSISTANCE NEEDED BY CLINTON COUNTY SHERIFF
The Clinton County Sheriff’s office has asked for the public’s help to locate a man guilty of third-degree felony criminal trespassing. Shea Merritt, 20, of Lancaster is described as 5-10 and 200 pounds. As reported by therecordonline.com, the Clinton County Sheriff’s office currently holds an active bench warrant for him. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is being asked to contact the Clinton County Sheriff’s office.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN WATSONTOWN
Watsontown Police were dispatched to a home for a report of domestic disturbance. According to police, the victim, who suffered injuries, was assaulted by 22 year-old Brayden Snyder of Watsontown. He’s now jailed, charged with a felony count of strangulation, and other crimes, according to a media source.
2021 GOVERNOR’S AWARDS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today honored 13 projects by schools, businesses, and community organizations around the state with the 2021 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence. Montour County, Geisinger Medical Center for Sechler Run stream restoration: Sechler Run is an agriculturally impaired stream running along the Geisinger Outpatient Surgery Woodbine facility near Danville Borough, according to an online media outlet. “This year’s Environmental Excellence honorees showcase the innovation and passion that our students, educators, and community and business leaders bring to environmental challenges,” said Governor Tom Wolf. “Their dedication brings health, economic, and recreation benefits not only to their communities, but to all Pennsylvanians.”
PFIZER WAITING TO FIND APPROVAL FOR CHILDREN’S VACCINE
Pfizer asked the U.S. government TODAY to allow use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11 IF regulators agree, shots could begin within a matter of weeks.. As reported by the AP, now the FDA will have to decide if there’s enough evidence that the shots are safe and will work for younger children like they do for teens and adults. An independent expert panel will publicly debate the evidence on Oct. 26.
COVID-19 NUMBERS, LOCAL, FOR THURSDAY
The Pennsylvania Department of Health on Thursday reported new COVID-19 cases statewide. In Clinton County 26 new cases were reported, Centre County saw an increase of 63, Lycoming County increased by 78, Northumberland County had 53 more cases, Snyder had 26, Union had 25 and Montour had 12.
ASSISTANCE REQUESTED FROM NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY CORONER
The Northumberland County Coroner Jim Kelly’s Office is requesting help from the public in seeking relatives of a McEwensville man who died recently at the Watsontown Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The office is seeking any assistance in locating living blood relatives of Thorton E. Wagner. According to the Daily Item, those with information are asked to contact Jim Kelly via the Northumberland County Communication Center.
DAILY TESTING FOR UNVACCINATED AT EVAN HOSPITAL
Based on the Vaccination policy, which recently took effect, over 500 Evangelical Community Hospital employees, are subject to daily testing. In fact, according to Evangelical’s Vice President of People and Culture Rachel Smith, the hospital is testing 250-300 employees per weekday. According to a media source, currently, 68% of Evangelical’s workforce is fully vaccinated.
ASSAULT CHARGE FOR MAN WITH A GUN
Williamsport police officers said a man waved a gun in the face of a woman and threatened to kill her before he placed his arm around her neck. As reported by northcentralpa.com, Jihad Sullivan of Williamsport was charged with second-degree felony strangulation and two counts of second-degree misdemeanor simple assault, according to police.
ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD
Officers with the Williamsport Bureau of Police said they responded to three calls for a found child through the dates of Sept. 28 to Oct. 4.The final response resulted in second-degree felony endangering the welfare of a child for Lashonda Myers, of Williamsport, who officers said had to be woken up after the child was discovered at a neighbor’s residence. Myers was released on $10,000 unsecured bail on Oct. 4. According to a media outlet, a preliminary hearing with Judge Christian Frey is scheduled for Myers on Oct. 12.
ANIMAL COLLISION CLAIMS HAVE PA NUMBER 1
This past week, State Farm® released their annual animal/deer collision research. According to their findings, Pennsylvania drivers rank first in the nation for the number of animal collisions claims with just over 166,000 animal collision claims filed in July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. Deer made up the majority of damage to vehicles from animals. Pennsylvania drivers have a 1 in 54 chance of colliding with an animal while driving. According to research, most animal-related crashes in the U.S. occur from October to December, with deer, followed closely by dogs, cats, farm animals, and rodents.
DECREASED PEOPLE INCARCERATED IN STATE FACILITIES
Governor Tom Wolf announced today that as of October 1, the number of people incarcerated in state correctional facilities is 36,743 – the lowest total since 2001. The population total reflects a reduction of more than 8,300 individuals since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. According to Governor Tom Wolf, “My administration has taken a comprehensive approach to reducing the prison population, with an emphasis on rehabilitation for men and women who are incarcerated and opportunities after incarceration, and I’m proud of our successful efforts while ensuring public safety.”
