Police Blotter: December 21, 2024

Police Blotter: PA State Police – Lamar Barracks News Release December 21, 2024

Motor Vehicle Accident w/Fatality
GREENE TOWNSHIP— A fatal accident occurred on December 14, 2024, when Lloyd Petri, a 54-year-old from Sarasota, FL, was driving west on Interstate 80 at an unknown speed in the right lane near Mile Marker 192.3. A collision occurred when Petri veered off the right side of the interstate and his 2015 Peterbilt truck hit the impact attenuator of a guide rail situated off the north shoulder. Following the initial impact, the truck continued through the guide rail for about 30 yards before overturning in a clockwise direction and landing on its passenger side. The truck eventually came to a final rest off the north shoulder in the grass median facing south. Petri suffered fatal injuries in the crash.

Harassment w/Physical Contact
BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP— On December 14, 2024, at 8:58 a.m., PSP Lamar Troopers responded to 43 Fairway View Drive for a report of harassment involving Tracie Pieniazek, 51, and Albert Swortwood, 51, both of Lock Haven. Upon the Troopers’ arrival, it was discovered that a physical altercation had occurred. Charges were filed through District Court 25-3-02.

Motor Vehicle Accident
CRAWFORD TOWNSHIP— On December 13, 2024, at 10:43 a.m., a crash took place on Davidson Road, just east of its intersection with Barger Road. Davidson Road has both westbound and eastbound lanes. According to the report, Zachary Nicholas, an 18-year-old from Williamsport, was traveling in the eastbound lane when he veered off the road. The front of his 2023 Toyota Camry hit a tree, causing the vehicle to come to a stop facing south. Both Nicholas and a passenger suffered suspected minor injuries, while the vehicle sustained disabling damage from the crash.

Theft of Lost/Mislaid Property
BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP— On December 12, 2024, PSP Lamar was dispatched to an unspecified location on Hogan Boulevard for a report of theft. When getting cash back, a 72-year-old female victim of Lock Haven left $20.00 in the self-checkout and it was stolen by an unknown suspect. This investigation is ongoing.

PFA Violation
BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP— On December 12, 2024, PSP Lamar responded to the area around Hogan Boulevard and King Arthur Drive for a report of a PFA violation. Through investigation, it was determined that no actual violation had occurred.

Theft/Crime by Deception
LAMAR TOWNSHIP— On December 9, 2024, PSP Lamar investigated an online scam that occurred on Facebook. The scam involved a hacked Facebook account that was used to post a fraudulent car sale. A 63-year-old woman from Loganton became a victim after calling the phone number in the post and agreeing to pay a $500 down payment for the car, which she transferred via Apple Pay. After the transaction, she received no further communication from the scammer and could not reach them. A similar incident, where another victim lost $500, is currently under investigation by the Renovo Borough Police Department. Further investigation is ongoing.
The Pennsylvania State Police urge individuals to exercise caution when sending money through online platforms like Apple Pay, Venmo, Cash App, and others.

Motor Vehicle Accident
DUNNSTABLE TOWNSHIP— On December 9, 2024, a crash occurred on Woodward Avenue at its intersection with Park Avenue when Eric Hoover, 52, of Lock Haven, was traveling south on Woodward Avenue and approaching the intersection when he failed to stop at a steady red signal. Courtney Royer, 39, of Woolrich, was entering the intersection at the same time and struck Hoover, causing disabling damage to both vehicles. Both vehicles were towed from the scene, and Royer reported possible minor injuries.

DUI
LOGAN TOWNSHIP— On December 9, 2024, at 9:01 p.m., PSP Lamar Arrested a 48-year-old female from Williamsport for driving under the influence of alcohol. Charges were filed through District Court 25-3-02.

Motor Vehicle Accident
PORTER TOWNSHIP— On December 9, 2024, a crash occurred on Jacksonville Road near the intersection with Butler Lane. Marcus Smith, a 21-year-old from Lock Haven, was driving south on Jacksonville Road when a deer entered the roadway. Unable to avoid the deer, Smith hit it, resulting in disabling damage to the front end of his vehicle. Smith did not report the crash to police and had left the scene before their arrival. His 2015 Subaru was subsequently towed from the scene.

DUI
BEECH CREEK— On December 6, 2024, at approximately 10:58 p.m., PSP Lamar initiated a traffic stop on Eagle Valley Road for a traffic violation. Upon investigation, it was determined that the driver, identified as a 67-year-old male from Howard, was under the influence of alcoholic beverages. Chemical Testing was consented to, and criminal charges are pending lab results.

DUI
PINE CREEK TOWNSHIP— On December 6, 2024, at approximately 9:07 p.m., PSP Lamar initiated a traffic stop in the 2300 block of Woodward Avenue in Pine Creek Township for multiple traffic violations. Upon investigation, it was determined that the driver, identified as a 55-year-old male from Williamsport, was under the influence of alcoholic beverages. Chemical testing was consented to, and criminal charges are pending lab results.

Assault/Bodily Injury
BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP— On December 6, 2024, PSP Lamar Troopers were dispatched to 284 Hogan Boulevard in Mill Hall to investigate a child endangerment report. It is alleged that Clint Dorman, 40, of Mill Hall, punched and slapped his 8-year-old son while the child was seated in a car in the Lowe’s parking lot. Dried blood was observed on the child’s face, and a bump was evident on the child’s head. Charges were prepared for the related offenses and Dorman was taken into custody and taken to the Clinton County Correctional Facility while he awaits a preliminary hearing.

Harassment w/Physical Contact
BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP— On December 5, 2024, PSP Lamar Troopers were dispatched to Eagle Valley Road for a welfare check on a victim. Upon arrival, the Troopers discovered that the victim was being held against her will inside the home by Brandon Bitner, a 41-year-old from Mill Hall. The victim was safely removed and taken to a secure location. Bitner is being charged with False Imprisonment and Harassment through District Court 25-3-02.

Motor Vehicle Crash
PORTER TOWNSHIP— On December 5, 2024, a crash occurred on SR-64 (Nittany Valley Drive) south of Juniper Lane Road in Porter Township. Samuel Sprout, a 22-year-old from Lock Haven, drove over a patch of ice, causing his vehicle to veer out of its lane and cross the white fog line. The car then collided head-on with a utility pole. After the impact, Sprout’s vehicle came to a stop facing northwest and sustained disabling damage to the front. Sprout was wearing his seatbelt and was not injured in the crash.

Theft by Deception/Identity Theft
LEIDY TOWNSHIP— On December 4, 2024, at approximately 11:59 p.m., PSP Lamar Troopers were dispatched to 54 Kelly Farm Lane, where James Pletcher, 80, of Renovo, reported that an unknown actor created a fraudulent check and First Commonwealth Bank allowed the transaction to be approved. The victim had a total amount of $4,750.00 stolen from his account. No further information was provided in the report.

Commercial Vehicle Accident
GREENE TOWNSHIP— On December 4, 2024, a crash occurred on I-80 West near Mile Marker 189.8 in Greene Township. This section of I-80 West has two westbound lanes separated by dashed white lines. Units 1, 2, 3, and 7 were traveling in the right lane, while Units 4, 5, and 6 were in the left lane. The accident sequence began when the front of Unit 1 collided with the rear of Unit 2’s trailer. Subsequently, the front of Unit 3 also hit the rear of Unit 2’s trailer. Unit 5 then collided with the passenger side of Unit 4’s trailer, leading to Unit 4 hitting the passenger side of Unit 3’s trailer and then the driver’s side door of Unit 1. Unit 6’s front end struck the rear of Unit 4’s trailer. Meanwhile, Unit 7 hit the rear of Unit 3’s trailer and moved between Units 1 and 4, causing its front end to collide with Unit 4’s passenger side and Unit 1’s driver’s side.
Operators 1 and 7 were taken to the hospital by ambulance with minor injuries. Units 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7, along with their trailers, sustained disabling damage and were towed from the scene by Bressler’s Towing.

Theft of Motor Vehicle
WAYNE TOWNSHIP— On December 4, 2024, at 6:00 a.m., Troopers were dispatched for a report of a stolen trailer from First Quality. Through investigation, it was determined that a driver had taken the wrong trailer when picking up from a business. The trailer was recovered and returned to the owner.

Residential Burglary
FLEMINGTON— On December 3, 2024, at 6:45 p.m., PSP Lamar responded to a suspected burglary on Woods Avenue. According to the report, “known actors” parked on the street, approached the property and moved a full plastic tote that was in front of a shed door. They then opened the unlocked shed and took a battery pack jump starter before leaving the scene. A 29-year-old male from Rhinelander, WI, was identified and located. Charges were filed through District Court 25-3-01.

Commercial Burglary
GREENE TOWNSHIP— On December 3, 2024, at approximately 2:00 a.m., “actor(s)” Entered the Twilight Diner at 603 North Mill Street in Green Township by breaking a window. According to the report, while inside, the actor(s) used a grinder to open a safe containing money and stole approximately $3,800.00. The actor(s) then fled the area in a white or light-colored vehicle, possibly a Chrysler/Dodge vehicle. The actor(s) were wearing a white Tyvek-style suit. Anyone with information is asked to contact Trooper Brian Kitko by calling PSP Lamar at 570-726-6000. Reference incident PA 2024-1567112.

Motor Vehicle Accident
GREENE TOWNSHIP— On November 28, 2024, a crash occurred involving Gammanage Perera, a 31-year-old female from State College. She was driving a 2019 Toyota Corolla in the left lane when she lost control of the vehicle due to slippery road conditions. The car spun clockwise and hit the guide rail on the right side of the road, then continued to spin counterclockwise, striking the guide rail again at the front of the vehicle before coming to a stop. All occupants of the car were wearing seatbelts, and no injuries were reported.

DUI
LAMAR TOWNSHIP— On November 30, 2024, PSP Lamar conducted a traffic stop on a 2004 Lexus GX470. Upon making contact with the driver, a 52-year-old male from Philadelphia, Troopers discovered that he was slumped over and an electronic duster can was in his hand. The driver was taken into custody for DUI, transported to UPMC Lock Haven for a blood draw, and then transported to the Clinton County Correctional Facility pending arraignment. Charges were filed through District Court 25-3-02.

Theft
CASTANEA TOWNSHIP— On November 30, 2024, at 6:41 p.m., PSP Lamar Troopers responded to 352 Grape Street for a report of theft. The victim, Erin Umuakpor, 42, of Lock Haven, stated that she witnessed the suspect take a calico cat from in front of her residence through her Ring doorbell camera and then drove away from the scene. The actor was later identified as a 64-year-old female from Lock Haven, who stated that the cat had escaped her residence and she was unable to find it, according to the report. Charges have been filed through District Court to 25-3-01. The cat has not been located at this time, and anybody with information is asked to contact Trooper Hall at the PSP Lamar barracks by calling 570-726-6000.

Criminal Mischief
PORTER TOWNSHIP— On November 30, 2024, PSP Lamar Troopers responded to Locust Street for a report of criminal mischief. An unnamed 60-year-old male from Lamar allegedly threw a significant amount of dog feces on a victim’s porch. A “Not To Contact” order was issued through District Court 25-3-02.

Drug Possession
WOODWARD TOWNSHIP— On November 29, 2024, Stephen Jawork, 52, of Philadelphia, Was observed huffing electronic duster and was in possession of marijuana near 31 Mountainview Drive. He was arrested for suspicion of DUI, according to the report.

Commercial Burglary
RENOVO— PSP Lamar investigated four burglaries that occurred at 38 Industrial Park Road on November 26, 2024. After investigation, Troopers charged and arrested Daniel Dietz, 46, of Altoona, and James Sampson, 38, of Renovo, with burglary and theft related offenses, according to the report.

Theft from Building
LEIDY TOWNSHIP— On November 23, 2024, at 6:28 p.m., a pull-behind gravel rake was stolen from the Leidy Township building located at Tamarack Road/Stewart Hill Road. No further information was included in the report issued by PSP Lamar.

DUI
MILL HALL— On November 7, 2024, at 7:29 p.m., a traffic stop was conducted on a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek for a suspended registration. While conducting the traffic stop, the smell of alcohol was detected, and through investigation, it was determined that the driver, David Sennett, 43, of Mill Hall, was driving under the influence. Charges for DUI and related offenses were filed through District Court 25-3-02.