Ephrata Police Logs

January 29, 2010

Two people were injured in a motor vehicle accident that occurred on Rt  272 and Grandview Avenue in Ephrata. Leroy T. Landis, age 59, of Denver, PA was exciting the traffic way from the Ephrata Community Hospital to cross over Rt  272 to Grandview Avenue and struck Faye Ann Snavely, age 45, of Stevens, PA broadside. Snavely was traveling south on Rt 272 at the time of the crash.    Police are requesting that anyone who witnessed this accident contact the Ephrata Police Department at 717-738-9200

Hit & Run Crash

Monday January 25, 2010

Following an investigation into a hit & run vehicle crash which occurred at approx 21:50 hours in the 300 block of E. Fulton Street (Ephrata Borough), the Ephrata Police filed a traffic citation against Corrinne Levening, age 26, of Ephrata, for her involvement in the crash.  Levering was the driver of a vehicle which was involved in an accident with another vehicle that was legally parked 9unattended0 and resulted in damage to the other vehicle, and she failed to immediately stop and notify the owner of her name, address, registration, and information related to financial responsibility (insurance) and failed to notify the police department.

Burglary

The resident at 19 E. Main St. Apt 3, reported to police that a single male suspect dressed in black, wearing a mask kicked in the exterior door from his apartment to the fire escape, upon seeing that there were people home in the apartment.  The suspect fled.  No items were taken and no one was hurt inside the apartment.

Investigators from Ephrata Police Department charged Angela Rineholt-Aguina of Windsor PA, and Jose Mercado Cartagena of Lancaster PA, each with one count of Retail Theft and one count of Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Retail Theft. Each charge is a 3^rd degree Felony. Both Rineholt-Aguina and Cartagena were involved with stealing televisions from CVS on North Reading Road in December. Rineholt-Aguina was arraigned before MDJ Hamill and sent to Lancaster County Prison on $7,500 bail. Charges are filed against Cartagena.

Investigators from Ephrata Police Department charged Brandon Polynone (24) and Anthony Kashner (27) each with one count of Simple Assault and one count of Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Simple Assault. Both charges are 2^nd degree misdemeanors. Polynone and Kashner were charged due to their actions resulting in an assault inside a residence on Crystal Drive. The assault left the victim bruised and severely damaged the inside of the residence. The victim discharged a firearm during the assault. Polynone was arraigned before MDJ Willwerth and sent to Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $75K bail. An arrest warrant has been issued for Kashner and he remains at large. Anyone with information regarding Tony Kashner’s whereabouts should contact. Investigators at the Ephrata Police Department 738-9200.

On January 4^th of 2010 Ephrata police were requested to respond to the Wal-Mart, 890 East Main Street, or a vehicle break-in in progress. The female 9-1-1 caller advised the County Radio Dispatcher that the person breaking into the vehicle was wearing a green jacket and was standing next to the vehicle in the Wal-Mart parking lot. Upon arrival, police located the described person and determined that Kandice Salers of Ephrata had locked herself outside of her vehicle. Through further police investigation, police discovered that Salers falsely reported to the Radio Dispatcher that a vehicle break-in was in process to gain a speedy response time from police. Saler was charged with one count of false reports to Law Enforcement Authorities.

On January 5^th of 2010 Jon Cramer was arrested for Criminal Mischief after an incident which he allegedly rammed his vehicle into the front of David Prough’s (Middletown Resident) truck. The incident was the result of a dispute in a private driveway in the 100 Block of Schoeneck Road. As a result of the investigation Cramer will be sent an arrest summons for Misdemeanor Criminal Mischief charge. No Injuries occurred to either party, but both Cramer and Prough’s vehicles sustained minor damage.

On January 7^th of 2010, Two Ephrata High School students will be cited for Disorderly Conduct following a Mutual Fight on 1-16-10.

On January 8^th of 2010, Ephrata Police investigated a Burglary that occurred at 175 Martin Ave./ ECH health Pavilion. Saturday morning it was reported to police that several offices in the Health Pavilion were forcibly entered sometime Friday Night. Anyone with any information is asked to call the Ephrata Police. The Investigation is ongoing.

On January 9^th of 2010 A report of theft out of vehicle that occurred overnight 1-8-10/1-9-10 on Carriage Lane.

On January 9^th of 2010 Codi Ann Calder (20) reported that her front passenger side window was smashed. Calder’s purse was removed though the broken window. Jewelry and electronics were taken.

On January 9^th of 2010 Suspect had rummaged through Len Paul Metkowski (46) vehicle as it was unlocked and parked in his driveway.

On January 12^th of 2010, the Ephrata Police investigated a fatal crash. This crash occurred as Jennifer Carr (27) of Elizabethtown was involved in a hit and run crash on Cloverleaf Road. After fleeing the scene of the crash, Carr almost hit a Northwest Regional Police officer head on and entered Eastbound 283 from the Cloverleaf on ramp. Northwest Regional Police pursued the vehicle as it sped away at high rate of speed. Carr then exited Route 283 EB at Route772. Carr was n traveling too fast for the curvature for the off ramp and Carr went into the grass divider and ran a stop sign. Carr continued to the intersection of Route 772 and Carr struck Jay Deiter (43) of Bainbridge. Carr spun and the rear of Carr struck the rear of Deiter. Deiter then struck the guide rail. Carr then came to final rest in the eastbound lane of 722 facing west. Deiter came to a final rest against the guide rail on 772 in the westbound lance facing south. Jennifer Carr was pronounced dead on scene by the Lancaster County Coroner’s Office. Passenger one Beth Flaharty (32) of Elizabethtown was taken to Lancaster General Hospital and is in serious condition.  Jay Deiter was taken to Lancaster General Hospital with minor injuries.

On January 12^th of 2010, The PA State Police arrested Tammy Lynn Carper (42) for suspicion of DUI at N. Colebrook Road & Breneman Road. Tammy Carper was encountered after her vehicle became disabled along the roadway, and it was determined that she had consumed alcoholic beverages to the point of impairment. Charges were filed with the local magistrate, Charging Carper with DUI.

On January 12-13^th of 2010, The PA State Police at Ephrata investigated a Criminal Attempt, Theft from a motor vehicle. Actor(s) gained entry into Steven Schneider (31) vehicle but did not take anything.

On January 18^th of 2010 Ephrata Police Department is investigating a report of a purse stolen out of a vehicle while the vehicle was parked in the 500 Block of North State Street on January 17^th. The purse was later found few blocks away.

On January 17^th of 2010 Debora Moore (44) of Denver was stopped at approximately 1am Sunday. She was subsequently arrested for DUI. Moore was released to a friend. Moore’s breath test indicated a BAC of .201-.206%.

On January 20^th of 2010 Ephrata Police arrested Anthony Ortiz (26) of Neffsville PA on felony retail theft charges at the Ephrata Wal-Mart. Ortiz was stopped by store security after he attempted to exit the store with $766.00 of electronics without making an attempt to pay. Ortiz was arraigned and taken to Lancaster County Prison on $10,000.00 bail.

On January 22^nd of 2010 Ephrata Police issued a NT citation to Derrick Sensenig for creating a hazardous or physically offensive condition when he drove his vehicle up onto a large snow bank in the parking lot of Wal-Mart, while having (3) other passengers in the vehicle at the time, an act which served no legitimate purpose. Sensenig was cited and released.

On January 22^nd of 2010 Ephrata Police investigated multiple thefts from vehicles that occurred in the first block of E. Franklin Street overnight. All vehicles were left unlocked by their owners. The Ephrata Police would like to remind residents to lock their vehicles.

On December 24th of 2009 at 08:09 hours, The Ephrata Police Department was dispatched to a vehicle accident with entrapment at the intersection of SR272 and Grandview Ave. in the Ephrata Borough. Along with the Ephrata Police the Lincoln Fire Company, Ephrata Heavy Rescue, Ephrata Ambulance 1-21-1 and Ephrata Medic 4 responded to the scene. Police were informed by Craig Scheirer of Stevens that he drove through a red traffic signal on SR272 at Grandview Ave. and struck the drivers side of a Mercedes Benz SUV driven by Tamela Fassnacht from Ephrata. The Mercedes Benz SUV was then flipped onto its passengers side. Tamela Fassnacht had to be removed from the vehicle by the emergency crew on the scene. Tamela Fassnacht was transported was transported to the Ephrata Community Hospital for minor injuries.

 On December 28th of 2009 A black and blue GT BMX bicycle was stolen at approximately 5:30pm from in front of a business in the 1st block of West Main Street. Anyone with any information is asked to call the Ephrata Police Dept.

 On December 28th of 2009 Ephrata Police Officers were investigating a call for a fight that had just occurred when officers observed Barclay Jr. walking on the sidewalk in the immediate area of the fight. Barclay Jr. gave Ephrata Officers a false name in an attempt avoid being arrested for a probation violation. Ephrata Officers will file charges for false I'D to law enforcement authorities as well as underage drinking against Barlclay Jr. Barlclay Jr. was taken into custody and turned over to the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office for an active bench warrant for the probation violation.

 On January 3rd of 2010 at approximately 12:17pm, Ephrata Police were dispatched to the Wal-Mart for the report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival, Ephrata Police placed Keith L. Stoltzfus of Harrisburg under arrest for retail theft. Amount of items was worth $269 and then committed to LCP in lieu of Bail.

 On January 1st of 2010 at 01:20 hours, Ephrata Police responded to the 400 block of E. Fulton Street for a domestic disturbance in process. Female victim reported  that she was hit on her face by her boyfriend, Howard Noonan of Ephrata during an argument. Victim sustained minor cut and swelling to her lower lip. Noonan charged with Simple Assault and arraigned before MDJ Willwerth who set bail at $20,000 cash. Noonan could not post bail and was transported to LCP in Lieu of that bail.

 On January 2nd of 2010 at approximately 12:40 hours, Ephrata Police were dispatched to the Wal-Mart located at 890 East Main Street Ephrata PA, for the report of a shoplifter in custody. Upon arrival, Ephrata police placed Jose M. Colon-Espada of Lancaster under arrest for retail theft. Amount of theft $589 and committed to Lanc Co Prison in Lieu of Bail.

 On January 3rd of 2010 Ephrata Police responded to the Getty Mart located at 644 E. Main Street in Ephrata Borough for a reported robbery which occurred at approximately 19:30 hours. A white male suspected entered the store through the front doors. He was average height and build and wore a gray or blue coat, and a stocking hate with a blue bandana over his face. He wielded a large kitchen type knife and demanded money. He took an undetermined amount of cash and fled eastbound on foot, last seen on East Main Street the clerk was not injured as a result of the robbery.

 On January 3rd of 2010 the Ephrata Police Department arrested Aaron McMaster at 00:33 hours for public drunkenness. Officers observed McMaster staggering down the sidewalk in the 300 block of South State Street where he was stopped. McMaster was taken back to the Ephrata Police Station and issued a citation for Public Drunkenness.

 On January 5th of 2010 the Ephrata Police Department arrested Aaron McMaster (21) of Cape Coral Florida for Impersonating a Public Servant. During the week of 11-20-09, Ephrata Police received voice mail messages from McMaster and spoke with him by phone. In each instance, McMaster identified himself as a Sergeant McMaster, US Army recruiter in an attempt to gain information about the release status of a recently arrested subject. The investigation revealed that McMaster was not a recruiter and not in the military. During the course of the investigation McMaster moved from the Ephrata area to Florida. Ephrata Police arrested McMaster on a warrant while he was visiting family in Ephrata on 01-05-2010. McMaster was arraigned, was unable to post bail and is currently incarcerated in Lancaster County Prison.

 On January 5th of 2010 at approx. 11:40 hours, The Ephrata Police Department was dispatched to the intersection of State Street and Fulton Street for a vehicle crash involving three vehicles. Unit 1 a sliver Nissan Quest driven by Jason Dienner was traveling north on State Street and failed to stop for a steady red light traffic light facing his direction of travel. Dienner's vehicle was struck as it entered the intersection by Unit 2 a sliver Chrysler PT Cruiser driven by Erica L. Dluzen. Dluzen who had a green light was traveling west on Fulton Street. After Dluzen's vehicle struck Dienner's vehicle, Dienner's vehicle drifted into on coming traffic and struck a white Buick Lacrosse that was stopped at the intersection for the red traffic light. The white Buick was driven by John W. Nauffts of Lancaster. The only injury was to the passenger of Dienner's vehicle who was taken to Ephrata Community Hospital for treatment and later released.

On December 11th of 2009 Vicki A. Strickler's vehicle rear-ended another vehicle at the intersection of Martin Ave. and North Reading road (272) in Ephrata Borough at approximately 20:00 hours. Strickler was arrested for suspected DUI. She was released from police custody, and charges are pending on the outcome of the blood testing. 

On December 11th of 2009 at 16:20 hours Ephrata Police Department arrested Christopher P. Frese (24) of Dencer for Retail Theft at Wal-Mart in Ephrata Township. Frese removed a can of whipped cream from the dairy case, inhaled the nitrous oxide from the can and returned the item back to the shelf. Frese also left the stroe without paying for portable multimedia player cases. Including the whipped cream, Frese failed to pay for $32.20 worth of merchandise. Frese had prior conviction of Retail Theft making this offense a felony. Frese was incarcerated in Lancaster County Prison after failing to post bail and for violating his probation.

 On December 23rd of 2009 A resident in the 600 block of West Main Street in Ephrata Borough reported to police that his Jeep SUV was vandalized sometime overnight. The owner discovered several deep scratch marks on the driver door around 00:03 hours on Wed. morning of December 23rd. The Ephrata Police Department is asking anyone with information about this incident is to call them at 717-738-9200.

 On December 23rd of 2009 A summary citation was filed for Criminal Mischief on David F. Petofske Jr (18) as a result of a minor vandalism to a window at 123 E. Main Street in Ephrata Borough. Petrofske punched the window breaking it, after leaving a meeting with his Lanc. Co Probation officer at that location.

 On December 23rd of 2009 at 08:27 hours the Ephrata Police Department was dispatched to the 300 block of East Main Street for a burglary not in progress. The victim who owns a detached garage in the block reported that his garage door was open when he arrived this morning on entering he discovered that several power tools, hand tools, and a pressure washer were stolen. Ephrata Police found some evidence of possible suspect(s) and is continuing this investigation. Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to call the Ephrata Police at 717-738-9200.

 On December 27th of 2009 at 06:00 hours the Ephrata Police responded to Grant Street and Marshall Street for a fight in progress. The investigation revealed that Christoper Werner (19) of Ephrata, Travis Weaver (19) of Ephrata, Donna Shue (48) of Ephrata and Amber Coy (18) of Ephrata were fighting in the street. Citations were filled against Weaver and Shue for disorderly conduct. Werner was arrested and cited for disorderly conduct and public drunkenness. Coy was arrested and cited for disorderly conduct.

On December 5^th of 2009 Resident of 300 block Railroad Ave. reported parking his vehicle between 11:00 & 3:00am. While he was away from the vehicle someone took a small amount of change & a tool bag with numerous hand tools. The unlocked vehicle was ransacked. The value of the loss is estimated at $400 dollars.

On December 7^th of 2009 At Approximately 5:41pm a pickup truck on eastbound on 322 collided with a westbound van turning left at the 222 south on-ramp in Ephrata Township. A female passenger of the van was extricated and taken to Lancaster General Hospital for apparent fractures. The male driver of the van was also transported to Lancaster General injuries unknown. The male driver of the pickup appeared to be uninjured. Emergency crews were on the scene for approximately 90 minutes. The crash is under investigation by the Ephrata Police anyone who witnessed the accident is asked to call 717-738-9200.

On December 6^th of 2009 The Ephrata Police were dispatched to the Wal-Mart for the report of a retail theft (in progress). Upon arrival Esteban Diaz (33) of Lancaster PA was placed under arrested and charged for retail theft.

The Ephrata Police Department and Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc a national grief support organization comprised of over 19,893 surviving families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty are asking concerned citizens and law enforcement agencies nationwide to again support Project Blue Light. During the holiday season you are asked to put blue lights in your holiday decorations and your windows and tie blue ribbons on car antennas to show support for law enforcement officers who have given their lives in the line of duty for the citizens they have served. Additionally this will be a show of support for those who continue to work the streets 24 hours a day every day of the year.

Law enforcement families nationwide will be decorating for the holidays in blue again this winter honoring and remembering those law enforcement officers who have given their lives in service to the profession and thanking those officers who continue to work America’s increasingly dangerous streets each and every day of the year. In 1988, COPS received a letter from Mrs. Dolly Craig of Philadelphia pa stating she’d be putting blue lights in her window that holiday season to remember her son in-law Danny’s Gleason who was killed in the line of duty in 1986 and her daughter Pam, Danny’s widow, who will killed in an auto accident earlier that year. She thought others might like to share her idea. Dolly’s idea is now her legacy. We shared it with others and nationwide thousands of blue lights shine in support of law enforcement during the holidays. The color blue is a symbol of peace. Put blue lights in your window; decorate your tree in blue, trim the outside of your home or the police station in blue lights. Let our blue lights shine in support of law enforcement this season. You will be sending a dual message that you support America’s peacekeepers and that you hope the coming year will be a year of peace.

On November 30^th of 2009 at about midnight Sunday police stopped Martin Schuize (40) he was driving on Main Street in Ephrata. Martin was subsequently arrested for DUI he gave breath samples indicating an approximately .17% BAC. He was released to a friend. Pending Hearing

On November 21^st of 2009 at around 2:40pm Ephrata Police responded to a medical emergency at Ephrata Ave. & 2^nd Street. This is near Ephrata Community Hospital. A passer-by reported finding a woman collapsed on the sidewalk. The woman was possibly walking or jogging. She was taken to LGH & her identity is unknown at this time. There is no foul play suspected. Anyone with information regarding her identity is asked to call Ephrata Police Department 717- 738-9200. The woman is very physically fit. She is a white female, in her late 50’s or early 60’s about 150 lbs. brown eyes and short grey hair. She was wearing a Timex watch and no other jewelry. She was wearing black stretch pants, blue jacket & a blue “Jeep” baseball cap and size 7 grey Addidas sneakers

On November 23^rd of 2009 Police were called to the Wawa Store for a report of a sick or intoxicated person in the restroom. Police found Sergey Bliznyuk (21) to be passed out in the restroom. Sergey was arrested, cited, and released to a responsible party at the police station.

On November 20^th of 2009 at 12:38 hours The Ephrata Police Department stopped to check on a motorist on South State Street at Gerhart Avenue. Ephrata Police observed a white Pontiac sedan sitting on the shoulder of South State Street with two occupants inside. After checking registration and owner information it was learned that the owner of the vehicle had an outstanding warrant out of Philadelphia for aggravated with assault with knife/cutting instrument. Ephrata Police identified the owner and driver as David R. Miles of Jenkintown pa. Miles told police he was on his way to the green dragon and stopped to call for directions. Miles was taken into custody without incident and taken to the Ephrata Police Department. Ephrata Police confirmed and the warrant was still active with Philadelphia Police Officers who came to the Ephrata Police department to take custody of Miles.

On December 4^th of 2009 at approximately 00:10 hours homeowner in the 100 block of North Church Street Avenue Ephrata reported that a strange drunken male was passed out on her living room couch. The homeowner reported that the male after making his way inside apparently walked around inside making his way upstairs, opened her child’s bedroom door only to be scared out of the bedroom by the family dog. The male returned downstairs and fell asleep on the couch. The homeowners were only awakened after the child ran to her room to tell her about the intruder. The male was found to be intoxicated and was arrested for defiant trespassing and underage drinking charges. He was released to his parents pending charges being filed with Lancaster Juvenile Probation.

Attempt to Obtain Drugs by Fraud- The Ephrata Police Department was dispatched to the Ephrata Community Hospital OB/GYN office on Friday 10/23/09 after patient; Amanda Nexdorf (24) of Akron stole a prescription pad and attempted to pass a forged prescription at Royers Pharmacy in the first block of E. Main Street in Ephrata Borough. Nixdorf admitted stealing prescription pads and forging a prescription and then attempted to have it filled. Criminal Charges were filled in Ephrata District Court on October 28^th of 2009 charging Nexdorf with one count of attempting obtain prescription drugs by forgery.

Crash- Friday Night at approximately 10:00pm Ephrata Police were dispatched to a single vehicle crash. The driver Mark Sweigart (21) of Ephrata was not injured and was arrested for DUI and later released to family. Charges pending depending on BAC results.

Armed Robbery- On November 8^th of 2009 at approximately 6:42 pm Ephrata Police responded to the Getty Mart located at 644 E. Main Street for a robbery that had just occurred. Police learned that Richard Atkins (56) of Ephrata entered the store displaying a knife and demanding money from the clerk. After committing the robbery Atkins ran from the Getty Mart with an undisclosed amount of cash. Police remained in the area of the Getty Mart and continued searching for Atkins. While searching the area officers located items taken from the Getty Mart. Shortly after locating the items from the Getty Mart officers found Atkins hiding in an alley within the 600 block of E. Main Street and immediately took him into custody. Atkins was charged with robbery and arraigned by MDJ Willwerth then committed to Lancaster County Prison after failing to post $75,000 bail.

Theft out of Vehicle- on November 9^th of 2009 Ephrata Police received two reports of items being stolen out of vehicles while the owners where dropping their children off at daycare.

Retail Theft- On November 12^th of 2009 the Ephrata Police Department was dispatched to the Redner’s Warehouse Market for a shoplifter in custody. Stephanie Catanzaro was observed by a Redner’s Warehouse Market employee concealing $24.60 in merchandise in a diaper bag. The Ephrata Police Department arrived at the store and arrested Catanzaro for shoplifting. Catanzaro was issued a citation for Retail Theft Summary offense.

Theft by Deception- The Ephrata Police Department was advised of a white male going door to door selling Sunbrite cleaner. The white male completes a demonstration of his product and then offers a sale of the cleaner to the homeowner. In this particular case a purchase was made and paid for with a personal check. The white male had the check made out to him rather then Sunbrite (the company manufacturing the product) Sunbrite was contacted and advised that they do not have a salesman in the area. Please be mindful that scams are often carried out in this manner. If you have any information regarding the scam please contact the Ephrata Police at 717-738-9200.

Vehicle Crash- On Friday November 13^th of 2009 at approximately 23:00 hours a 17 YOA male was driving a vehicle in careless disregard for the safety of person(s) or properly when he operated the vehicle too fast for conditions at the crest of the hill on Erbs Bridge Road approaching the Middle Creek Road intersection. The driver lost control of the vehicle traveled off the road way and struck a utility pole. No one was injured as a result of the crash but the vehicle suffered damage which required it to be towed from the scene. The Ephrata Police Department filed a traffic citation against the 17 YOA driver for the Careless Driving.

Disorderly Conduct- On November 13^th of 2009 at approx. 21:30 hours we were called to a fight at the intersection of West Main Street and Church Street through the investigation Harold Keith will be charged with disorderly conduct for his actions.

Theft- The Ephrata Police Department was advised of a theft complaint that occurred sometime between Friday November 13^th and Monday November 16^th of 2009 at 222 Travel Plaza in Ephrata Township. Seven wheels and tires were stolen off an empty tank trailer, leaving the trailer on one tire and cinder block. If anyone may have any information regarding this theft investigation please call the Ephrata Police at 717-738-9200.

Criminal Mischief- On Monday November 16^th between 15:30 and 15:45 hours Kevin Andrews (21) Adrianna Doyle (20) Becca Simmons (19) and a YOA male juvenile (16) were observed defacing/damaging the pavilion and picnic tables in the Highland Habitat for Discovery with graffiti. Estimated cost to repair the damage is $500. Ephrata Police issued NT citations for Criminal Mischief (summary) to Andrews, Doyle, Simmons and they were released. The juvenile was referred to the Youth Aid Panel for alternate disposition.

Attempted Burglary- The Ephrata Police Department was advised of an attempted burglary at Fisher Distributing Wednesday Morning. Employees reported someone broke the office window over night but did not succeed in entering the building. Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this burglary is pleased to call EBP at 717-738-9200.

Burglary- Ephrata Police were dispatched to the China Taste restaurant Wednesday morning. Employees related that overnight someone had forced their way inside and stole cash from the register. Anyone with any information is to contact EBP at 717-738-9200.

Drug Violation- On October 10^th of 2009 Ephrata Police responded to a complaint of loud music and person(s) at 250 Church Avenue investigation revealed that several juveniles were involved in underage drinking, possessed a marijuana pipe and that the pip was owned by Jody Hess. After the investigation, charges were filed against Hess on October 29^th of 2009.   

Retail Theft- On October 19^th of 2009 Ephrata Police Department were informed of three individuals committing the crime of retail theft at the Kmart store in Ephrata. Police quickly identified Ricardo Valdespino, Jason Wanner, and the third person is responsible for the thefts that occurred on October 16^th, 17^th and the 18^th at Kmart. On October 25^th of 2009 the Ephrata Police responded to the Kmart store in Ephrata and took Valdespino into custody for Retail Theft after he exited the store. Valdespino was arraigned on charges, and then committed to Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail. Police then filed criminal charges against Wanner for his involvement with the thefts and a warrant was issued for his arrest. On October 27^th of 2009 Ephrata Police observed Wanner operating a vehicle and a traffic stop was conducted in the Denver area. Wanner was taken into custody without incidents. East Cocalico Police assisted with the warrant service. Wanner was arraigned on charges, then committed to Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail. The third person involved is currently under investigation.

Theft by Unlawful Taking- On October 20^th a resident of the 200 block of Duke Street in Ephrata Borough called police on Tuesday October 20^th after finding his window unit air conditioner missing from his porch. Later that day Ephrata Police Officers initiated a vehicle stop that led to the three men admitting to stealing the air conditioner that officers observe in the bed of their truck. The Ephrata Police Department filed Criminal charges in Ephrata District court on Wed. 28^th charging Eric Unaugst (29) and Andrew Marks (19) both from of the 200 block of North State Street, Ephrata and Michael Spoo (20) of the 1100 block of South Reading Rd, Bowmansville with one count of theft by unlawful taking and criminal conspiracy. 

Theft of Service- On October 30^th of 2009 the Ephrata Police charged Ricky Ulrich (51) of Ephrata, for theft of service. The investigation revealed that Ulrich tapped into the cable service and was not authorized to do so.

Burglary- Between October 31^st and November 1^st a home was entered on Jeff Avenue and a cash register containing cash was taken.  

Retail Theft- The Ephrata Police Department was advised of a retail theft that occurred at the K-Mart. Loss Prevention officers observed Matthew Skowood (20) taking a DVD from display and tuck it in his waist band. Skowood exited the store without paying the retail price of the DVD. Skowood was committed to Lancaster County Prison in lieu $5,000.00 bail. Lancaster County Probation assisted the police department by violating Skowood’s current probation status and issuing a detainer for his arrest. 

Retail Theft- On November 3^rd of 2009 at approximately 5:02pm, Ephrata Police was dispatched to the Wal-Mart for the report of a shoplifter in custody. Upon arrival the suspect, later identified as Keith W. Chapin (21), was placed under arrest for retail theft. 

Fatal Accident- On Tuesday November 3^rd at 1829 hours, the Ephrata Police Department was dispatched to a vehicle accident at the intersection of North Reading Road and Martin Avenue, Ephrata Borough. A vehicle, driven by Logan Potts (68) of Akron and Matthew Gold (24) of Denver traveling westbound on Martin Avenue. Potts was pronounced dead at Ephrata Community Hospital. Witnesses report that Potts failed to stop for a red traffic signal. Ephrata Police were assisted at the scene by Ephrata Ambulance, Lincoln fire Department, Ephrata Rescue and local fire police officers. The investigation of the vehicle accident continues. Anyone who witnessed the accident is asked to contact Ephrata Police at 717-738-9200

Theft- A green colored BMX style bicycle was stolen from the bike rack to the rear of the Ephrata High School on October 7^th of 2009 during the school day. The bike had distinctive blue brake cables and gold grips.

Public Drunkenness- On October 13^th of 2009 at 2034 hours Ephrata Police cited Billy McRae (44) of Ephrata with public drunkenness.

Disorderly Conduct- On October 14^th at 1442 hours while on patrol in the area of Ephrata Senior High School, an officer observed a 16 year old female punching a male and female in the face. The 16 year old was taken into custody and later cited with disorderly conduct, a summary offense.

Theft from Vehicle- On October 14^th of 2009 two subwoofer speakers and an amplifier were taken from a car sometime between 9pm on October 13^th & 0700 hours on October 14^th. The vehicle was parked in an alley to the rear of the 1^st block of North Church Street. Anyone with any information please contact the Ephrata Police Department.

Theft from Vehicle- On October 16^th of 2009 there were a number of theft out of vehicle in the area of Lincoln Rd and Buch Mill Rd overnight.

Stolen Vehicle- On October 17^th of 2009 a black 1998 Honda Civic 2-door coupe was stolen from the 100 block of Tom Ave overnight between Friday October 16^th thru Saturday October 17^th

Recovered Stolen License Plate- On Sunday October 18^th at 0303 hours the Ephrata Police observed a 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt parked at Wawa, the registration plate came back as stolen from Lancaster City. Kyle Whitmeyer, vehicle owner was arrested at the scene for Receiving Stolen Property.

Vandalism to Vehicle- A resident in the 100 block of Irene Avenue called police on Wed. Morning October 21^st of 2009 after discovering that the hood of his truck had been spray painted by vandals overnight. The resident told police that he backed his vehicle into his driveway on Tuesday evening and did not hear or see anything suspicious. Ephrata Police are asking anyone who may have information to call 717-738-9200

Public Drunkenness- On October 23^rd of 2009 at 1426 hours Ephrata Police arrested Frank Schubert (53) of Ephrata for Public Drunkenness in the 800 block of Martin Ave.

DUI- Frank Schubert (53) was reported to police to be driving while intoxicated. He was observed driving in the 500 block of Stevens Road in Ephrata Twp and was stopped for erratic driving. He was arrested for suspicion of DUI and submitted to a blood test. DUI charges will be filed pending the results of the blood test.

Public Drunkenness- On October 23^rd of 2009 at 2002 hours Ephrata Police arrested Frank Schubert (53) of Ephrata for Public Drunkenness in the first block of Valerie Ave.