Welcome to the Orwigsburg Borough Police Department’s official web page where we will be updating you on recent arrests and information pertaining to police activity. Come visit us on Facebook!
DEPARTMENT ACTIVITY / ARREST INFORMATION
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20 April 2013
BICYCLE SAFETY DAY
 On Saturday, May 18th from 10am-2pm, the Orwigsburg Police Department, in conjunction with the Schuylkill County Safe Kids coalition, will be hosting the 2nd annual Bicycle Safety Day in the parking lot behind the Blue Mountain School District Recreation office. The event will consist of bicycle registrations, helmet fitting, bicycle maintenance checks, rider fit checks and an obstacle course for children to demonstrate their skills. This a a fun-filled learning experience for kids of any age. Free gifts will be handed out to each participant.Pre-registration is requested by May 3, 2013 by calling either the Blue Mountain Elementary School or the Orwigsburg Police Department.
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We look forward to meeting you there!
Child Passenger Safety Week / National Seat Check Saturday
September 17 – 22, 2012 
The Orwigsburg Borough Police Department, in conjunction with the Schuylkill County Safe Kids Coalition, will be hosting a car seat check at R&R Chevrolet on Route 61 south in Schuylkill Haven on Saturday, September 22nd from 8am until 12pm. Stop by and get checked!!25 August 2012HIT AND RUN VEHICLE SOUGHT
On Saturday, August 25, 2012 the Orwigsburg Police Department was dispatched to the 300 block of W. Market Street for a hit and run just discovered. Upon arrival, it was found that an Audi sedan parked facing westbound had been struck by a passing vehicle causing moderate damage to the entire length of the driver’s side. The striking vehicle’s tires rubbed against both doors of the struck Audi.
Anyone having contact with or knowledge of a vehicle with extensive white paint transfer to the passenger side body and/or tires is urged to contact the Orwigsburg Police Department.30 July 2012JUVENILE HOSPITALIZED, FATHER CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
On Monday, July 30, 2012 at approximately 2220 hours, the Orwigsburg Police Department investigated a domestic violence incident involving a father and his 16-year-old son. The juvenile’s mother contacted police after transporting her son to a local hospital to be treated for a collapsed lung, which he sustained as a result of a physical altercation that took place at the family’s residence in the Borough of Orwigsburg earlier on the same date. An arrest warrant for the father, David Fleming, was obtained from the on-call District Justice Carol Pankake charging Fleming with the following crimes: aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment.
Fleming was taken into custody pursuant to the Orwigsburg Police Department serving the warrant at Fleming’s residence in the early morning hours of Tuesday, July 31, 2012. Fleming was arraigned before District Justice Pankake and remanded to the Schuylkill County Prison, unable to post 10% of $25,000 cash bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at 11:15am before District Justice James Ferrier.4 July 2012LAPTOP STOLEN FROM PARKED CAR
On Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at approximately 1345 hours, the Orwigsburg Police Department investigated a report that someone stole a Hewlett Packard laptop computer from an unsecured vehicle in the 200 block of E. Cherry Street. Anyone with information related to this theft is urged to contact OPD.16 July 2012MAN ASSAULTS JUVENILE, BREAKS JUVENILE’S NOSE
On Monday, July 16, 2012 at approximately 1700 hours, the Orwigsburg Police Department was dispatched to Boyer’s Food Market for a report of an assault. Subsequent investigation revealed that Scott Parsons (23) arrived at the Boyer’s Food Market where he accosted the 17-year-old male victim outside the entrance to the store, punching him several times in the face. The Victim was transported to the Schuylkill Medical Center via the Orwigsburg Community Ambulance where it was learned the victim sustained a broken nose among other facial injuries.
A warrant charging Parsons with aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person was issued for Parsons’ arrest by District Justice Ferrier. Parsons was arrested by the Orwigsburg Police Department at his home later on the same date without incident. Parsons was arraigned before District Justice Plachko and remanded to Schuylkill County Prison, unable to post 10% of $50,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 31st at 10:45 am.2 July 2012RETAIL THEFT AT BOYER’S FOOD MARKET
On Monday, July 2, 2012 the Orwigsburg Police Department was dispatched to the Boyer’s Food Market for a non-active retail theft. Upon arrival and subsequent to investigation, it was found that the suspect was witnessed by the store manager taking an iced tea drink off the shelf and drinking it, before discarding the empty bottle and attempting to leave the store. Upon attempting to leave the store, the manager approached the suspect who told the manager if he continued to follow him, that he’d “snuff him”. The store’s surveillance system made the suspect easily identifiable as Christopher Johnston of Orwigsburg. Charges for retail theft and harassment have been filed with District Justice Ferrier’s office. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 24th.29 June 2012NAPA SIGN STOLEN FROM BARTUSH SIGNS, INC.
On Friday, June 29, 2012 a representative of Bartush Signs, Inc. contacted the Orwigsburg Police Department to report that a 36″ NAPA Auto Parts sign was stolen from their scrap yard located off of Industrial Drive.
Anyone with information relating to this theft is urged to contact the Orwigsburg Police Department.29 June 2012DONATION BOX STOLEN FROM BOYER’S FOOD MARKET
On Friday, June 29, 2012 a representative from the Ruth Steinert SPCA contacted the Orwigsburg Police Department to report that their organization’s donation box had been stolen from the Boyer’s Food Market. It is believed that this theft took place between June 21st and June 27th.
Anyone with information regarding this theft is urged to contact the Orwigsburg Police Department.28 June 2012INTOXICATED MALE ARRESTED AT BOYER’S FOOD MARKET
On Thursday, June 28, 2012 the Orwigsburg Police Department was dispatched for a male who appeared to be intoxicated and/or on drugs stumbling from W. Market Street down S. Liberty Street. A brief search of the area was conducted with negative results. Officers found the man, James Nahf, about to check out in the Boyer’s Food Market. Nahf was manifestly under the influence of alcohol to the point which he was a danger to himself and others. Nahf was also combative. With the assistance of Schuylkill Haven Police, Nahf was taken into custody and held until sober. Nahf was issued a non-traffic citation for public drunkenness upon release.27 June 2012DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ARREST IN BOYER’S PARKING LOT
On Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at approximately 2112 hours, the Orwigsburg Police Department was alerted to a domestic disturbance in progress in the parking lot of the Boyer’s Food Market. Upon arrival, and subsequent to investigation, it was found that a male and female had been involved in an ongoing verbal altercation throughout the course of the evening. Upon arriving at Boyer’s, the female victim alleges that her boyfriend, Jeremy Blain, hit her in the face while inside the store. Upon exiting the store and returning to the vehicle, Blain continued to hit the Victim, Heather Fox, in the face and grab her around the neck. Fox then advised that Blain twisted her wrist until it snapped.
Fox was treated on the scene by Orwigsburg Area EMS and transported to the Schuylkill Medical Center East for her injuries. It was found that Fox’s wrist is broken in two places as a result of the assault.
Blain was arrested and arraigned in front of District Justice Kilker on charges of simple assault and harassment. Blain was remanded to Schuylkill County Prison, unable to post 10% of $25,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 24th in front of Judge Ferrier.24 June 2012OPD ASSISTS AT MADELINE’S FIRE
On Sunday, June 24, 2012 at approximately 2326 hours, the Orwigsburg Police Department was dispatched for a fire alarm at Madeline’s Restaurant located at 1100 E. Market Street in the Borough of Orwigsburg., Upon arrival of officers, it was evident from these home security camera systems that were down the street that the structure was actually on fire and dispatch was immediately notified of our findings. Multiple area fire companies and emergency services personnel were summoned to the scene and extinguished the flames while the Orwigsburg Police Department worked to secure the scene. The cause of this fire is still under investigation.9 June 2012DIRT BIKE STOLEN FROM RESIDENCE
On Saturday, June 9, 2012 the Orwigsburg Police Department was called to investigate the theft of a dirt bike from a garage in the 600 block of W. Market Street. The dirt bike is alleged to have been taken between 6/5/12 and present. The dirt bike is a red and white 1994 Yamaha YZ125 with racing stickers pasted all over the bike.
Anyone with information pertaining to this theft is urged to contact the orwigsburg Police Department.7 June 2012MEASURING WHEEL FOUND
On Thursday, June 7, 2012 the Orwigsburg Police Department found a steel measuring wheel near the intersection of Ridgeview Drive and Country View Lane. If anyone lost this item and would like to claim it, please contact the Orwigsburg Police Department.31 May 2012OPD ASSISTS AT SCHUYLKILL GUNWORKS FIRE
On Thursday, May 31, 2012 at approximately 1800 hours, the Orwigsburg Police Department was dispatched to assist the Schuylkill Haven Police Department with a hazardous commercial structure fire at 20 W. Main Street (Schuylkill Gunworks). Officers from both departments worked to establish a perimeter to protect neighbors from the explosion of live ammunition stored within the establishment. Officers also worked diligently to redirect traffic around the scene. With the help of hundreds of volunteer firefighters and emergency services providers, the fire was quickly extinguished and the structure secured.19 May 2012DOG ESCAPES YARD, BITES MAN
On Saturday, May 19, 2012 the Orwigsburg Police Department was called to investigate a terrible dog bite incident in the 200 block of W. Market Street. Investigation at the scene revealed that a three-year-old mixed breed female dog belonging to Nichole Gehret escaped its fenced-in yard and subsequently bit the victim, Gerald Blickley, on the right hand. Blickley’s hand required hospital treatment for puncture wounds received from the bite. Following protocol, the dog was quarantined for fourteen days and the PA Department of Health was notified. Gheret was subsequently cited by the Orwigsburg Police Department for failing to keep the dog confined.17 May 2012MAN ARRESTED FOR OUTSTANDING BENCH WARRANT
On Thursday, May 17, 2012 the Orwigsburg Police Department received information that there was a male near the Square that is believed to have an active warrant. The Orwigsburg Police Department verified the warrant and successfully took the male, Jeffrey Neifert, into custody. Neifert had a bench warrant out of Schuylkill County for passing bad checks. Neifert was transported to the Schuylkill County Prison to be held.12 May 2012BURGLARY ON LONG AVENUE
On Saturday, May 12, 2012 the Orwigsburg Police Department was called to investigate a burglary in the 400 block of Long Avenue. The investigation showed that unknown person(s) forcefully gained entry to the property owner’s sun room and took a heavy duty yard cart and construction ladder. There was also evidence that the suspect(s) attempted to break into the living area as well; however, were unable to breech the door.
Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact the Orwigsburg Police Department.3 May 2012DEPARTMENT RECEIVES GRANT FROM WALMART FOUNDATION
On May 3, 2012 the Orwigsburg Police Department was presented with a grant in the amount of $3,500 from the Walmart Foundation. These funds have been used to upgrade some of the Department’s computers and software as well as to purchase additional equipment to support the mobile computer capability in the police cars. These upgrades will actively assist the Orwigsburg Police Department in continuing to carry out our mission, providing a safe environment for all those within our community.26 May 2012BEAR SIGHTINGS IN ORWIGSBURG
On several occasions over the past few days, a bear with cubs has been reported in various areas of Orwigsburg, including: Applewood Circle, Boyer’s Food Market, and areas to the west of S. Liberty Street. If you see this or any bear, please DO NOT approach it. If you feel that the bear is a danger to yourself or the general public, please call the police immediately.19 May 2012AREA CHILDREN ENJOY BICYCLE SAFETY DAY
Remember, if your child is under the age of 16, (s)he is required to wear a properly fitted helmet at all times.
11 May 2012DEPARTMENT TAKES DELIVERY OF NEW CRUISER
6 May 2012BICYCLE SAFETY MONTH KICKS OFF IN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN
4 May 2012HOUSE STRUCK BY TRACTOR TRAILER
On Friday, May 4, 2012 a tractor and trailer turned off of W. Market Street onto Long Avenue when the trailer jumped the curb and struck the corner roof area of 436 W. Market Street. The driver of the truck and trailer continued from the scene without stopping to assess the damage or to report the crash to police. The trailer was later found docked at Nordol of PA, Inc. on Industrial Drive with damage to the passenger side. No one was injured. Charges will be filed.
3 May 2012RECENT BREAK-INS REPORTED
Within the last week, the Orwigsburg Police Department has taken several reports of unsecured vehicles and buildings having articles removed from them during the nighttime hours. Those articles being reported stolen consist of mostly electronic equipment (radios, GPS, televisions).
The Orwigsburg Police Department is asking that residents remain vigilant for suspicious activity not only during the night, but also during the day. Should you deem any activity suspicious, please call 9-1-1 or the non-emergency line at 628-3792 to have an officer dispatched.
ALWAYS lock your vehicle and NEVER leave articles of personal worth or monetary value in plain view, such as purses, GPS equipment, radios, wallets, MP3 players, etc.
2 May 2012DEPARTMENT RECEIVES GRANT FOR BICYCLE HELMETS
The Orwigsburg Borough Police Department is extremely proud to announce that we have been awarded a grant from the Council on Brain Injury for the purchase of 100 bicycle helmets!!
These helmets will be used by the police department and Schuylkill County Safe Kids coalition for various community-oriented events and activities as well as for “Bicycle Safety Day” coming up on May 19th at the Blue Mountain Elementary East campus. If you haven’t already, please call the police department to register for this event!
Thanks to the Council on Brain Injury, the Orwigsburg Police Department and Schuylkill County Safe Kids coalition can continue to keep the children of Schuylkill County SAFE KIDS!!
19 April 2012BICYCLE SAFETY DAY
Mark you calendars for Saturday, May 19th at 10 a.m. for “Bicycle Safety Day” being sponsored by the Schuylkill County Safe Kids Coalition! Bicycle safety awareness is being brought to county children at the Blue Mountain Elementary East campus on this day where kids will learn how to properly fit a helmet, obey traffic laws, register their bicycles with the police department, and partake in an obstacle course to practice their skills! Drinks, light refreshments and prizes will be available to all those who participate. Plase bring your bicycle, helmet, and a parent or guardian.
Pre-registration is strongly suggested by calling the Orwigsburg Police Department @ 366-3101 by May 11, 2012.
18 April 2012ATV STOLEN FROM DRIVEWAY
Sometime between the hours of 5 p.m. on 4/17 and 6 a.m. on 4/18, unknown person(s) entered the property of 680 S. Liberty Street and stole a 1996 Yamaha Blaster 350 ATV from the victim’s driveway. The ATV has a silver frame with a red body.
Anyone with information pertaining to the theft of this vehicle is urged to contact the Orwigsburg Police Department @ 366-3102.