Dec 26, 2014 2 min read

Assault charge: Jerika M. Lopez, 23, of 202 Russia Ave., Bentleyville, was charged with simple assault and harassment after state police said she punched her mother during an argument at their home shortly before midnight Wednesday. District Judge Gary Havelka arraigned Lopez, and she was placed in Washington County jail on $10,000 bond.

House burglary: Canonsburg police said they arrested Brandon J. Nicotra on burglary and other charges after he allegedly stole items from the residence of his girlfriend’s father Thursday. Police said Nicotra, 18, stole a sound system, clothes and drill from the home at 433 Adam Ave. after he was living there for about three years. Nicotra tried to return the items to the man, police said, but the drill’s battery was broken. Nicotra was arraigned by District Judge Gary Havelka on charges of burglary, trespassing, receiving stolen property and criminal mischief, and he was taken to Washington County jail on $25,000 bond.

Purse stolen from car: McDonald police said a purse containing $300, credit cards and a checkbook was stolen from an unlocked car parked in an open garage in the 300 block of Coal Street about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Paraphernalia charge: James C. Cowden, 37, of 106 Johnston St., McDonald, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and driving on a suspended license after borough police said they found an empty stamp bag in his car during a traffic stop along Home Street on Dec. 18.

Handgun stolen: On Dec. 19, a resident of Rack Run Road reported a semi-automatic handgun was stolen from the glove compartment of his vehicle, police said.

Burglary: Police are investigating a burglary that occurred Christmas Day. According to reports, the owner of a house on Snowberry Drive, Venetia, said someone stole a large amount of cash from his safe. There were no signs of forced entry.

Tools stolen: South Strabane police said they charged Brandon Miller, 38, of 111 Wasler Way, Washington, with theft from a vehicle after he allegedly stole $1,200 worth of tools from a pickup truck parked at Strabane Square about 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. He was arraigned by District Judge Gary Havelka and taken to Washington County jail on $10,000 bond.