Charleroi police arrest brothers on drug charges
Two brothers were arrested Sunday night by Charleroi Regional police after a brick of heroin allegedly was found in their home when officers arrived to serve a Westmoreland County warrant on one of them.
Derek Jon Lowe, 25, and Kurtis Wayne Lowe, 28, both of 213 Luella Ave., are charged with possession and possession with intent to deliver heroin and possession of paraphernalia.
Police went to the home about 11:15 p.m. after verifying the warrant for Kurtis Lowe with a Westmoreland County sheriff’s deputy. When an officer knocked on the door, Kurtis Lowe reportedly moved the blind from the door window, and police told him to open the door. When he did not, police forced their way into the home.
When police entered the room, Derek Lowe allegedly tried to run out and was ordered to the ground. Kurtis Lowe also was ordered to get on the ground. A third man in the house was placed in handcuffs for officers’ safety.
Police said they spotted a brick of suspected heroin and also found paraphernalia in plain view. Police were given permission to search the home and said they found three more bundles of suspected heroin.
Kurtis Lowe allegedly told police his brother sells heroin to support their habits. Police said Derek Lowe told them his brother goes to Monessen and brings back the heroin, keeping control over the sales and what is used.
The brothers were arraigned before District Judge Ethan Ward and placed in Washington County jail on $50,000 bonds. They are scheduled for an Oct. 19 preliminary hearing before District Judge Larry Hopkins.