Father accused of endangerment
A North Strabane Township man was arrested Thursday by township police on charges of endangering the welfare of children and reckless endangerment after he allegedly left used and new syringes where his two small children could get them after he overdosed on suspected heroin.
Police said it was the second time in as many days they were called to the home of Bradley Randall Benson, 37, at 119 Old Meadow Road, after a report of an overdose.
On Thursday, police were called about 5:40 p.m. While officers were on their way, they learned the man was conscious, alert and breathing. Benson was outside of the house, sitting on the ground speaking with emergency medical personnel.
When police asked Benson where he got the heroin, he allegedly told officers he had leftover bags inside his house or in his vehicle. Benson also reportedly told police he had hidden stamp bags inside the house. Police said they found two needles wrapped in a shirt lying on the ground. Benson allegedly told police he threw the items outside when he heard police sirens. Police said the paraphernalia was accessible to the children.
Police said they also were called to his home about 3:25 p.m. Wednesday after he reportedly overdosed. His children were at the home, along with a woman and her child. Police said they found paraphernalia, including a pipe and needle.
Benson was arraigned before District Judge Robert Redlinger and placed in Washington County jail on $10,000 bond. He is scheduled for a Sept. 26 preliminary hearing before District Judge Jay Weller.