Police Beat Feb. 26
CANTON
TV stolen, returned: Carol Leah Lawrence, 65, of Washington, told state police a television was stolen from Lot 44 at 1520 Jefferson Ave. between noon Feb. 16 and noon Feb. 18. Lawrence reported seeing a man running from the residence and noticed the victim’s stepgrandson had left two electronic devices behind. After the stepgrandson returned a short time later and found out police had been called, he fled. Police found the TV at another address and recovered it. The stepgrandson is a suspect. The investigation is continuing.
DONEGAL
Father accused: Matthew Robert Charnik Sr., 39, of 505 Dry Ridge Road, faces strangulation and harassment charges following an alleged incident with his son Friday night. Matthew Robert Charnik Jr. told state police about 8 a.m. Saturday he and his father got into an argument the previous night at their residence. The son said the argument turned physical, with both men wrestling on the ground before the father grabbed him by the throat with both hands and applied pressure with both thumbs. Police said Charnik Sr. was not present when they arrived on the scene Saturday.
MONONGAHELA
Theft charge: Melvin N. Gray, 31, of 29 Hi View Lane, Finleyville, is accused of stealing a bottle of Methadone from the apartment of John Dora, 311 Fifth St. Dora told Monongahela police Gray knocked on his door at 3 a.m. Dec. 2, saying he had a seizure and Dora let him stay on the couch. Dora said when he awakened around 10 a.m., he put the bottle on a table near Gray, who pretended to trip and fall near the table, then left quickly. Dora said he then realized the bottle was gone.
NORTH BETHLEHEM
Criminal mischief: Thomas A. Dinch, 65, of Daniels Run Road, Scenery Hill, told state police someone damaged his mailbox about 12:15 a.m. Saturday.
PETERS
Assault charge: Katie Brenner, 36, of 639 Bower Hill Road, has been released from Washington County jail on her own recognizance. She is charged with simple assault and harassment following an alleged incident Friday. Township police responded to a call around 7:30 p.m. and said they saw Brenner pull her vehicle into the driveway of the residence. Police said her husband, John Graham, reported Brenner had previously pushed him, pulled on his shirt and scratched his face with both hands.
ROSCOE
Drug allegations: Nicholas Povich, 42, of 216 Carson St., Pricedale, faces drug-related charges in two alleged incidents six days apart. RESA Regional Police said they were watching a house known for drug activity around 9 p.m. Friday, saw a truck pull up and watched Povich exit from the passenger seat. They said after he returned, they saw the driver pull away, stop at a stop sign, then turn right onto Route 88 without using a turn signal. Officers said they stopped the vehicle and while doing a pat search of Povich, found a small rock of crack cocaine in a pocket wrapped in plastic. On Feb. 17, RESA police said they stopped a vehicle and while doing a pat down of Povich, found a metal pipe and a stamp bag of suspected heroin.
UNION
Alleged theft: Samuel William Heaton, 49, of 106 First Ave., Monongahela, faces theft charges after being accused of stealing a credit card and using it to withdraw $400 Feb. 8. According to a criminal complaint, Amy Cox told city police Heaton took the card at the apartment they shared at 3507 Frye Ave. The victim said the card is issued only to her.