LARGE AMOUNT OF COCAINE FOUND
A traffic stop by state police in the city of Williamsport on Tuesday morning yielded one of the biggest cache’s of drugs ever found inside a vehicle in this area. Police say they pulled over 48 year old Franklin Mejia of Patterson New Jersey for speeding on I-180 around 9am Tuesday morning. Following discovery of a specially designed compartment under the front seats, and a check of Mejia’s record, police towed the vehicle back to the barracks where over 2 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $100,00 was discovered. Mejia was charged with possession with intent to deliver and jailed without bail.
RIVER LEVELS TO RISE
The Susquehanna River is back on the rise due to rain and snow melt. Officials believe the river could rise to anywhere from 14 to 18 feet by this weekend. That means that city officials will have to fire up the city’s pump stations to prevent any flooding. Officials say the operation of the four pump stations could cos up to $5,000 dollars in overtime expenses. They are expected to be operated on Saturday and Sunday of this week.
STRUCK PEDESTRIAN IDENTIFIED
An update on a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in the city of Williamsport on Tuesday. Police say 22 year old Raheem Vincent of Williamsport was crossing in the 500 Block of West Third Street around 7:45 on Tuesday evening when he was struck by a vehicle driven by Kathryn Keller of Montoursville. It’s believed Vincent stepped out in front of the vehicle. He was taken to UPMC Susquehanna Williamsport Regional Medical Center for treatment of his injuries. His condition not released. No charges have been filed.
RADIO SYSTEM APPROVED
Lycoming County Commissioners yesterday voted by 2-1 to lock in to a contract which will replace the countywide radio systems and equipment. The final contract is for $4.2 million dollars. The county had until January 31st to pull out and put the project out to bid or pursue other options. It’s believed the county will be able to save some money from the original $4.95 million dollar cost, saving on system maintenance.
AUTHORITIES SEEKING FEMALE GUARD
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of that Northumberland County Prison officer who had an unidentified substance found in her locker after a search at the prison this week. Following the discovery, police tried to talk with Holly Olvaney, but she sped off in her vehicle and hasn’t been found since. As of right now she is just wanted for misdemeanor charges of reckless and careless driving. The substance which was found is being tested at a lab and Olvaney when found will be questioned regarding that substance and the possibility she may have been smuggling it into the prison.
DUI TASK FORCE RESULTS
Officials with the Lycoming County DUI Task Force have released the results of their recent Super Bowl weekend DUI Enforcement. Officers stopped 16 vehicles across the county resulting in 5 DUI arrests over the weekend. They also handled a bar fight and issued non traffic cictations for public drunkenness. One of the DUI arrests was the result of a hit and run accident with a brief vehicle pursuit. Other vehicle code citations were also issued during the enforcement.
CAMPANA TO RUN FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER
Williamsport’s Mayor has his sights set a little higher this year. Mayor Gabriel Campana who has been the city’s mayor since 2008, and who would be up for re-election has announced instead that he will seek the Republican nomination in the May Primary to run in the fall for one of three Lycoming County Commissioner seats. Campana says eliminating waste and lowering taxes are his priorities if elected., saying he would bring vision, leadership and decisiveness to the position.
GARDNER ANNOUNCED CANDIDACY
Another local attorney has announced his candidacy for Lycoming County District Attorney. Ryan Gardner, who practices law with Callahan, Gardner LLC will seek the Republican nomination in May for the DA’s post. Gardner, a Montoursville native says he has prior experience in criminal and civil litigation across the state at both the common pleas and appellate levels and has also practiced in federal court. He also has experience as an assistant DA. He says he would emphasize the importance of the safety of community and families.
MAN FOUND GUILTY OF RAPE
A Northumberland County man has been found guilty on all charges relating the rape of a Turbotville girl over a seven year period. 42 year old Jarret Kinley of Lewis Township began sexually assaulting the girl when she moved to the Turbotville Area with her family at the age of 9 and the assaults continue until 2016 when she was 16 and Kinley was arrested. He was convicted yesterday of multiple counts. No word on when he will be sentenced.
