Several Lebanon County police departments
Beware of bad tows – When you’re in the middle of a stressful situation — like a crash or roadside breakdown — it can be challenging to react quickly and think clearly. It’s in these moments that scammers try to take advantage. Beware of rogue tow-truck operators looking to scam you into high fees with high-pressure tactics. What’s come to be known as “predatory towing” has become a real threat to vehicle owners, costing them major headaches and thousands of dollars in overcharges.
“Most tow truck drivers are honest, hardworking people, but there are an increasing number who are trying to steal large sums of money from unsuspecting drivers,” explained Chris Sloan, executive director of the Pennsylvania Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority.
The first thing to watch out for is the tow trucks that swarm a crash scene. Those tow drivers are likely listening to police scanners and chasing crashes. Legit tow drivers wait for a call from the police, so verify 911 or an officer on the scene has dispatched a tow. If not, ask them to do so. Also:
- See the fees. Be sure you understand any paperwork that is presented. It should clearly state what you owe. Bad tow drivers often try to pressure drivers into signing a blank invoice.
- Identify the tow. Be sure to gather information like a business card or other document that clearly states the tow company, address, and phone number. Take pictures of the tow truck, license plate, and any company information on its exterior.
Learn more about how to make sure your tow operator is legit or report a suspicious tow at the Pennsylvania Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority’s information site: KnowYourTow.org.
City of Lebanon
Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement citations – The following licensed establishment in Lebanon County was cited by the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, Harrisburg District Enforcement Office, in February. Friendship Social Club, 610 S. 2nd St., Lebanon, failed to maintain records in conformity with the provisions of the Liquor Code and Title 40 of the Pennsylvania code. Charges will be brought before an administrative law judge, who has the authority to impose penalties ranging from $50 to $1,000 for minor offenses and up to $5,000 for more serious offenses. In addition, the judge can also impose a license suspension or revocation of the license based on the severity of the charge, and can mandate training for the licensee.
Public drunkenness – Police charged a 36-year-old man after an incident at 1:37 a.m. Feb. 1 on the 1300 block of Cumberland Street.
Disorderly conduct – Police charged a 43-year-old woman after an incident at 12:02 p.m. Feb. 2 on the 800 block of Federal Street.
Public drunkenness – Police charged a 39-year-old man after an incident at 4:15 p.m. Feb. 4 on the 1200 block of Bitner Boulevard.
Public drunkenness – Police charged a 63-year-old man after an incident at 9:31 p.m. Feb. 6 on the 00 block of North 7th Street.
Retail theft – Police charged a 60-year-old woman after an incident at 12:45 p.m. Feb. 10 on the 600 block of North 7th Street.
Disorderly conduct – Police charged a 62-year-old man after an incident at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 15 on the 200 block of South 4th Street.
Disorderly conduct – Police charged a 61-year-old man after an incident on Feb. 15 on the 200 block of South 4th Street.
Criminal trespass, disorderly conduct – Police charged a 33-year-old man after an incident on Feb. 19 on the 200 block of East Cumberland Street.
Public drunkenness – Police charged a 24-year-old man after an incident on Feb. 22 on the 600 block of Quentin Road.
Public drunkenness – Police charged a 19-year-old woman after an incident at 12:30 a.m. Feb. 22 on the 1200 block of Cumberland Street.
Disorderly conduct – Police charged a 51-year-old man after an incident on Feb. 23 on the 100 block of South 10th Street.
Public drunkenness – Police charged a 30-year-old man after an incident on Feb. 23 on the 1200 block of Willow Street.
Public drunkenness – Police charged a 43-year-old man after an incident on Feb. 26 in the area of 9th and Cumberland streets.
Harassment – Police charged a 52-year-old resident after an incident on Feb. 27 on the 600 block of Quentin Road.
DUI – On March 3, police charged Jonathan Sanchez-Rodriguez, 34, with DUI-alcohol and period for required lighted lamps after a traffic stop on the 900 block of Willow Street.
Retail theft – On March 2, police charged Mabelyn Gonzalez, 60, after an incident on the 800 block of South 12th Street.
Disorderly conduct, public drunkenness – On March 1, police charged Jason Burket, 43, after police responded to a report of a suspicious person in the area of 9th and Walton streets.
Illegally operating a vehicle not equipped with ignition interlock – On Feb. 26, police charged Patricia Bowser, 56, after a traffic stop on the 600 block of Quentin Road.
Evading arrest or detention on foot, drug possession – On Feb. 27, police charged Jymir Hargrove, 22, with evading arrest or detention on foot and possession of drug paraphernalia after police attempted to place him under arrest on 8th and Monument streets for an active warrant.
Simple assault, disorderly conduct – On March 4, police charged Domingo Torres, 42, after police responded to the area of South 8th and Locust streets for a report of a disturbance.
Drug possession – On March 2, police charged Tara Harnish, 39, with possession of drug paraphernalia after an incident on the 600 block of Quentin Road.
Theft – On March 3, police charged Daniel Napoletano, 49, with felony theft by unlawful taking after he removed machining equipment worth $22,847 from a business on the 200 block of East Weidman Street.
Arrest warrant – On March 6, police issued an arrest warrant against Andy Santell, 49, with the original charge being escape.
Arrest warrant served – On March 5, police issued an arrest warrant against Clifford Aponte, 36, with the original charges being simple assault and theft by unlawful taking. On March 6, police arrested Aponte on the 100 block of Lebanon Village.
Retail theft – Police are investigating a retail theft that occurred around 1:30 p.m. March 7 on the 900 block of Church Street. The suspect pictured below removed merchandise from the store without paying for it. Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspect is asked to contact Patrolman Weaver at 717-272-6611 or submit a tip through CRIMEWATCH.
Third annual Umbrella Walk honoring Lt. William D. Lebo – Celebrate the life and legacy of Lt. William D. Lebo at the third annual Umbrella Walk on Monday, March 31. The walk begins at 4:30 p.m. at Southwest/Optimist Park.
“To support our mission — Grow Lebanon. Grow Our Leaders. Grow Our Future. — we are offering special edition umbrellas in honor of Lt. Lebo.”
Golf umbrellas are $40 and are available for purchase at the front desk of the city police department. All proceeds benefit scholarships and projects aimed at strengthening the Lebanon community.
Why the umbrella?
“Rain or shine, Lt. Lebo walked to work every day, carrying the same green and white golf umbrella — one placed by the back door at home, another at the police station. It was more than just shelter from the elements; it was a symbol of his dedication, preparation, and quiet reflection. Those umbrellas remain by the doors today … just in case.
“Lt. Lebo dedicated 40 years to the City of Lebanon, serving with honor, love, and devotion. The Umbrella Walk is not just a tribute to him but also a celebration of the police profession and all who take the oath to serve and protect.”
— www.facebook.com/lebomemorial/
Happy International Women’s Day – In honor of International Women’s Day, the Lebanon City Police Department recognizes the outstanding contributions of its female law enforcement officers — specifically, Detective Martin and patrolwomen Secoges and Day, who embody the spirit of dedication and service to the community.
Lebanon County Regional
Simple assault, harassment – At 7:58 a.m. Jan. 30, police responded to the 1900 block of Chestnut Street in North Cornwall Township for a physical domestic dispute. An investigation revealed that Jacobi Ortiz-Nangle, 32, assaulted a household member, causing injury. Police charged Ortiz-Nangle with misdemeanor simple assault and harassment.
DUI – Around 8:17 p.m. Jan. 25, police responded to a single-vehicle crash with injuries and a downed utility pole on the 1700 block of Grace Avenue in Lebanon. Police determined the driver to be intoxicated, identified him as Victor Llinas, 62, who refused consent to a blood test, and charged him with DUI.
North Londonderry Township
Vehicle accident – Police charged a 17-year-old Palmyra girl with improper turning movements and a junior driver’s license violation after a crash at 8:48 p.m. Feb. 27 on the 200 block of Oxford Road. The juvenile’s vehicle struck a vehicle driven by a 42-year-old Annville woman.
South Lebanon Township
Forgery, identity theft – Around 10:59 a.m. Jan. 27, police received a complaint regarding identity theft and learned that Kelsey Goodman, 31, obtained another person’s credit card number and used it to make several purchases. Police charged Goodman with felony forgery, misdemeanor identity theft, and misdemeanor access device fraud.
DUI – Around 10:50 p.m. Feb. 25, police pulled over a vehicle on East Evergreen Road and learned that the driver, Devon Raynes, 33, consumed alcoholic beverages prior to driving. Police charged Raynes with misdemeanor DUI-incapable of safe driving, two counts of summary driving at safe speed, and summary maximum speed limits.
Western Lebanon County Regional
Defiant trespass – At 11:14 p.m. Feb. 24, police were advised of an individual who would not leave a property on the 800 block of East Main Street in Palmyra. Police made contact with Devin English, 33, who was sleeping on the property and refused to leave. Police told English to leave, and he complied. However, after several minutes, English returned to the property and was taken into custody for defiant trespass. A misdemeanor charge was filed with MDJ Warner’s office.
About the LebTown Blotter
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