Police Reports

(MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania: August 6, 2025):  District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the Pennsylvania Superior Court has affirmed the conviction of a Bradford man for causing the death of a female and serious bodily injury to three men in a fatal car crash that occurred in 2018. 

Daniel OAKS, of Bradford, was convicted of Homicide by Vehicle, Involuntary Manslaughter, 3 counts of Aggravated Assault by Vehicle and 5 counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person. A passenger in OAKS’ vehicle, Alyssa Hawk, died as a result of the crash which also seriously injured three men. Following trial, OAKS was sentenced by the Judge to incarceration in state prison for a term of 19 months to 56 months. 

The testimony at trial was that OAKS was driving his vehicle at an excessive speed and left the roadway – colliding with a truck parked in a yard.  The passenger side of the OAKS’ vehicle struck the truck before rotating and forcing the truck into a porch near three men standing nearby. 

The men were flung through the air – all suffering serious injuries.  Another man was standing near an ATV in the yard and escaped injury. Following the crash, neighbors in the area of the crash ran to the scene and provided aid to the injured men.  Numerous firemen, paramedics, EMTs, and police officers from other areas responded to assist. 

Many of the neighbors and first responders testified to hearing the car pass the houses on the roadway at an excessive rate of speed before crashing and to rendering aid to the men but finding Alyssa Hawk in the passenger seat unable to be saved. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.  The men were flown to out-of-area trauma centers for treatment. Officer Eric Neiswonger and Pennsylvania State Police Accident Reconstructionist Corporal David Kostok investigated the crash.    

McKean County District Attorney Stephanie L. Vettenburg-Shaffer and 1st Assistant District Attorney Michael Alfieri prosecuted the case.  OAKS was represented at trial by Tony Clarke and Chris Martini.

On August 1, 2025, at approximately 11:36 a.m., City of Bradford Police responded to a report of trespassers at 34 Florence Street. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the complainant, who had arrived to check on the property as the homeowner was hospitalized with health issues. The complainant reported that someone had fled the scene upon their arrival.

After conducting a search of the residence, officers located Todd Stahli, a homeless individual, hiding inside. It was determined that Stahli had gained unauthorized access to the home and was staying there without permission. During the arrest, officers found the homeowner’s cell phone in Stahli’s pocket, which led to additional charges.

Stahli was taken into custody and charged with Burglary, Trespass, Theft, and Receiving Stolen Property. Magistrate Richard Luther arraigned Stahli and remanded him to McKean County Jail on $60,000 cash bail.

The City of Bradford Police Department would like to take this opportunity to remind the public that resources are available for individuals struggling with homelessness. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please reach out to the YWCA for support.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

For more information, please contact the City of Bradford Police Department.

Anne “Amy” M. Ayers, 73, of Port Allegany, passed away Saturday (August 2, 2025) at Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.

She was born May 10, 1952 in Port Allegany, the daughter of Daniel and Judith (Petrie) Crowley.

Amy was a graduate of Port Allegany High School class of 1970 and worked at the Market Basket and Shop & Save in Port Allegany, until her retirement.

On July 28, 2025, at approximately 1605 hours, City of Bradford Police responded to a reported physical domestic incident in progress at 53 Belleview Avenue. Upon arrival, officers encountered a male and female arguing on Jackson Avenue near Belleview. 

After making contact, the female victim reported that the male, identified as Justin A. Griffin, had assaulted her just prior to the officers’ arrival and had been continuously assaulting her for the past 4-5 days, causing multiple painful injuries to her body. The victim was visibly injured, and officers detained Griffin.

Griffin was found to have injuries on his knuckles consistent with fighting and was aggressive throughout the detainment process. The victim’s injuries were photographed on scene, revealing numerous bruises to her arms, legs, torso, face, and neck. She reported that Griffin had choked her, restricting her airway and causing pain to her throat. The victim also had multiple deep bite wounds to her neck, back, and torso, some of which appeared to be a few days old and others that were fresh, including one on her hand. The victim advised all of these injuries were intentionally caused by Griffin over the past week during domestic arguments when he would hit, strike, punch, bite, or otherwise subject her to severe physical contact. 

The victim was transported to BRMC ER for a full forensic medical exam and treatment for her injuries. Griffin was taken to BCPD for booking and arraignment, which was conducted by Magistrate Todd. He was subsequently remanded to McKean County Jail with bail set at $15,000. Preliminary hearings are scheduled in the matter.

The City of Bradford Police Department takes domestic violence incidents very seriously and will not tolerate such behavior. Those responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. This incident is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence, and we urge anyone who may be a victim of such abuse to seek help and support.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

For more information, please contact the City of Bradford Police Department.

33 year old Chelsea Tarr N.P.A. was arrested on Adams St. by the Patrol unit for an indictment warrant charging her with two counts of Criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd. degree and two counts of Criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd. degree ( B Felonies ) for selling Fentanyl in the City of Olean. This indictment was a result of an investigation by the Street Crimes Unit. Tarr was transported to the Cattaraugus County Jail to await arraignment.

On July 21, 2025, at approximately 11:20 a.m., our officers responded to a call at 120 Seaward Avenue regarding a male individual who had entered a residence in violation of a Protection from Abuse Order.

The individual, a 30-year-old male, was found to have two outstanding arrest warrants for prior Protection Order Violations. This incident marked the third and subsequent violation of the same order. Our officers took the individual into custody without incident.

During a search, officers discovered the individual was in possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and digital scales with methamphetamine residue.

The individual was arraigned on the PFA violations and drug charges and was remanded to McKean County Jail by Magistrate Engman. Hearings are scheduled in the matter.

The City of Bradford Police Department is dedicated to enforcing protection orders and keeping our community safe from drug-related activity. If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, please reach out to us for assistance.

Remember, all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

On July 20, 2025, at approximately 8:23 PM, our officers responded to a disturbance on Main Street, Veterans Square, involving an individual with a knife. Upon arrival, they found an adult female victim who reported being threatened by a man with a knife.

Thanks to city surveillance system video footage, our investigation revealed that the suspect, Shawn J. Loadholt, engaged in a verbal altercation with the victim, then ran at her with a knife extended in his hand, holding it to her in a threatening manner. Fortunately, bystanders intervened and pulled him away from the victim. Loadholt then discarded the knife, but continued to act in a threatening manner towards the victim.

Our officers obtained an arrest warrant and apprehended Loadholt, charging him with Terroristic Threats, Simple Assault, Disorderly Conduct, and Harassment. He was arraigned by Magistrate Richard Luther and released on $25,000 unsecured bail. Preliminary hearings are scheduled in this matter.

We want to remind everyone that threatening behavior will not be tolerated in our community. If you or someone you know is a victim of a crime, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Remember, your safety is our top priority.

On July 21, 2025, at approximately 11:06 PM, City of Bradford Police responded to a call at 2 Bushnell Street, High Rise Apartments, regarding a male who had pulled a knife on another male victim in a threatening manner.

According to the victim, while walking near the High Rise, the actor, a male, approached the victim in a threatening manner and pulled a knife from his pocket, holding it directly to the victim’s throat while making threats to stab him.

City Police responded quickly to the scene, and the defendant discarded the knife. Officers swiftly took the individual into custody without incident. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the defendant was also intoxicated.

The defendant was charged with Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault, Disorderly Conduct, Harassment, and Terroristic Threats. Magistrate Engman arraigned the defendant and remanded him to McKean County Jail on $25,000 straight cash bail. Preliminary hearings are scheduled in the matter.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The City of Bradford Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. We appreciate the cooperation of the public in reporting incidents and assisting in our efforts to maintain a safe environment for all.

On July 14, 2025, at approximately 10:27 PM, City of Bradford Police Officers responded to a report of a Protection from Abuse Order violation. An adult female victim alleged that Aaron Lee Teeter, 27, male, had been texting her multiple times, violating the terms of the existing order, which prohibited direct or indirect contact.

Following an investigation, officers obtained a warrant for Teeter’s arrest. He was subsequently taken into custody without incident.

Teeter was arraigned by Magistrate Engman and bail was set at $2,500. Hearings have been scheduled in this matter.

The City of Bradford Police Department takes allegations of Protection from Abuse Order violations seriously and will continue to work to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.

All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.