Police Reports

On June 9, 2025, at approximately 1611 hours, City of Bradford Police responded to a reported incident on Keating Avenue, where an unknown male was trespassing and acting suspiciously on the property. The same male returned a second time to the property and was detained for investigation. Through further investigation, officers identified the male as 21-year-old Owen M. Wesmiller of 143 Seaward Avenue. It was discovered that Wesmiller had previously been advised by City Police to refrain from trespassing on this property, as he had done so in the past. Despite these warnings, Wesmiller ignored them and continued to trespass. Surveillance video revealed that Wesmiller had been sneaking around the property, attempting to avoid detection.

The female homeowner reported that she had heard suspicious noises outside her home on a previous night, including the sound of her door knob being turned. On one occasion, she believed she saw a person outside her bathroom window but was too frightened to investigate. During the interview, Wesmiller admitted to trespassing on the property three separate times, attempting to enter the home through the rear doors, and attempting to watch the female homeowner through a window as she exited her shower and dressed. He confessed to these acts for personal gratification. As a result, City of Bradford Police charged Wesmiller with attempted criminal trespass (felony), invasion of privacy (misdemeanor), and disorderly conduct (misdemeanor). He was arraigned and remanded to McKean County Jail on $25,000 cash bail. Preliminary hearings are scheduled in the matter. The City of Bradford Police Department takes incidents of this nature seriously and will not tolerate such behavior. We will continue to arrest and prosecute individuals who commit these types of acts, ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.

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

Location Keating Avenue Bradford, PA 16701 Arrest Date Jun 7, 2025 Incident Type All Other – Criminal

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Bradford Township man has been charged with causing the death of a Bradford woman on Jefferson Street on June 7th. Thomas James McElhattan of Rutherford Run is charged by Chief Michael Ward and Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling with Criminal Homicide, Aggravate Assault and 2 counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person. 

McElhattan was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Richard Luther.  Criminal Homicide is a non-bailable offense.  McElhattan was remanded to the McKean County Jail.

City of Bradford Police and Bradford Township Police were assisted in the investigation by the County Detectives, District Attorney, Pennsylvania State Police, Foster Township Police, Pitt-Bradford Police, Bradford City EMS, and the coroner.  Central Court is scheduled for next Thursday. 

Location 59 Jefferson Street Bradford, PA 16701 Date Jun 8, 2025 Incident Type Homicide Case Type Criminal

63 year old Phyllis Jackson of 332 Laurel Ave. lower apartment was arrested on June 3rd at her apartment for an outstanding indictment warrant for selling Crack Cocaine in the City of Olean. This case was presented to a grand jury after an investigation by the Street Crimes unit . Jackson was charged with one count of Criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd. degree and Criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd. degree ( B Felonies ). The Street Crimes unit was assisted by the Drug task force and our Patrol unit. Jackson was transported to the Cattaraugus County Jail to await further proceedings.