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.

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg reports that the Pennsylvania Superior Court has affirmed the conviction and sentence of the Duke Center man convicted of Rape of a Child and other sex crimes.  The Superior Court agreed that the jury’s verdict was supported by sufficient evidence and found VANCAMP’S assertion that the Court’s sentence was an abuse of discretion to be “wholly frivolous.”  The Superior Court also agreed with the Trial Court that the evidence was sufficient that VANCAMP meets the definition to be classified as a Sexually Violent Predator and that VANCAMP’S assertion otherwise is “frivolous.”  VANCAMP was sentenced to state incarceration for a period of 22 years – 44 years plus additional terms. 

ORIGINAL RELEASE: DUKE CENTER MAN SENTENCED FOR RAPE OF A CHILD (MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania:  August 29, 2024):  District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the Duke Center man convicted of Rape of a Child in December has been sentenced at a sentencing hearing before the Judge at the McKean County Courthouse today. Sebastian VANCAMP of Duke Center was previously convicted of 2 counts Rape of a Child (victim under 13) and related charges.  Following conviction, pursuant to Pennsylvania Law, he was ordered to undergo an assessment with the Sexual Offender Assessment Board and, following a hearing with the Judge, he was found the meet the definition of a Sexually Violent Predator. Because the Court’s determination of Sexually Violent Predator status is required to occur before sentencing, the original sentencing date was continued to today. He had also been charged with Child Pornography in a different case. 

Following his conviction of Rape of a Child, he pled guilty to possession child pornography.  At today’s sentencing hearing, VANCAMP was sentenced to 22 years to 44 years plus 3 years of consecutive supervision for 2 counts of Rape of a Child (victim under 13); 2 counts Statutory Sexual Assault; Corruption of Minors; 5 counts of Indecent Assault; and Sexual Abuse of Children (Child Pornography).  As a Sexually Violent Predator, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for his lifetime, have no contact with the victim, no unsupervised contact with juveniles, sex offender treatment and other terms.  He is not eligible for early parole.  District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer:  “Because the victim in this case was a child under 13, we were able to seek a higher sentence than the sentencing guidelines provide for on the charges of Rape of a Child – which allowed us to seek a minimum of at least 10 years of incarceration on those charges.   Because he was convicted of 2 counts of Rape of a Child, we asked the Court to give him at least 10 years – 20 years on each Rape to run consecutive to each other to recognize that he committed the crime more than once.  Because the child pornography was a separate crime, we asked the Court to run that consecutively as well.  These cases were the efforts of a brave victim and excellent police work.  And I thank them.” If you suspect child abuse, please call 911 and Childline at 1-800-932-0313.

City of Bradford Police Department Press Release On May 30, 2025, the City of Bradford Police Department responded to a reported retail theft at Tops Market. Upon arrival, officers located the suspect, identified Brandon Chase, and took him into custody. The investigation revealed that the individual, Brandon Chase, allegedly stole $27.92 worth of merchandise without paying. It was also discovered that Chase has prior charges pending for retail theft. Chase was arraigned by Magistrate Luther and bail was set at $2,500 unsecured. 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 protecting the community and holding individuals accountable for their actions. If you have any information about this incident or any other criminal activity, please contact the City of Bradford Police Department at 814-887-4911.

On May 31st, 2025, at approximately 1957 hours, City of Bradford Police responded to a report of criminal trespass at 20 Main Street, Apartment G1.

Upon arrival, officers detained a male individual, identified as Marcus Mawn, who was accused of breaking into the residence. The female resident reported that Mawn had followed her home and forced his way into her apartment without permission, causing damage to a TV in the process.

Officers witnessed Mawn kicking a door in on the residence upon their arrival. As a result, Mawn was taken into custody and charged with Burglary, Criminal Trespass, and Criminal Mischief.

Mawn was arraigned by Magistrate William Todd and remanded to McKean County Jail on $30,000 bail. Preliminary hearings are scheduled in the matter. The City of Bradford Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community.

We encourage anyone with information about this incident or any other criminal activity to contact us at 814-887-4911. 

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