Police Reports

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.

On May 25, 2025, at approximately 2037 hours, City of Bradford Police responded to a trespassing incident at 54 Mechanic Street. Upon investigation, officers discovered that the defendant, Craig R. Whitmer , had violated a Protection from Abuse Order (PFA) in place, prohibiting him from harassing, stalking, or abusing an adult female resident at the address.

Through witness statements and video surveillance, officers determined that a physical altercation had occurred between the two parties, resulting in the defendant’s violation of the PFA. The defendant, Craig R. Whitmer, was subsequently arrested on May 29, 2025, and arraigned by Magistrate William Todd.

Whitmer was remanded to McKean County Jail without bail, pending arraignment on additional protection order violations. The City of Bradford Police Department takes incidents of this nature seriously and will continue to work diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of all members of our community.

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

On Friday, May 23rd. at 6: 30 p.m. Investigators with the Street Crimes unit located 54 year old James Young A.K.A. ” Goldie” of 267 Linwood St. Buffalo operating a motor vehicle in North Olean. Patrol Officers attempted to stop Young who drove on to Rt 86.

Young was wanted on an outstanding Indictment warrant for Criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd. degree and Criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd. degree ( B Felonies ). Young did not initially stop for Officers on Rt. 86 after they activated their emergency lights. Officers observed Young throwing what appeared to be drugs out of his car window while on Rt. 86. Young later stopped his vehicle on Rt. 86 and was taken into custody. Investigators located ten baggies of Crack Cocaine on Rt 86 that Young threw out of his vehicle.

Young was transported to the Olean Police Department where he was charged with one count of Criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd. degree ( B Felony ), Tampering with physical evidence ( E Felony ) and several vehicle and traffic violations in addition to the Indictment charges. Young was transported to the Cattaraugus County Jail pending further Court proceedings.

Rhea Mae Martin Williams, 94, of Smethport, passed away Sunday (May 25, 2025) at her home, surrounded by her family.

She was born January 25, 1931 in Smethport, the daughter of Edward John and Ethel Delilah (Austin) Martin. On June 3, 1950 in Farmer’s Valley, PA, she married the love of her life for 71 years, Glenn Arthur Williams, who died December 4, 2021.

After losing her mother at the age of 16, she had to step into her shoes and take care of her family, learning how to bake, make meals and tend to the house. Rhea was a homemaker, tending to the needs of her family. She enjoyed gardening, crocheting, and caring for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She had a very special bond with her first great granddaughter, McKia Williams, who Rhea said was her angel. She was the most loving and caring mother and grandmother and will truly be missed.