On November 13, 2025, at approximately 0859 hours, the City of Bradford Police Department responded to a “keep the peace” call at 245 South Avenue to assist the City of Bradford Department of Property Maintenance. During the incident, Francis Miller, the homeowner, became irate over vehicles being towed from his property.
He drove his car onto the sidewalk in an attempt to block Property Maintenance and tow services from performing their duties. A female accomplice also pulled a truck next to Miller’s car, further obstructing the tow companies on scene. Miller’s behavior became increasingly erratic, and despite multiple orders to move his vehicle, he refused to comply.
He accelerated abruptly, causing officers to take caution, and eventually exited the car, leaving it partially in the roadway and partially on the sidewalk. When officers advised Miller that he could not block the roadway, he re-entered his vehicle and accelerated in reverse, striking a City of Bradford Police Officer with his motor vehicle. The officer sustained injuries to his leg and knee. Officers promptly removed Miller from the vehicle and took him into custody.
He was subsequently arraigned by Magistrate Richard Luther and remanded to McKean County Jail on $50,000 cash bail. The City of Bradford Police Department would like to remind the public that obstructing official duties and putting the safety of others at risk will not be tolerated. We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community members and will take necessary actions to maintain public order. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Lewis Run man has been remanded to jail following his arraignment on two separate complaints for charges of Rape, Wiretap Act Violations and other charges. Ray COAST has been charged by Trooper Richard Obermeyer of the Pennsylvania State Police-Lewis Run barracks with committing crimes across a three year period at his home in Lewis Run and within the City of Bradford.
In one complaint, Trooper Obermeyer charges COAST with committing multiple sex acts against a male starting when the male was under the age of 18 over the course of three years.
COAST is charged with Sexual Extortion (5 counts), Rape by Forcible Compulsion (5 counts), Rape by Threat of Forcible Compulsion (5 counts), Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse by Forcible Compulsion (5 counts), Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse by Threat of Forcible Compulsion (5 counts), Sexual Assault (5 counts), Aggravated Indecent Assault Without Consent (5 counts), Aggravated Indecent Assault by Forcible Compulsion (5 counts), Aggravated Indecent Assault by Threat of Forcible Compulsion (5 counts), Indecent Assault Without Consent (5 counts), Indecent Assault by Forcible Compulsion (5 counts), Indecent Assault by Threat of Forcible Compulsion (5 counts), Simple Assault, Terroristic Threats, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Corruption of Minors, Corruption of Minors – course of conduct of a sexual nature, Furnishing Alcohol to Minors, and Harassment.
By a second complaint, COAST is charged with using a tracking device to stalk the victim. He is, additionally, charged with the Interception of Electronic Communication (wiretap violation relating to tracking device) (2 counts), Stalking (2 counts), Trespass by Motor Vehicle and other offenses. The complaint alleges that the victim reported that he began to see COAST at various locations out of the blue and receive communication from him where COAST would identify the victim’s location without the victim telling him. The victim suspected that COAST was using a tracking device and took his vehicle to a garage where a tracking device was eventually found on the victim’s vehicle.
The complaint asserts that police located video showing COAST at the victim’s vehicle and in the location where the device was located while the vehicle was parked and police were able to track the purchase of the device back to COAST.
COAST was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge David Engman on one complaint regarding offenses charged at his residence and by Magisterial District Judge Richard Luther on the other case regarding offenses charged within Bradford City. Bail was set at $1 million and $250,000, respectively, with a bail condition of no contact with minors, and COAST was remanded to jail being unable to post the bail.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Pennsylvania State Police-Lewis Run at (814)368-9230 or 911. COAST is scheduled for central court on December 4th.
On November 17, 2025, at approximately 2156 hours, City of Bradford Police responded to a reported assault at 41 Main Street, Apartment 207. Upon arrival, officers located an adult female victim with a bleeding injury to her face.
The investigation revealed that the victim’s boyfriend, James E. White had been giving the victim a haircut when a verbal altercation ensued. The victim made a comment about the haircut, which led to the boyfriend punching her in the face, causing the injury. The suspect, who was found to be intoxicated at the time of the incident, was taken into custody and charged with misdemeanor assault and summary harassment.
The suspect was arraigned by Magistrate Luther and remanded to jail on $20,000 cash bail. 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 all members of our community. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please reach out to local resources for support.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the City of Bradford Police have filed additional charges against the former school bus driver previously charged.
Sean WILLIAMS, currently incarcerated after being unable to post $500,000 bail, has been charged with additional counts of Sexual Abuse of Children (Child Pornography), Corruption of Minors, Unlawful Contact with a Minor and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Officer Anthony Lama and Chief Michael Ward are handling the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to call 911 to be connected to an Officer. Anyone who suspects child abuse is asked to call Childline at 1-800-932-0313.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Kane man has been sentenced to State Prison for assaulting an elderly female relative. Richard FETZECK, of Kane, was charged by Kane Borough Police Officer John Hartman with Simple Assault following an investigation into an assault against a 70-year-old female relative of FETZECK which resulted in injuries to the woman.
At a sentencing hearing at the McKean County Courthouse on November 13th, the Judge, finding that the circumstances of the crime and the offender’s history justify a sentence in the “aggravated range,” imposed a sentence of at least 6 months to 24 months in State prison. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer notes that an “aggravated sentence” is a sentence, the minimum of which, is more than the minimum range established in the sentencing guidelines.
She notes that a judge is permitted to impose a sentence higher than the standard guideline range established in the sentencing guidelines if the judge places a recognized reason for the deviation on the record. FETZECK is not eligible for any early parole. FETZECK is also required to pay restitution to the victim and is prohibited from possessing firearms because the crime is a crime of domestic violence.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the former Rew man who was charged by McKean County Drug Task Force Detective Michael Ward with possessing cocaine with the intent to deliver it in May has been sentenced to additional state time. Robert WALLIN, currently incarcerated, was sentenced during a sentencing hearing held at the McKean County Courthouse on November 13th. The judge sentenced WALLIN to a period of incarceration in the State’s Department of Corrections to at least 12 months to 32 months – to be served consecutive to a sentence he is currently serving as a result of 3 Potter County cases. To report illegal drug activity, please call Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling at the District Attorney’s Office at (814) 887-3312 or leave a tip at McKeanDA.org.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Bradford man has been sentenced to state prison for theft of a vehicle from a Bradford woman. Christopher SALONIS previously pled guilty to Theft by Unlawful Taking (vehicle) -Felony of the third degree. 2nd Deputy District Attorney Sarah Dufresne advised that court that, in June 2024, SALONIS fled from police in Tennessee who attempted to stop SALONIS in the stolen vehicle.
As he was trying to flee, SALONIS crashed, totaling the vehicle. SALONIS was then apprehended and taken into custody. SALONIS was extradited back to Pennsylvania. During a sentencing hearing at the courthouse today, a Judge sentenced SALONIS to at least 6 months to not more than 24 months in a state correctional facility to be served consecutive to another sentence he is serving at a state prison. SALONIS is not eligible for early parole.
On the morning of October 30, 2025, officers responded to an incident at the Bradford Regional Medical Center involving a male subject later identified as Jeffery S. Stack, of Bradford. Upon contact, Stack became combative and actively resisted officers’ attempts to take him into custody.
After a brief struggle, Stack was safely secured and transported to the City of Bradford Police Department for processing. During transport and while in custody, Stack caused damage to a patrol vehicle and continued to act aggressively toward officers, making verbal threats of harm upon his eventual release.
Additionally, Stack assaulted two officers during the course of this incident. Stack was subsequently arraigned before District Magistrate Richard Luther, who set bail at $250,000 straight. Unable to post bail, Stack was remanded to the McKean County Jail.
On November 9, 2025, at approximately 0951 hours, City of Bradford Police responded to a disturbance call at 27 Charlotte Avenue. Upon arrival, officers heard screams for help and witnessed a female, later identified as Breanna L. Wood, crawling out of an upstairs window on the roof.
Upon entering the residence, officers found an adult male victim who had been stabbed twice by Wood just moments prior. The victim was injured and bleeding. Officers immediately apprehended Wood and took her into custody for the alleged offense. The investigation revealed that Wood used a metal tool to stab the victim. The victim reported being in fear for his life, believing he would be killed by Wood’s actions.
Wood was transported to the City of Bradford Police Department and subsequently arraigned by Magistrate Luther. She was remanded to McKean County Jail on $50,000 cash bail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the woman who was convicted at a June jury trial of shooting in the direction of Troopers at a camp in Marshburg resulting in a 9 hour stand-off in 2024 has been apprehended and extradited back to Pennsylvania.
Sharon VANDRISH failed to appear at her scheduled sentencing hearing on August 14th. A bench warrant was issued for her.
She was captured in New York and held in custody until she was extradited back to Pennsylvania through a Governor’s warrant obtained by the District Attorney’s Office. A bench warrant hearing was held on November 6th as required following the apprehension of an offender on a bench warrant. At the hearing, the District Attorney argued that VANDRISH’s bail should be revoked given her failure to appear and flight and announced that there is a warrant for VANDRISH from a Federal agency seeking to remove her from the United States as she is a Canadian citizen. VANDRISH remains incarcerated and her sentencing has been rescheduled for January. A motion to forfeit the monetary bail previously posted has been filed by the District Attorney’s Office and is pending.
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WOMAN CONVICTED OF FIRING SHOT WHILE POLICE ON PROPERTY (MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania: June 23, 2025): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the woman charged with firing a weapon in the vicinity of two Troopers in May, 2024 was convicted after a two day jury trial held last week at the McKean County Courthouse.
Sharon VANDRISH was convicted of 2 counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person (Deadly Weapon Enhancement) and 2 counts of Terroristic Threats (Deadly Weapon Enhancement). Corp. John Schall filed the criminal charges against VANDRISH for the conduct on May 9, 2024. After a series of incidents where the Pennsylvania State Police were dispatched by a home security company to a property on Route 59 where VANDRISH was located – one that the Troopers would later testify involved her threatening to shoot them for trespassing – State Police went to the residence again on May 9, 2024.
The incidents escalated and frequently involved a home security alarm activation resulting in their dispatch or vehicle alarm after they arrived to threats to the responding officers. When they arrived at approximately 7pm, VANDRISH set off her car alarm and shot a firearm in the vicinity of three Troopers who had set up a perimeter in the rear of the property. One of the Troopers radioed in that he was trapped by a shed on the property as it was unknown where VANDRISH had shot and what would happen next.
Another Trooper ran to check on him and, together, they all escaped injury. Corporal Schall yelled over the loud speaker to drop the firearm but VANDRISH responded that she was not dropping the firearm and, also, that they needed to get off the property and she retreated to the residence. Over the next 9 hours, the Pennsylvania State Police and their Emergency Response Team known as S.E.R.T. attempted to negotiate her surrender on a warrant for her arrest. Route 59 was closed during the incident until she eventually surrendered to police at approximately 4:00 am on May 10, 2024.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer: “Police are often the target of violence and threats merely for performing their duties – some for which they can prepare and take precautions and others they cannot because they are required to respond every time they are dispatched. In this case, the offender fired a shot while Troopers were in the vicinity on the same property. Some offenders may attempt to avoid criminal responsibility by asserting they did not shoot directly at an officer but, merely, in the area they were standing. But we will still hold them accountable for the risk to life they have created. If an offender intentionally shoots at an officer, they will be charged with Attempted Homicide.
In this case, the offender shot in the vicinity of the Troopers, resulting in charges that show a reckless disregard for the safety of the Troopers and for using a firearm to convey a threat. In this case, we sought the deadly weapon enhancement because it is an appropriate element that will allow for an enhanced penalty since a weapon was used. The Troopers were at significant risk during this event and I am thankful that each of them was uninjured.” Sentencing was scheduled for August 14.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Smethport man who was confronted by a predator watch group has pled guilty to possessing child pornography. During a plea hearing held at the McKean County Courthouse on November 6th, Frederick RASZMANN pled guilty to Sexual Abuse of Children (commonly referred to as Child Pornography), a felony of the second degree.
RASZMANN admitted to possessing child pornography on his cell phone that was discovered through the investigation by Smethport Borough Police Officer Kevin Seipp as the facts were read into the record by the 2nd Deputy District Attorney Sarah DuFresne. Through messages, RASZMANN communicated with a predator watch group, who then went to RASZMANN’S residence and subsequently called the police and provided them with the messages that led to the search of his phone. Specifically, RASZMANN admitted that he possessed 119 images and 5 videos of child pornography.
As required by Pennsylvania law, RASZMANN was ordered to undergo an evaluation by the Sexual Offender Board who has 90 days to complete the evaluation. Sentencing has been scheduled for March 5th. 2nd Deputy District Attorney Sarah A. DuFresne prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. Smethport Borough Police Officer Kevin Seipp led the investigation.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports on a plea of guilty by a man arrested by the McKean County Drug Task Force earlier this year.
Clarence BARKER pled guilty to delivering cocaine two different times in Bradford while under the direct surveillance of Detectives with the McKean County Drug Task Force in March.
Following his arrest in March, after he was transported into the McKean County Jail following his arraignment and while walking from the garage of the jail into the processing area of the jail, McKean County Drug Task Force Detective Michael Ward noticed BARKER manipulating his mouth as if he was concealing something. Upon further search, Detective Ward found additional cocaine being concealed by BARKER in his mouth.
BARKER pled guilty to 2 counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance (cocaine) and Contraband – all felonies. Anyone with information on drug crimes is asked to report it to Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling at the District Attorney’s Office at (814)887-3312 or McKeanDA.org.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that one of the people arrested by the McKean County Drug Task Force during a drug detail over the summer has pled guilty during a plea hearing at the McKean County Courthouse today.
Brian FITZPATRICK, of Bradford, pled guilty to delivering cocaine while under the direct surveillance of Detectives with the McKean County Drug Task Force in July. Detective Kolin Strawcutter was the lead investigator
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer says that FITZPATRICK’S arrest was only one arrest that was the result of an organized drug detail that occurred over the last several months in conjunction with the City of Bradford.
The District Attorney highlights the collaboration of the City of Bradford who often assigns their Officers who work on the McKean County Drug Task Force to dedicate their regular police shifts to the McKean County Drug Task Force to focus on drug crimes that impact Bradford. This dedication benefits Bradford as well as surrounding areas because drug crimes in one area have a rippling effect throughout the region. Drug investigations remain ongoing and a priority of law enforcement throughout McKean County.
Anyone with information on drug crimes is asked to report it to Chief County Detective Ryan Yingling at the District Attorney’s Office at (814)887-3312 or McKeanDA.org.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the Kane man charged with attempting to obtain child pornography through messages with an adult decoy working with a group called “814PredHunters” has pled guilty. During a plea hearing held at the McKean County Courthouse today, Jason GORRIE pled guilty to Attempted Sexual Abuse of a Child (commonly referred to as Child Pornography) and Criminal Use of a Communication Facility – both felonies. GORRIE admitted to the facts that were discovered through the investigation by Kane Borough Officer-in-Charge Derrick Snyder as the facts were read into the record by the District Attorney during today’s hearing.
Specifically, GORRIE admitted that he was communicating with a person he thought was a 15 year old female and asked the alleged 15 year old female nine (9) times to send him nude photographs and to video-chat with him while she was in the shower and, therefore, nude. These acts constitute an attempt to possess child pornography. Additionally, GORRIE pled guilty to using a communication device to facilitate the crime of Attempted Sexual Abuse of Children.
Through messages, GORRIE communicated with the decoy with 814PredHunters who then gave the records to police. Officer-in-Charge Derrick Snyder, who handled the investigation, analyzed the records and located each communication that constituted the crimes charged.
As required by Pennsylvania law, GORRIE was ordered to undergo an evaluation by the Sexual Offender Board who has 90 days to complete the evaluation. Sentencing has been scheduled for March 5th. GORRIE remains incarcerated.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that a Bradford Area School District bus driver has been charged by City of Bradford Police. Sean WILLIAMS, of Duke Center, was charged after an investigation by police following a tip that WILLAMS was photographing or video-recording up the skirts of one or more minor females on the school bus for which WILLIAMS was a bus driver prior to the report.
Chief Michael Ward and School Resource Officer Anthony Lama are investigating the case and stress that this is a very active investigation. They urge the public to contact them if they have information on the case or are a victim. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are expected. Anyone with information should call 911 to reach an officer.
WILLIAMS is currently charged with Sexual Abuse of Children (Child Pornography), Attempted Sexual Abuse of Children (Child Pornography), Invasion of Privacy, Corruption of Minors, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Criminal Use of a Communication Device, and Unlawful Contact with a Minor.
WILLIAMS was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge David Engman and bail was set at $500,000. WILLIAMS was remanded to the McKean County Jail with central court scheduled for November 13th.
