District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the man accused of shooting at a vehicle as it was driving away from a residence in Gifford has now been charged with Attempted Criminal Homicide. Matthew LUKE is incarcerated on $1million bail after he was charged by Corporal Sierra Rooke (PSP-Lewis Run) following an emergency dispatch of Troopers to a residence for a report of shots fired on December 6th. LUKE is now charged with Attempted Criminal Homicide, Aggravated Assault, Burglary and other charges. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for next week.
Following a preliminary hearing held in front of Magisterial District Judge David Engman, charges were bound over against the Lewis Run man charged with sex crimes. Ray COAST of Lewis Run was previously charged with Rape, Child Pornography and additional charges following investigation by Trooper Richard Obermeyer. Today, the Commonwealth added 270 additional counts of sex crimes including 90 additional counts of Rape, 90 additional counts of Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse, and 90 additional counts of Aggravated Indecent Assault.
During a bail hearing following the preliminary hearing, bail was increased to $3 million. By separate complaint, COAST is charged with stalking. Anyone with information is asked to call the Pennsylvania State Police at (814) 368-9230 or 911.
On December 17, 2025 at about 6:17 PM Jacob Burdic of East Otto was arrested for Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 5th, Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia 2nd, and for a Violation of Parole Warrant.
NYS Parole conducted a home visit of Burdic on Crumb Hill Rd. During the check, parole requested the assistance of Sheriffs Office K9 Nitro, who provided multiple positive indications in the residence. This led to the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Bureau obtaining a search warrant. The search warrant was executed by members of the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force and the Criminal Investigation Bureau.
The search led to the discovery of four unregistered hand guns, two illegal long guns, stolen property, a quantity of suspected methamphetamine, scales, and packaging. Burdic was arraigned at the Town of Ellicottville Court where he was remanded to the Cattaraugus County Jail. The investigation is ongoing with additional charges pending
Chief of Police Michael P. Ward of the City of Bradford Police Department announces that on December 13, 2025, at approximately 0100 hours, officers responded to Bradford Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Room (BRMC ER) to investigate an assault on ER staff and paramedics. Following a thorough investigation, it was determined that 25-year-old Haley N. Baker intentionally kicked a paramedic while they were performing their duties.
Additionally, Baker struggled with ER staff and assaulted another male victim, striking and kicking him while he was performing his duties. Officers arrested Baker for the assaults and transported her to the City of Bradford Police Station.
She was charged with Aggravated Assault, Disorderly Conduct, and Harassment. Magistrate William Todd arraigned Baker and set bail at $25,000 cash, which she was unable to post. Baker was subsequently remanded to McKean County Jail. Preliminary hearings for this incident are scheduled.
The City of Bradford Police Department takes incidents of assault very seriously and will utilize all available resources to prosecute these types of crimes to the fullest extent of the law. If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact the City of Bradford Police Department at 814-887-4911. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Chief Michael P. Ward of the City of Bradford Police Department announces the arrest of Jennifer Lee Coldren following a traffic stop and pursuit on December 12, 2025.
At approximately 1152 hrs on York Street in the City of Bradford, Officer Blair attempted to stop a motor vehicle for a traffic violation. The vehicle failed to stop and fled the area, prompting a pursuit into Foster Township’s Bolivar Drive.
City of Bradford Police Officers were assisted by Foster Township Police in the pursuit. The vehicle was abandoned in the front yard of a residence, and the female operator, Jennifer Lee Coldren, was chased on foot into a nearby residence where she was apprehended.
A search warrant was executed on the defendant’s vehicle, resulting in the seizure of drug paraphernalia. It was determined that Coldren was driving under the influence of controlled substances. She was charged with fleeing and eluding, drug paraphernalia, DUI, and numerous traffic offenses. Magistrate William Todd arraigned Coldren and remanded her to McKean County Jail on $25,000 bail. Preliminary hearings are scheduled in the matter.
The City of Bradford Police Department takes DUI and traffic offenses extremely seriously and will prosecute to the fullest extent. The involvement of illegal narcotics in this incident is also a significant concern, as it poses a threat to the safety of our community. We will not tolerate such behavior and will continue to work diligently to keep our streets safe.
Chief of Police Michael P. Ward reports that the City of Bradford Police Department has made a significant drug bust, resulting in the arrest of Lex M. Gourley, age 22.
On October 28, 2025, at approximately 0049 hours, City Police Officer Colby Keane conducted a traffic stop on West Washington Street in the City of Bradford. During the stop, Officer Keane determined that the operator, Gourley, was operating the motor vehicle while under suspension in Pennsylvania.
Further investigation revealed that Gourley had provided false identification originally, and subsequently, Officer Keane discovered an active arrest warrant out of McKean County. Gourley was taken into custody on the warrant, and a search of his person revealed a large amount of cash and fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance.
A search warrant was executed on the vehicle, resulting in the seizure of a large quantity of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, suspected oxycodone, and marijuana. The drugs were packaged in 12 separate individual bags, along with weighing scales, indicative of possessing with intent to deliver.
Gourley was initially taken into custody on the county bench warrant on October 28, 2025. On December 3, 2025, Officer Keane filed charges related to the traffic stop and drug seizure. Magistrate Todd arraigned Gourley and set bail at $25,000. Preliminary hearings are scheduled in the matter. The City of Bradford Police Department remains committed to combating drug crimes and will continue to utilize all resources to further arrest and prosecute individuals involved in these types of crimes.
“I am proud of the diligent work of Officer Keane and the entire City of Bradford Police Department in removing these dangerous drugs from our community” . “We will continue to work tirelessly to keep our city safe and hold those responsible for drug-related crimes accountable.”
All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Chief Michael P. Ward of the City of Bradford Police Department reports the following information regarding an incident that occurred on December 15, 2025.
At approximately 1443 hours, City of Bradford Police responded to Bradford Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Room (BRMC ER) after McKean County 911 reported a call from an individual, identified as Jordan M. Kornacki, who threatened to become violent with BRMC staff. Officers arrived on the scene and attempted to de-escalate the situation, but the individual continued to threaten harm to BRMC staff and officers, as well as threaten to cause property damage.
Despite repeated warnings, the individual failed to comply, and subsequently requested to be taken to jail. During the arrest, the individual made further threats to stab BRMC staff in the neck or face and/or punch them in the face. A search of the individual following the arrest resulted in the seizure of a small amount of Cocaine (Schedule II), THC Marijuana (Schedule I), and related paraphernalia.
The individual was charged accordingly and arraigned by Magistrate William Todd, with bail set at $15,000 cash. Preliminary hearings are scheduled in the matter. The City of Bradford Police Department takes incidents of this nature very seriously and will not tolerate crimes of violence or threats of violence. Medical staff acting in good faith in the care of others should be able to perform their duties without fear of harm. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that additional charges have been filed against the Lewis Run man charged with Rape and other offenses. Ray COAST now faces additional counts including 22 counts of Sexual Abuse of a Child (Child Pornography) (indecent contact depicted) – Felony 2; 16 counts of Sexual Abuse of a Child (Child Pornography) – (nudity) – Felony 3 (The Commonwealth will seek enhancements provided for under the sentencing code for number of videos and photographs (each video = 50 images), nature of the video/photograph, and that the victim was known to the defendant); 22 counts Dissemination to Minors – Felony 3; 60 counts Criminal Use of a Communication Device – Felony 3; and other counts.
Trooper Richard Obermeyer of the Pennsylvania State Police – Lewis Run is investigating the case. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for next week. COAST is incarcerated on $1 million and $250,000 on each of two criminal complaints already filed.
The original complaint asserts that Ray COAST has been charged with committing crimes across a three year period at his home in Lewis Run and within the City of Bradford.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that an additional charge was filed yesterday against the Bradford man charged with cruelty and neglect of animals. George JONES has now been charged with Aggravated Cruelty, a Felony of the third degree, after one of the dogs in his care died. JONES was originally charged with misdemeanor and summary offenses which is consistent with the gradings provided for in the statute drafted by the legislature. But, when the neglect or abuse causes the death of the animal, the statute provides for a new crime of Aggravated Cruelty to be charged which carries a grading of Felony 3.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that additional charges have been filed against the Bradford man charged last week with Rape of a Child. Darryl Robinson was charged last week by Officer Tyler Blair of the City of Bradford Police and additional charges were filed today to include:
Trafficking In Individuals -Felony 1; Trafficking In Minors – Felony 1; 9 Counts Of Rape Of A Child – Felony 1; 9 Counts Of Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse Of A Child – Felony 1; 65 Counts Of Sexual Abuse Of Children – Photographing Child In A Prohibited Sexual Act – Felony 2; 65 Counts Of Sexual Abuse Of Children (Possession Of Child Pornography) -Felony 3; Dissemination Of Sexual Materials To A Minor; 2 Counts Promoting Prostitution Of Minors – Felony 3; 10 Counts Aggravated Indecent Assault And Indecent Assault – Course Of Conduct – Felony 3.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the Pennsylvania State Police have arrested a Foster Township man for shooting at a vehicle in Gifford early this morning. Matthew LUKE is charged with Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Burglary, Terroristic Threats, Simple Assault, Propulsion of Missile in Occupied Vehicle and other charges.
Troopers responded to an emergency call at the residence and were subsequently advised that LUKE entered the residence of his ex-girlfriend in Gifford and engaged in a verbal and physical altercation with her including hitting her in the face with a gun. Another woman in the residence, upon hearing yelling and thuds, fled the residence and attempted to drive away and around LUKE’s vehicle that was blocking the driveway. LUKE exited the residence and fired shots in the direction of her vehicle. The driver’s window immediately shattered, causing the driver to crash. The complaint alleges that the victim was able to exit the vehicle and run to safety while LUKE sped away in the vehicle he drove to the residence. LUKE was located and taken into custody.
Corporal Sierra Rooke is the lead investigator. LUKE was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge Richard Luther who set bail at $1million. LUKE was remanded to the McKean County Jail and is scheduled for central court on December 11th. Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate the case and additional charges are possible.
District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that Daryl ROBINSON, age 44 of Bradford, has been taken into custody by Bradford Police and charged with Rape of a Child (victim under 13) and other sex crimes over a five-year period with additional charges imminent.
The complaint reports that a six-year-old female reported that ROBINSON sexually assaulted her at the home of her babysitter in Bradford. The child told Officer Tyler Blair and an investigator with Children and Youth Services that she was alone with ROBINSON in an upstairs bedroom at the house and ROBINSON put his penis in her mouth, causing her to cough and resulting in a sore throat. The child was evaluated by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner at BRMC.
City of Bradford Police also received a report from a 13-year-old female at the same residence who reported that ROBINSON has been sexually assaulting her since she was 8 years old and would use his penis, fingers, and a vibrating objecting. She reported that ROBINSON would use a cell phone to photograph her. She reports that the assaults began with back rubs and escalated to rape and that ROBINSON would direct her not to tell anybody what was happening.
Officer Tyler Blair and Chief Michael Ward led the investigation which included interviewing the children and other witnesses and analyzing forensic evidence. Officer Tyler Blair is the lead investigator who filed the complaint and obtained an arrest warrant for ROBINSON.
The complaint charges ROBINSON with 2 counts of Rape of a Child and 2 counts of Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse of a Child. Officer Tyler Blair, Officer Colby Keane and Office Hobie Milliron located ROBINSON last evening at the home of a relative and took him into custody. He was arraigned at 11:30pm by on-call Magisterial District Judge William Todd who set bail at $1 million.
He was remanded to jail. ROBINSON is scheduled for Central Court next Thursday. District Attorney Vettenburg-Shaffer and City of Bradford Police Chief Michael Ward advise that this is a developing case and the investigation is ongoing. Additional charges are expected. They urge anyone with information to call 911.
