Police Reports

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a one day jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse, Robert COPLEY, of Kane, was convicted of two counts of Possessing Firearms when he is prohibited.  Chief Heath Boyer charged COPLEY after a citizen reported to him that COPLEY brought two firearms to his residence in 2022 when COPLEY is a person who is not permitted to possess firearms due to a prior conviction. 

Following the testimony at trial, COPLEY was convicted of both counts of Persons Not to Possess (a firearm) – Felony 1 offenses.  Assistant District Attorney Gregory A. Henry prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth.

Rupert C. Pistner, 79, of Morianna Avenue, Bradford, passed away Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.  

Born June 5, 1945, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Bernard J. and Frances L. (Olewinski) Pistner Sr. He was a 1963 graduate from Bradford High School. 

After high school, Mr. Pistner was employed at Dresser Manufacturing, and General Electric in Erie.  Following graduation Rupert would enlist into the United States Air Force serving abroad.  He would then be honorably discharged around 1970.  

 After his service, he returned to Dresser Manufacturing as a Tool and Die maker, and he retired in 2003. He later worked as an independent contractor at Dresser Manufacturing. 

On February 14, 1973, he married Christena L. (Barber) Pistner, who preceded him in death on March 25, 2024. 

Rupert was a member of the Union at Dresser Manufacturing, a member of the National Rifle Association and the Stars Aviator Club. He previously drove stock cars at several local tracks including Bradford Speedway and McKean County Raceway.  

Surviving are two sons, Jay Pistner, of Bradford, and Gregory C. Pistner, of New Castle, sister, Patricia Tankersly, of Roulette, one brother, Thomas (Jenny) Pistner Sr., of Rixford, and several nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Christena, of 51 years, and two brothers, Donald R. Pistner, and Bernard J. Pistner Sr. 

Family will receive friends on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, from 1pm to 2pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. 372 East Main Street, at 2pm, funeral services will be held with Rev. Rick Price, Pastor of the Church of Christ, officiating. Military Honors will be held in Holy Cross Cemetery in Rasselas with the United States Air Force. 

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to Allegheny Highlands Council of the Boy Scouts of America, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. 

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. 

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com 

Officers assigned to the Emergency response team conducted a Search warrant obtained by the Street Crimes unit Tuesday evening at 429 North 9th St. (lower apartment) for drugs. Two people were arrested from this apartment for possessing Cocaine, Fentanyl pills and drug paraphernalia as well as outstanding charges for previous drug sales. Audra Divittorio, age 34 of 429 N. 9th St. was charged with six counts of Criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd. degree and five counts of Criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd. degree ( all B Felonies ) and two additional Felonies for what Investigators found inside the apartment. 48 year old Nealie Linsler who also resides at this apartment was charged with two drug related felonies. Both Linsler and Divittorio were sent to the Cattaraugus County Jail. The Street Crimes unit was assisted by the Southern tier regional drug task force.

On November 3rd, 4th, and 7th, 2024, a 30-year-old male suspect Kevin A. Armstrong allegedly violated a Protection from Abuse (PFA) Order by trespassing at a residence located at 1 South Center Street and making contact with the protected person. The suspect also made contact with the victim via cell phone, which is a violation of the no-contact provision of the PFA Order. The City of Bradford Police Department took the suspect into custody on the PFA violations for all three dates. The suspect was arraigned by Magistrate Richard Luther and remanded to jail on $10,000 bail. Hearings are scheduled in the matters. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Location 1 South Center Street Bradford, PA 16701

Arrest Date Nov 7, 2024

Incident Type All Other – Criminal Reference ID 2024-11071031

On October 20, 2024, at approximately 2133 hours, a theft and desecration of the American Flag occurred at Veteran Square in downtown Bradford. The suspect then stole a second American Flag from a business on South Avenue and committed another act of desecration. At the time of the crimes, the identity of the suspect was not known. However, on November 9, 2024, the City of Bradford Police Department identified the suspect and took him into custody. The suspect, a 25-year-old male, was arraigned by Magistrate Luther and remanded to McKean County Jail on $30,000 cash bail. Hearings are scheduled on the matter. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Location Veteran Square Bradford, PA 16701

Arrest Date Nov 9, 2024

Incident Type Theft Reference ID 2024-10202133