Police Reports

Richard P. Reed                  “beloved father and grandfather”

It is with immense sadness that we share the passing of Richard P. Reed, 68, of Shinglehouse PA. He passed on July 10, 2024 due to complications with cancer.

Born in Olean NY on January 27, 1956 and graduated from Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse, Class of 1974. He passed at home with his family by his side. Known to friends and family as a man that was loyal, independent, and stubborn at times, he was more known for being self-reliant, clever and exceptionally patient. 

Richard was the fourth son of five boys. He is predeceased by his father Floyd Kenyon Reed, mother Virginia P. Howard Reed along with 2 brothers Dennis Reed and Michael Reed.

He is survived by brothers, Leonard (Donna) Reed and Joel (Cindy) Reed; sister-in-law, Cheryl Reed; his son, Nevan (Ashley) Reed; daughter, Casey Reed; his three favorite treasures in life, his grandchildren, Aliza, Colton and Gavin Reed; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Throughout his life he worked in Galveston Texas, at Dresser-Rand in Olean New York, and also at Ethan Allen in Eldred, PA. He finished his career as self-employed and did work more considered as a hobby.

Douglas G. Little          “celebration of life slated”      

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life for Douglas G. “Doug” Little, 55, of Austin, at his home, 744 Bark Shanty Road, Austin from 4pm to 5pm on Saturday, July 13, 2024.   Please bring your memories to share.

Doug’s wife entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

For further information, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com

Beverly Ann Repko, 73, passed away at Penn Highlands Elk surrounded by family on July 8, 2024.  She was a loving sister, wife, mother, nurse, and grandmother. She resided at 2400 Long Level Road in Johnsonburg, PA.

She was born May 31, 1951 in Spangler, PA, daughter of the late Earl Miller and Edna Mae Miller (née Yahner).  She was the second of four children, Daniel Miller, Bonnie (Gary) Nofsker (née Miller), and Ronald (Sandy) Miller.  She was a graduate of Cambria Heights Senior High, class of 1969.  She attended Montefiore School of Nursing, located in Pittsburgh, class of 1972.  From then until 2016 when she retired, she worked as a Registered Nurse at the Andrew Kaul Memorial Hospital, which is now Penn Highlands Elk.  She had worked in the Emergency Room, the Intensive Care Unit, and then became the House Supervisor.  

On May 5, 1973, in the Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Patton, PA, Beverly married William Repko, Sr., who survives.  Bev and Bill have one son, William Repko, Jr., and one granddaughter, Emma Repko.

On July 4, 2024, at approximately 10:00 p.m., State Police were called to County Road 38 in the Town of Alma for a report of an ATV accident.

An investigation determined that the driver of the ATV, Jesse M. Bestine, 26, along with one passenger, Zachary J. Barnett, 25, both of Wellsville, were traveling east on County Road 38, when Bestine swerved to avoid an oncoming vehicle causing the ATV to overturn several times.

Zachary J. Barnett sustained severe injuries and died at the scene.

Bestine was taken to Jones Memorial and was later transferred to Strong Hospital in Rochester for non-life-threatening injuries.

The investigation is ongoing.

On July 3, 2024, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation out of SP Amity arrested Gregory S. Miller, 54, of Penndel, PA for Attempted Murder 2^nd degree, Assault 1^st degree, Reckless Endangerment 1^st degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2^nd degree (two counts), Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3^rd and Criminal Use of a Weapon 1^st degree.

On July 3, 2024 at approximately 9:45 P.M., Troopers out of SP Amity responded to Smith Hollow Rd in the town of Wellsville for a shooting involving injury.  Investigation determined that after several hours of consuming alcohol, Miller had a verbal argument with the 48-year-old male victim.

Miller then went to his vehicle, a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, and returned with a Springfield Armory .45 ACP. Miller then discharged the firearm several times at the victim, striking him one time in the lower left leg.  Miller was disarmed and held down by the others at the party until Troopers arrived on scene and took Miller into custody.

On July 3, 2024, at approximately 4:55 p.m., the New York State Police in Bath responded to a report of a fatal MVA on State Route 371 near State Route 21 in the town of Cohocton.

A preliminary investigation revealed a 2017 Dodge Caravan was traveling north on State Route 371 when it passed another vehicle in a no-passing zone. The operator, Lukas J. Ellsessor, age 31, of Angelica, NY, lost control of the vehicle and exited the roadway, causing the vehicle to roll over. The passenger of the vehicle, a 26-year-old male, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene. Ellsessor was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital for minor injuries.

The New York State Police were assisted by the Cohoton Police Department, Cohocton Fire Department, Atlanta Fire Department, Hornell DOT, and Kanona DOT.

The investigation is ongoing.