Police Reports

A Search warrant was conducted last night at 109 W. Green St. ( Lower right ) apartment and two of the four occupants were arrested for drug and gun charges. After an investigation by the Street Crimes unit for drug sales at this apartment, a Search warrant was obtained that was served by the Emergency Response Team. 54 year old Jerry Harris of Buffalo and 40 year old Daniel Price A.K.A. ” Bricklayer “of Olean were charged with Criminal possession of a controlled substance 2nd degree ( A Felony ) for possessing over 4 ounces of Methamphetamine, Criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd. degree ( B Felony ) for possessing over 1 ounce of Crack Cocaine and Criminal possession of a weapon 3rd. degree ( D felony ) for possession of a semi-automatic shotgun.

In addiction to the drugs, cash, ammunition and other drug paraphernalia was also seized by Investigators. Daniel Price was also arrested on a unrelated outstanding indictment warrant for charges of Criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd. degree and criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd. degree ( B Felonies ). The Street Crimes Unit was assisted by the Southern tier regional drug task force. Harris and Price were held for arraignment in Olean City Court.

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that City of Bradford Police have charged the father of the infant who was found unresponsive on Sherman Street early this morning with assaulting the child with additional charges likely to be filed pending autopsy.

Tyler PRESCOTT (no permanent address) was charged with Aggravated Assault (serious bodily injury to another) – Felony 1; Aggravated Assault (bodily injury to a child less than six years of age) – Felony 2; Aggravated Assault (serious bodily injury to a child less than 13 years of age)- Felony 1; and Endangering Welfare of a Child (Felony) for injuries inflicted on his 2 year old son between July 17 and August 14. 

EMS and Police were dispatched to a residence at 60 Sherman Street in Bradford early this morning August 14th for an unresponsive infant. The child was pronounced deceased at BRMC.  Additional charges are likely pending the results of an autopsy and lab analysis of forensic examiner’s findings. An autopsy is scheduled. 

The investigation is ongoing.  Anyone with information is asked to contact City of Bradford Police at (814) 887-4911. Chief Michael Ward and Detective Mark Deluca are the lead investigators.  PRESCOTT was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Richard Luther who set bail at $1 million. PRESCOTT was remanded to the McKean County Jail.

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer and Police Chief Michael Ward report that City of Bradford Police with assistance from the Pennsylvania State Police-Forensics Services Unit, County Detective Bureau and District Attorney are investigating the death of an infant after EMS was called to a residence on Sherman Street in the City early this morning.  The investigation is ongoing including an autopsy. Additional information will be provided as the investigation continues.  There is no known risk to the community.  Charges, and, possibly additional charges, may be filed as the case unfolds

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the Bradford man who pled guilty to committing Rape of a Child and Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse over several years has been sentenced to state prison.  Andrew (Wegemer) SILSBY pled guilty in February to committing numerous incidents of sex assault against a minor child from 2016 to 2024 including intercourse with the victim 20 times when the child was between the ages of 10 and 15 and oral sex 15 times during that time period.  At a subsequent hearing, SILSBY was found to meet the criteria of a sexually violent predator under Pennsylvania law which hearing included the testimony of an expert in sexual offender assessments who gave the opinion that SILSBY’s behavior is predatory. 

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer advised the Court that she was seeking the enhanced sentence allowed in the statute for the crimes which is permitted due to the age of the victim. SILSBY was sentenced today by a Judge during a sentencing hearing to 20 years to 40 years in state prison plus 3 years of consecutive probation and he is not eligible for any early parole. SILSBY was ordered to submit a DNA sample and comply with other terms.  Officer Deven Grandinetti investigated the case.  If you suspect child abuse, please call 911 for police and report it to Childine at 800-932-0313.