Police Reports

While on Patrol, one of our Patrol Officers made contact with a male on the 100 Block of North Barry St. on October 12th at approximately 12:30 a.m. who he believed had an outstanding Arrest warrant . This male was identified as 45 year old Jahaad A. Richardson of Amherst N.Y.. Richardson was arrested on an outstanding indictment warrant for Criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd degree ( B Felony ) and Criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd. degree.

This indictment was a result of a previous investigation conducted by our Street Crimes Unit. Officers located over 9 ounces of suspected Fentanyl and over 3 ounces of Crack cocaine as well as a large amount of cash on Richardson after a search of his person An additional charge was placed on Richardson for the drugs and more charges are pending after the drugs are tested by the NYS forensic Lab. Richardson was processed at the Olean Police Dept. and later transported to the Cattaraugus county Jail to await arraignment.

On October 10, 2025, at approximately 11:31 a.m., the City of Bradford Police Department responded to a call at 56 East Main Street to investigate reports of trespassing and squatting by homeless individuals at a vacant house. Upon arrival, officers from the City of Bradford Police Department, accompanied by Code Enforcement officials, discovered Adam Weaver, on the premises.

Further investigation revealed that Weaver had an active arrest warrant issued by Magistrate Luther’s Office for failure to appear on a previous trespassing charge, resulting in a jail sentence. Weaver was taken into custody without incident. During the arrest, officers found Weaver to be in possession of Methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, as well as related paraphernalia. Weaver was subsequently transported to McKean County Jail to answer to the outstanding warrant.

Additional charges will be filed against Weaver for the illegal possession of drugs. The City of Bradford Police Department would like to remind the public that all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If you have any information regarding this incident or any other criminal activity, please contact the City of Bradford Police Department 814-887-4911.

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that charges have been filed against a jail employee accusing him of physical assault against a prisoner. 

The investigation was referred to the Pennsylvania State Police – Punxsutawney after a witness reported that a Corrections’ Officer at the McKean County Jail forcibly threw a female prisoner into a cell where she hit the wall causing a laceration and rendering her unconscious. 

Corporal Michael Meko charged Zane Hodgdon with Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault, Harassment, and Recklessly Endangering Another Person. Hodgdon was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Bill Todd who scheduled a preliminary hearing for October 27th. 

On October 5, 2025, our officers responded to a welfare check at 23 Tibbits Avenue, where they encountered an individual in need of assistance. After an investigation, the individual, Stephaney L. Buchanan, was found to be under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, posing a risk to her own safety.

Our officers took the individual into custody on a summary offense charge. Further investigation revealed that she was also on probation with McKean County, and a detainer was placed on her by Probation.

She was subsequently transported to the McKean County Jail. 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 struggling with substance abuse or other issues, please reach out to local resources for support.

On October 1, 2025, City of Bradford Police responded to a call regarding a male walking in the middle of the road on Interstate Parkway, yelling and screaming. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the individual and determined him to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

During the encounter, the male provided false identification information to the officers. Through further investigation, it was discovered that the individual was John Avitto, a male from Brooklyn, NY. Avitto was found to be a fugitive from justice, with multiple felony warrants outstanding from southern Pennsylvania. City of Bradford Police charged Avitto with public intoxication, disorderly conduct, false identification, and obstruction after he refused to be fingerprinted.

Magistrate Todd arraigned Avitto and remanded him to McKean County Jail on $7,500 cash bail. Detainers for the outstanding warrants were also placed upon him. Preliminary hearings for the charges are scheduled in the matter. The City of Bradford Police Department would like to remind the public that all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

If you have any information regarding this incident or any other criminal activity, please contact the City of Bradford Police Department at 814-887-4911. Remember, if you see something, say something. Together, we can keep our community safe.

On September 27, 2025, at approximately 11:09 p.m., officers were dispatched to Brookline Court for a report of individuals throwing rocks at a residence. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victims, a witness, James Bunce, and several juvenile suspects.

The investigation determined that Bunce had kicked the front door of the residence in an attempt to confront the victim who was inside. In addition, rocks had been thrown at both the front and rear of the home. Bunce was arrested on the listed charges during a separate incident on October 1, 2025.

He was remanded to the McKean County Jail, where he was arraigned before Judge Todd. Bail was set at $10,000, and Bunce remains incarcerated. Additional juvenile arrests are pending in connection with this case.

On September 19, 2025, at approximately 2:05 a.m., City of Bradford Police conducted a traffic stop on Mechanic Street. The operator, a 29-year-old male from New York, was identified as Kyle Bemowski. During the stop, it was discovered that Bemowski did not possess a valid driver’s license. Further investigation revealed that he was a fugitive from Cattaraugus County, wanted on extraditable Felony Bench Warrants.

Officers observed drug paraphernalia in plain view inside the vehicle, prompting a DUI investigation for operation under the influence of controlled substances. A subsequent search warrant of the vehicle yielded evidence related to the possession with intent to deliver Methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. Bemowski was taken into custody for being a fugitive and for the related crimes of DUI and Possession of Controlled Substances.

He was arraigned by Magistrate Richard Luther and remanded to McKean County Jail on $25,000 cash bail. Preliminary hearings are scheduled in the matter. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If you have any information about illegal drug activity, please contact the City of Bradford Police Department at 814-887-4911.