Police Reports

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.

Mary A. HoferA graveside service for Mary A. Hofer, 73, of Warren, PA, who died August 27, 2025, will be held on Saturday September 20, 2025, in Oakland Cemetery, 38 Crescent Park, Warren PA, at 2:30 pm with the Rev. Jeff Ewing, pastor of First Lutheran Church, officiating.

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the Pennsylvania State Police-Lewis Run are currently investigating the circumstances of a vehicle rolling over a man outside of Kane earlier today. The man was transported to a local hospital and was subsequently transferred to an out-of-area hospital for treatment due to the extent of injuries. The investigation is on-going.