Police Reports

The City of Bradford Police investigated a domestic disturbance at 121 High Street which occurred on December 11, 2024, at approximately 7:30 p.m Upon investigation, it is alleged that Freedom K. Christjohn, engaged in a physical altercation with his 18-year-old adult daughter, resulting in visible injuries to her face, head, and neck. The victim reported that Christjohn threw her into a wall, struck her in the face, and choked her, restricting her airway.

The victim further alleged that Christjohn physically forced her into a vehicle against her will. City of Bradford Police took statements from the victim and witnesses, documenting the visible injuries and reviewing medical records. Following a thorough investigation, Christjohn was charged with Felony Strangulation, Unlawful Restraint, and Simple Assault. Christjohn was taken into custody and arraigned by Magistrate Engman, who set bail at $50,000 straight cash bail. Christjohn was remanded to jail but has since been released after posting bail.

Preliminary hearings are scheduled in the matter. The City of Bradford Police Department is committed to protecting the safety and well-being of our community. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please reach out to local resources for support. For more information, please contact the City of Bradford Police Department.

Location 121 High Street Bradford, PA 16701

Arrest Date Dec 11, 2024

Incident Type Assault – Other Reference ID 2024-12121114

Thank you to the organizers and riders who participated in the 2024 Ride Into Christmas Parade in Smethport.  The group donated money to the K9 Unit of the McKean County Detective Bureau at the DA’s Office.  The K9s work with law enforcement with their specialty – with K9s trained to find drugs, explosives or missing people.  Thank you! Your donation is greatly appreciated!  Pictured is K9 Izzy with some of the participants.

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, after a two day jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse, Tammy ROBERTSON, was convicted of the reckless shooting of a Kane man, resulting in his paralysis. Police were dispatched to  report of an accidental shooting at a residence in Kane on March 3, 2022. 

The victim had been shot and was being flown to an out of area hospital for treatment. ROBERTSON reported that the gun accidentally discharged after she racked the slide prior to putting the gun away.  She told police she had been drinking all day, the gun had been on her kitchen table for several days and was loaded.  She decided to rack the slide so there was a bullet in the chamber before she put the gun in her safe out of the reach of a minor child who resided at the residence.  She told police the gun accidentally discharged when she racked the slide. A firearms’ expert with the Pennsylvania State Police testified to the amount of pressure required for the gun to fire and the sequence of steps that must occur prior to the gun firing – all that disproved accidental discharge.

ROBERTSON was charged and convicted of Recklessly Endangering Another Person and a Kane Borough ordinance of discharging a firearm in the borough.  The Commonwealth sought – and the jury found- an enhancement related to the use of a deadly weapon during the crime. Officer William Nichols of the Kane Borough Police Department investigated the case.  Assistant District Attorney Thomas Coppolo prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. Sentencing was scheduled for January 30th.