March 19, 2024):  District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a 2-day jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse, Timothy Bottorf, formerly of Eldred and Bradford, was convicted of Flight to Avoid Apprehension (Felony) and two counts of Persons Not to Possess a Firearm (Felony and Misdemeanor) (ammunition available enhancement). 

The charges stem from April 10, 2023 when Bottorf was scheduled to appear for a jury trial on a Robbery.  He failed to appear and a warrant was issued for his arrest.  Over the next few weeks, Officers acted on tips they received about his whereabouts but did not locate BOTTORF. 

Just after midnight on May 7, 2023, Troopers with the Pennsylvania State Police-Lewis Run initiated a traffic stop and the driver indicated they had just left a residence in Eldred and BOTTORF was hiding inside the house.   

Residents of Eldred also began reporting suspicious activity in the area of the house to the McKean County Drug Task Force. Members of the  McKean County Drug Task Force, City of Bradford Police, Sheriff’s Department and Pennsylvania State Police surveilled the residence and, with the assistance of a cooperating party, were able to confirm BOTTORF remained in the residence. 

A search warrant was obtained to seize BOTTORF and controlled substances from the residence on Main Street in Eldred.  Numerous officers surrounded the residence announcing “Police – Search Warrant” repeatedly so Bottorf and the other occupant of the residence knew police were executing a warrant.  K9 Duke was deployed and showed interest to the bed in the primary bedroom.  The other occupant of the house was found hiding under the bed.  Bottorf was found hiding in the closet and was taken into custody.

Following his capture, a search of the residence yielded an AR-15 rifle. BOTTORF is not legally permitted to possess firearms.  He was charged with two counts of Person Not to Possess Firearms because he had previously been convicted of a Burglary and his status as a fugitive, due to the warrant for his arrest both make him ineligible to possess firearms.    

The other occupant of the home was charged with drug delivery.  That case remains pending.

Detective Michael Ward investigated the case.  District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth.  Sentencing has been scheduled for April 4th. Created Mar 19th, 2024 @ 5:06 PM

Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://mckean.crimewatchpa.com/da/136029/post/bottorf-convicted-flight-avoid-apprehension-and-firearm-charges