CRIME ALERT
Anyone who may have information about these crimes are requested to contact the East Lampeter Township Police Department at 717-291-4676.
Anonymous tips can be made by contacting the Lancaster County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-322-1913
STATUTORY SEXUAL ASSAULT/UNLAWFUL CONTACT WITH MINOR- ARREST
On Friday, 8/20/10 East Lampeter Twp. Police Detective Chris Jones charged Stanley Leroy AUTRY Jr, B/M/22, of Lancaster with three counts of felony Statutory Sexual Assault, one count of felony Unlawful Contact with Minor and one count of misdemeanor Corruption of Minors. AUTRY is alleged to have had unlawful sexual contact with a 15 year old female that he met on the internet. AUTRY was arraigned before MDJ B. Denise Commins and was committed to Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $15,000 bail. Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Chris Jones (717) 291-4676.
INDECENT EXPOSURE- ARREST
At 1655 hours, 7/29/10, an adult female victim was exiting her vehicle in the parking lot of the Carter's Children's Wear Outlet at Rockvale Square when she observed a white male in his 50's standing beside older model green Ford pickup truck with his pants down fully exposing his genitals and touching himself. The victim's children were also with her. Investigation by East Lampeter Twp Detective Michelle Velez lead to the arrest of Carl Henry SWEIGART W/M/53 of Lancaster for Indecent Exposure on 8/2/10. SWEIGART was arraigned on the charge and committed to Lancaster County prison in lieu of $25,000 bail.
BURGLARIES
7/13/10 an overnight burglary occurred at the IDSN Company 24 Keystone Ct. Leola Business Center, Upper Leacock Twp. Forced entry was made by forcing entrance door off its hinges. Loss is undetermined. Anyone with information is asked to contact East Lampeter Twp Police Detective Chris Jones (717) 291-4676.
7/12/10 an overnight smash and grab burglary occurred at Susquehanna Battery & Cell Phone Repair 31 W. Main St. Leola, Upper Leacock Twp. Entry was made by shattering front glass door. A computer, cash and numerous cell phones were taken. Anyone with information is asked to contact East Lampeter Twp Detective Chris Jones (717) 291-4676.
7/5/10 an overnight attempted burglary occurred at Vitamin World Rockvale Square Outlets. The rear exterior metal doors sustained substantial damage from attempted forced entry. Entry was not gained to the interior of the business. Anyone with information is asked to contact East Lampeter Twp Detective Scott Eelman (717) 291-4676.
7/4/10, at approximately 0114 hours an alarm was activated at Pizza Hut 1642 Old Philadelphia Pike. The manager responded back to the business and discovered that forced entry had been made into the business. East Lampeter Twp Police were contacted and found that exterior phone lines were cut and attempts were made to disable the alarm system. Anyone with information is asked to contact East Lampeter Twp Detective Joe Edgell (717) 291-4676.
THEFT By Unlawful Taking- ARREST
On 7/1/10 George L. GONZALEZ H/M/35 of York PA was charged by East Lampeter Twp Detective Preston Gentzler with Felony Theft for stealing (287) Hershey Park and Dutch Wonderland tickets valued at over $10,000 from the Country Inn of Lancaster where he was employed as the night auditor. GONZALEZ listed and sold the tickets on Craig's List. GONZALEZ was arraigned before MDJ Rodney H. Hartman and was committed to Lancaster County prison in lieu of $25,000 bail.
BURGLARY/THEFT- ARREST
On 7/2/10 Keith Andrew DIONNE W/M/45 formerly of 410 Bentley Ridge Blvd, East Lampeter Twp, was charged by East Lampeter Twp Detective Preston Gentzler with two counts of Burglary and Theft by Unlawful Taking for two separate incidents of unlawfully entering neighbors apartments to steal money. The victims were known to DIONNE. DIONNE is currnetly incarcerated at Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $75,000 bail. Anyone with information is asked to contact the East Lampeter Twp Police (717) 291-4676.
CRIME PREVENTION TIP- VEHICLE BREAK-INS
Several easy steps to follow to make your vehicle less attractive to criminals. Keep any valuables such as purses, GPS Units, Satellite Radios, currency,etc. out of view. Many of these items are now portable and can be taken with you prior to letting your vehicle parked. Also remember to lock your car. An unlocked vehicle makes it more attractive to thieves..Less work, time, and possibility of detection make your car a prime target for criminals...Remember to report any suspicious persons lurking around vehicles or looking in windows to the police right away!
HOME INVASION ROBBERY/CONVENIENCE STORE ROBBERY- ARREST
On 6/11/10 East Lampeter Twp. Police Detective Michelle Velez filed charges on Calvin B. LYNCH B/M/32 of New Holland for the April 29th, 2009 home invasion robbery in the 100 blk of N. Ronks Road and the armed robbery of the Turkey Hill store at 1612 Lincoln Highway East on the same date. Det Velez charged LYNCH with two counts of Robbery, two counts of theft by Unlawful Taking including felony theft of a vehicle, one count of Burglary and two counts Simple Assault.
On 4/29/09 Calvin LYNCH forced his way into a residence of an elderly couple in the 100 blk of N. Ronks Road. LYNCH awoke the couple from their bed and put a knife to the throat of the male victim, demanding money and the keys to their car. LYNCH fled in the victim's vehicle. Approximately two hours later LYNCH entered the Turkey Hill store at 1612 Lincoln Highway East. LYNCH grabbed the clerk by the arm and forced him to the cash register. LYNCH threatened the clerk that he had a gun and demanded money. Calvin LYNCH was identified through DNA collected at the scene by East Lampeter Twp Detectives and submitted to the Pennsylvania State Police Crime Lab.
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL BURGLARIES/THEFTS
Over the weekend of of 6/5/10 several burglaries were reported to the East Lampeter Twp. Police;
- Two businesses in the 2000 blk of Singletree Lane, East Lampeter Twp, were forcibly entered during overnight hours. A Dell laptop computer with wireless card and cash were taken.
- A residence in the 700 blk of Nancy Lane, Eastwood Village, East Lampeter Twp, was entered and three pieces of men's jewelry valued at $4,699.00 were taken.
- A residence in the 800 blk of Gail Place, Eastwood Village, East Lampeter Twp, was forcibly entered by prying open a rear door to the residence. Coin currency and American Express Travelers Checks were taken.
- Conestoga Valley High School athletic field concession stand was forcibly entered over the weekend causing damage to the stand.
Anyone with information on these burglaries and thefts are asked to contact East Lampeter Twp. Police Detective Chris Jones (717) 291-4676.
VANDALISM/FRITZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
On 6/7/10 it was reported from J.E. Fritz Elementary school that over the weekend an exterior window was broken from a Colt 45 Malt Liquor bottle that was thrown. Exterior benches were moved from the front of the building in an apparent attempt to gain access to the roof area. There have been on going incidents of trespass and vandalism at the school this year during after school hours. Anyone with information is asked to contact the East Lampeter Twp. Police (717) 291-4676.
ARMED ROBBERY/ASSAULT
Armed robbery and assault occurred along the 1700 blk of Old Philadelphia Pike at 2225 hours, Sunday, 5/30/10. Eighteen year old male victim reported that he was walking along Old Philadelphia Pike in the area of Cedar Acres Apartments when he was approached from behind by three (3) males 16-21 years of age. One of the males struck the victim on the side of the face from behind. When the victim turned around the male suspect brandished a knife and demanded that victim give them everything he had. After taking his property the victim was told to get on the ground while the suspects fled east along Old Philadelphia Pike. Two of the suspects were on foot and one was riding a bicycle. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Scott Eelman East Lampeter Twp Police (717) 291-4676.
INDECENT EXPOSURE- FLORY PARK EAST
Adult female victim reported that she was at East Lampeter Twp Flory Park East at approximately 1130 hours, Sunday, 5/24/10, when a white male in his 50's, described as balding with grey hair and a heavy build, drove by her several times in a small silver two door car with tinted windows. The male parked near the woman and exited the vehicle. The male dropped his pants exposing his genitals. The suspect then proceeded to also urinate in front of the female victim. Anyone with information is asked to contact East Lampeter Twp Police Detective Preston Gentzler (717) 291-4676.
INDECENT ASSAULT/INDECENT EXPOSURE
At 0015 hours, Saturday, 5/22/10, at the Lancaster Host Resort 2300 Lincoln Highway East an adult female was approached outside a rear entrance to the hotel by a white male described as balding with a stocky build. The male subject asked the female a question about the Hotel and walked away. The male subject returned and exposed his genitals to the female victim. When the victim turned to flee inside the Actor engaged in groping the victims breasts and buttocks until she pulled away and entered the Hotel. Anyone with information is asked to contact East Lampeter Twp. Police Detective Perston Gentzler (717) 291-4676.
BURGLARY/THEFT (COPPER PIPE) ARREST
At 1110 hours on 5/18/10 East Lampeter Twp Police received a report that a black van was parked at a vacant house in the 2400 block of Lincoln Highway East. The caller also reported observing a male enter the residence with a tool. East Lampeter Twp. Patrol Officers and Detectives responded to the residence and caught two male subjects in the act of cutting and removing copper pipe from the residence. Both subjects were taken into custody without incident and were identified as;
Higinio J. BARO-HERNANDEZ B/M/64 of Lancaster
Roberto SIERRA-ABREU B/M/51 of Lancaster
Both suspects were charged by Detective Scott Eelman and Detective Preston Gentzler with Burglary, Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Burglary and Theft by Unlawful Taking. The suspects were arraigned before MDJ B. Denise Commins and committed to Lancaster Co. Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail
CRIME ALERT/CRIME BY TRANSIENT CRIMINALS
Each year as the weather improves residents are victimized by scams perpetrated by bands of roaming thieves who are experts in commtting confidence crimes. These transient criminal groups known as Gypsies and Travelers, routinely travel across local and state jurisdictional boundaries in search of potential victims, who are most often the elderly. The following information is of the more common scams committed by transient criminals in our jurisdiction.
HOME REPAIR SCAMS: In this type of scam the subjects represent themselves as self- employed home improvement contractors who have been working in the area and have noticed the victim's roof, driveway or house is in need of repair. They will claim that they have have done work in the past or have been sent by a relative or neighbor. In most cases the subjects will appear to perform some work, though it will be of extremely poor quality. They may spray roofs with a steam mist that they represent as sealant. Driveway sealant may be thinned black paint or drained oil. The initial prices quoted will appear quite reasonable, only to be grossly inflated when the job is finished. The subjects will often demand cash and will pressure or intimidate the victim to secure payment.
DIVERSION BURGLARIES/THEFTS: In this scam the subjects will approach and distract the homeowner or resident. The subjects will approach the victim and negotiate to perform a home improvement job or use some other diversion such as help to determine where the property line or utilility lines are located for a job they are doing for a neighbor. The goal is to divert the victim's attention and lure them to another room or out of the residence while other subjects of the group steal cash or jewelry. The subjects may use pressure and intimidation if the victim's do not cooperate.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Only use contractors that are known to you or that you have acquired references for. Ask for the person's PA state contractor number. All contractors are required to register with the PA Attorney General's Office. If you are suspicious, or pressured by a visit by an unsolicited person offering home repair, or requesting your assistance please contact the East Lampeter Twp Police immediately (717) 291-4676
INDECENT EXPOSURE ARREST
On 5/5/10 Carl Henry SWEIGART W/M/53 was taken into custody by East Lampeter Twp Police at his residence on a warrant for two counts of Indecent Exposure. It was reported that on 4/27 the suspect exposed himself to a female as she drove by him in the parking lot of Walmart. The victim's three children were also in the vehicle. On 4/30 it was reported that the suspect exposed himself to a female victim as she walked by him in the parking lot of Tanger Outlets. SWEIGART was arraigned on the charges and committed to Lancaster County Prison.
COUNTERFEIT CURRENCY/INFORMATION
Merchants on the Rt-30 business strip in East Lampeter Twp have been experiencing an increase of counterfeit $100 bills being passed at their businesses. The counterfeit bills are US $5 bills that have been bleached to remove the printing then color inkjet copiers are used to copy the US $100 bill onto them. The counterfeit bills will pass the common ink pen test due to US currency paper being used. It is recommended that merchants examine all $100 bills for other security safe guards listed below. Other options when questionable currency is presented are to call Police for assistance immediately or refuse to accept any questionable currency.
GENUINE $100 BILL;
- Watermark on front right side will be matching portrait of Benjamin Franklin
- Embedded security thread will read "USA 100"
- Security thread will glow pink/red under UV light source
- Microprinting within the numerial 100 reads "100USA100USA"
COUNTERFEIT $100 BILL;
- Watermark on front right side will be of President Abraham Lincoln
- Security thread reads "USA FIVE"
- Security Thread will glow blue under UV light source
- Microprinting within the numerial 100 will be unreadable
SEXUAL ASSAULT/CHILD ABUSE ARREST
On 5/5/10 Toby Patrick CUNDIFF W/M/31 of New Holland was charged by East Lampeter Twp Detective Michelle Velez and Warwick Twp Detective Eric Zimmerman for the repeated rape and sexual assault of a child over a four year period starting when she was (8) years old. The crimes occurred in Warwick Twp from June 2005 through February 2008 and in Upper Leacock Twp from February 2008 through November 2009. CUNDIFF was charged with Rape of a Child, Rape, Statutory Sexual Assault, Involuntary B. Garrett and was committed to Lancaster Co. Prison in lieu of $400,000 bail.
INDECENT EXPOSURE- WALMART (APPREHENDED)
At 1:36 pm on Tuesday, 4/27/10, a female victim reported that an adult white male standing beside a green full size Ford pickup truck in the parking lot of Walmart had his pants open exposing his genitals. Anyone with information is asked to contact Ofc. Bryan Kondras East Lampeter Twp Police Dept. (717) 291-4676
VANDALISM EAST LAMPETER TWP PARKS:
FLORY COMMUNITY PARK- On 4/26/10 Township employees discovered that picnic tables and benches had names and vulgar words written on them with ink and spray paint. The vandalism would have occurred sometime over the weekend. Anyone with information is asked to contact the East Lampeter Twp. Police Dept. (717) 291-4676
LAFAYETTE TOWER COMMUNITY PARK- On 4/26/10 Township employees discovered that plastic playground equipment and trash can lids had vulgar words written on them with indelible marker. Anyone with information is asked to contact the East Lampeter Twp. Police Dept. (717) 291-4676
ARMED ROBBERY: (APPREHENDED)
At 2030 hours, Thursday, 4/22/10, an armed robbery occurred in the 1700 blk of Hempstead Road East Lampeter Township. An adult male victim reported that he was invited into a gray Cadillac DeVille with four male occupants at the Greenfield Food & Fuel 1741 Hempstead Road. Once in the vehicle the actors restrained the victim and held a handgun to his head while they robbed him of his money and cellular phone. Victim was released a short distance away and was uninjured.
On Friday, 4/23/10 the following individuals were charged by detective Preston Gentzler with Robbery, Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition and Conspiracy to commit Robbery;
1) Tyquan Jamal OSBORNE, B/M/20, Lancaster PA
2) Tyler James WILLIAMS W/M/23, Lancaster PA
Both individuals were committed to Lancaster County Prison on $100,000 bail. Additional arrests and charges are pending. Anyone with information is asked to contact East Lampeter Twp. Police Detective Preston Gentzler (717) 291-4676.
BANK ROBBERY SENTENCING:
On July 26, 2008 at 1130Hrs. the M&T Bank located at 2421 Old Philadelphia Pike Lancaster, Pennsylvania – East Lampeter Township was robbed by a lone gunman.
After a joint investigation between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Special Agent Dowd) - Harrisburg Office, and the East Lampeter Township Police Department (Detective Gentzler), Charles Everitt King was federally indicted and ordered to stand trial on charges of Bank Robbery, and Carries a firearm unlawfully during the commission of any felony.
On August 31, 2009 the federal trial began at the Edward N. Cahn Federal Courthouse in Allentown, Pennsylvania with the Honorable James Knoll Gardner as the presiding Judge.
On September 8, 2009 the jury informed the court they had reached a verdict in the case. Charles Everitt King was found guilty on charges of Bank Robbery and Carries a firearm unlawfully during the commission of any felony.
Mark Miller from the United States Attorney’s Office – Eastern District prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
On April 14, 2010 a sentencing hearing was conducted at the James A Bryne Federal Courthouse in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with the Honorable James Knoll Gardner as the presiding Judge.
Charles Everitt King received a federal prison sentence of thirty-two (32) years followed by five (5) years of federal probation.
ARMED ROBBERY:
On April 8th, 2010 at 0307 hours, East Lampeter Township Police units were dispatched a reported robbery that just occurred at the Turkey Hill store located at 2787 Lincoln Highway East, Ronks, PA 17572.
The SUBJECT was described as a WHITE MALE with a thin build, approx 5’8”tall and wearing a grey hooded sweat shirt with the hood pulled over his head, a black plastic mask covering his face, as well as dark colored pants and dark colored shoes. The SUBJECT did enter the store displaying a dark colored HANDGUN.
The SUBJECT left the store and fled on foot in an unknown direction.
The amount taken is not known at this time.
There were no reported injuries.
Anyone one with any information is asked to contact the East Lampeter Township Police.
The investigation is continuing……..
Anyone with information is asked to contact ELTPD at (717)291-4676
STABBING/AGGRAVATED ASSAULT ARREST
Date: April 6, 2010
Time: 1940 hrs.
Location: Hayloft Candle Shop S. Groffdale Rd.
Upper Leacock Township
Victim: Gary Miller m/32 Leola, PA
Accused: Nicholas Adam Bair m/24 New Holland, PA
On the above date, and time East Lampeter Township Police were dispatched to a disturbance. While enroute police were advised that one person was stabbed. The victim,Miller, had been stabbed in the neck. Miller was at Hayloft Candle Shop with his girlfriend, Nikita Lyons. Lyons and Bair are parents of a one year old child. Lyons made arrangements to meet so that she could spend time with the child. Miller is Lyons boyfriend arrived on scene to assist when Lyons locked her keys in the car. A physical altercation occurrred between Bair and Miller which resulted in Bair stabbing Miller in the neck. Miller was transported to Lancaster General Hospital by Leola Ambulance. Miller was treated and released. Bair was charged with Aggravated Assault and committed to Lancaster County Prison. Anyone with any further information on this case is requested to contact Det. Joseph Edgell at (717)291-4676.
DIVERSION BURGLARY:
An elderly East Lampeter Township couple reported that between 1500-1630 hours, on Thursday 4/1/10, two white males came to their residence in the 2000 blk of Old Philadelphia Pike. The suspects told the victims that they had done work on their roof several years ago and advised them that the roof appeared to need some minor repairs. Once inside the residence one male kept the couple occupied in conversation while the other went through other rooms in the residence and attempted to force open a safe and a lockbox. No property was discovered to be stolen. The suspects were described as white males, one in his 40’s and the other in his 60’s, with possible Hispanic accents. The suspect vehicle was described as a late model black SUV. Anyone with information is asked to contact the East Lampeter Twp. Police Dept. (717) 291-4676.
ARMED ROBBERY:
At about 0018 hours on March 19, 2010, East Lampeter Twp. PD officers were dispatched to the Turkey Hill store, 2787 Lincoln Hwy. East in East Lampeter Twp. for a robbery that just occurred. Upon arrival at the store, it was learned that a black male suspect had displayed a weapon and escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect was described as a black male, approximately 30-39 years of age, about 5’10” and 175 lbs. He was wearing a red hooded sweatshirt with “USC” on the front, a red Philadelphia Phillies baseball hat, dark colored pants, and white sneakers. The suspect also had a black knit mask covering his face up to and including his nose. The suspect fled on foot and was not located. The clerk at the store was not injured.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Preston Gentzler with the East Lampeter Twp. PD at 717-291-4676.
KNIFE POINT ROBBERY (APPREHENDED)
At approximately 1000 hours, Monday, 3/15/10, an attempted knife point robbery occurred at the RRTA bus stop, 327 W. Main St. Leola. A B/M/20’s, thin build, wearing dark clothing, approached a 67 year old man who was standing alone at the bus stop. The Actor stopped at a close distance to the victim displaying a knife and demanded the victim’s wallet. The robbery was interrupted when two unidentified females in a vehicle stopped for directions causing the Actor to flee.
Subsequent investigation by East Lampeter Twp Detective Preston Gentzler identified the Actor as Kelvin Emory EBBERHART B/M/20 of Lancaster. An arrest warrant for EBBERHART was obtained on 3/18 by Det Gentzler for one count of Robbery, one count of Criminal Attempt of Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition and one count of Simple Assault.
On 3/25/10 EBBERHART was located and interviewed by East Lampeter Twp detectives. EBBERHART was arraigned before MDJ B. Denise Commins and was committed to Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $200,000 bail.
ARMED ROBBERY:
January 10, 2010 a robbery occurred at the Smoketown Turkey Hill, 2453 Old Philadelphia Pike at 2330 hours. A white male between the age of 25-30, 5-09, 180-200LBS wearing a dark gray knit skull cap, blue paisley bandana over his face and a denim jacket with an emblem at the right shoulder approached the female clerk as she was preparing to close. Suspect pointed a black revolver at the clerk and told her to empty the register. Actor took three cartons of Newport cigarettes from the cabinet and $89.00 before fleeing on foot west bound along route 340. Detective Eelman investigating
January 10, 2010 a burglary occurred at Dollar General, 1649 Lincoln Highway East at 0202 hours. Suspect gained entry into the business by shattering the front store window (Silver hammer located in the business). Three Treasons and an Orange Go phone were taken. Surveillance video shows an unknown male wearing gloves, heavy black coat with white lettering on the back and blue jeans exiting the store. Detective Eelman investigating
