New Castle Police Department

PRESS RELEASE On May 28th, 2021 the New Castle City Police Department received information about possible threats to students and schools. Through the investigation NCPD investigators were able to speak to the individual via phone and the individual did reiterate the threats. A determination was made at that time that the threats were credible. ... Through the investigation, officers were able to pinpoint the possible location of the individual to be near the New Castle High School. The New Castle High School at that time was hosting the Prominade for students attending the Prom. Due to the credible nature of the threats and proximity of the individual to the school, the school was placed on lockdown. Utilizing NCPD officers and the Lawrence County Critical Incident Response Team, the guests and students at the school were escorted individually to their vehicles. The NCPD would like to thank the PA State Police, the Neshannock Township Police Department, and the New Castle School Security and staff for their assistance in providing a peaceful exit to all students and visitors. The NCPD is actively investigating this incident and attempting to locate the individual responsible for the threats. We will release more information as it becomes available.

On April 24, 2021 New Castle Police Officers responded to the residence at 902 Sankey Street Apt C for an unresponsive 3-year-old female. The child was transported to UPMC Jameson and subsequently transported to UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. On April 28, 2021 NCPD Detectives learned that the child passed away at UPMC Children’s. An autopsy was performed by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office. Today, May 24, 2021, detectives took into custody 18-year...-old Quadir Poland, the paramour of the child’s mother. Poland confessed to shaking the child repeatedly, which ultimately led to the child’s death. He has been charged with Criminal Homicide and Aggravated Assault. Poland has been arraigned and lodged in the Lawrence County Jail without bond. NCPD Detectives are assigned to a federal task force with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Through this relationship, and with assistance from the local FBI Office, detectives were able to bring this case to a conclusion. The NCPD would like to thank the FBI and their agents for the assistance.

2021 LAWRENCE COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL The 2021 Lawrence County Law enforcement Memorial is being held Monday May 17, 2021 in front of the New Castle City Police Department located at 303 East North Street at noon. In 2020, , the names of 295 officers killed in the line of duty have been added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. ... All Law Enforcement agencies are invited to attend this event along with members of the Communities in which we serve.

PRESS RELEASE ROBBERIES/ARREST On Wednesday May 12, 2021 the New Castle City Police Department was dispatched to a Pennsylvania Skill Games location at 715 Wilmington Road for a reported robbery. Witnesses gave officers a description of the male and stated that he also was armed with a handgun with a green laser. While officers were on scene for that robbery report, Speedway service station located at 208 North Jefferson Street called and reported an armed robbery. The des...cription of the actor matched the first robbery which was that of a black male wearing a black hat and blue sweatshirt armed with a handgun with a green laser. NCPD officers with the assistance of Mahoning, Union and Neshannock Township Police departments immediately began to canvas the area looking for the male. Officers did view a male matching the description in the area of Grant Street, the male did attempt to flee on foot, after a foot pursuit officers were able to catch the male behind Skyview Towers apartments. The male did throw a bag containing a black in color 9mm handgun with an attached green laser loaded with 16 rounds and $1052 in cash. The male was identified as Dorian BROCKMAN (35) of Pittsburgh, PA. BROCKMAN is being charged with: Robbery (two counts) Persons Not to Possess, Use, Manufacture, Control, Sell, or Transfer Firearms Aggravated Assault 2 Counts Flight to Avoid Apprehension Theft by Unlawful Taking Receiving Stolen Property Simple Assault 2 Counts Disorderly Conduct Harassment 2 Counts

HALLOWEEN The City of New Castle will be celebrating Halloween on October 31, 2020 from 5-7 pm., The NCPD would like to share some Halloween Safety Tips. The NCPD will have extra officers out to help assure we have a safe Halloween. NCPD officers will also be handing out candy from cruisers as usual. ... To help ensure adults and children have a safe holiday, the American Academy of Pediatrics has compiled a list of Halloween safety tips. Before Halloween arrives, be sure to choose a costume that won't cause safety hazards. - All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant - If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks When They're on the Prowl: Here's a scary statistic: Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Lack of visibility because of low lighting at night also plays a factor in these incidents. Keep these tips in mind when your children are out on Halloween night: - A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds - If your older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you - Agree on a specific time children should return home - Teach your children never to enter a stranger's home or car - Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends - Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home - Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, do not run, across the street. Safety Tips for Motorists Here are some additional safety tips for parents and anyone who plans to be on the road during trick-or-treat hours: - Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs - Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully - At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing - Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween Please also click the link below and review the CDC safety guidelines regarding Halloween celebration during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.cdc.gov/.../daily-life-coping/holidays.html...

ARREST ROBBERIES The New Castle City Police Department has made an arrest following the investigations into two robberies which occurred on October 27, 2020. At 4:03 pm, NCPD Officers were dispatched to a robbery at the Market 24 convenience store located on East Washington Street. The suspect fled prior to officers arrival. ... The second robbery occurred at 6:32 pm at the Cascade Express located on Cascade Street. The same suspect handed the clerk a note saying that he had a gun and demanded money. NCPD detectives were able to identify the suspect through their investigation as Noah HAZY (24). NCPD detectives did set up surveillance units in the area of Oak Leaf Gardens apartment complex looking for HAZY. Officers did locate and arrest HAZY outside of an apartment at approximately 1120 pm. HAZY was then interrogated and admitted to committing both robberies. He is being charged with Robbery (F1), Theft (M2) and Receiving Stolen Property (M2) for the first robbery and Robbery (F1), Theft (M1), and Receiving Stolen Property (M1) for the second robbery. Hazy was placed into the Lawrence County Jail pending arraignment.

Operation Dial Tone In the early morning hours of October 23rd 2020, members of the Lawrence County District Attorney's Special Investigation Unit, Criminal Inv...estigation Division, Union Township Police Department and New Castle City Police Department executed two search warrants at 806 Junior High Street and 1025 Hazen Street within the city of New Castle. Narcotics officers found the following during the search: .357 Magnum handgun, drug packaging materials, $5,230 in U.S. Currency, 5 individually wrapped plastic baggies of suspected cocaine and crack cocaine, digital weigh scales, and a 16 Gauge Shotgun. Taken into custody during the raids were Antonio "Tone" Gardner and Keon Leverette. The former was charged with Felony Persons Not To Possess Firearms and the later with 2 counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver. Both have been lodged in the Lawrence County Jail and bond was set at $100,000 and $50,000. See more

ARRESTS SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN/DISSEMINATION OF PHOTOGRAPHS The New Castle City Police Department has filed criminal charges against three individuals after an investigation into the dissemination of photographs of children. In September, the NCPD was contacted through CHILDLINE in reference to possible photographs being disseminated of two juvenile females (between ages of 11 &13).... Detectives learned through the investigation that the mother of the juveniles did take numerous nude pictures and send them to a male in Ellwood City identified as David BATES (60). The investigation showed that in some cases BATES did pay the mother of the juveniles for the pictures. NCPD detectives did interview the mother and she did eventually admit to taking the pictures and sending them to BATES. (The NCPD has made the decision to not list the mothers or fathers name in this release in order to protect the identity of the juvenile’s victims in this case). Forensic Interviews were conducted on the juveniles. On October 8, 2020, detectives requested the assistance of the Ellwood City Police Department and BATES was placed under arrest. Through the investigation, officers also learned that the father had knowledge that the children were being photographed. Both the father and mother were also placed under arrest on 10/8/2020. The NCPD has charged David Bates with six counts of Conspiracy to commit sexual abuse of children/photographing or filming sexual acts, six counts of solicitation to commit sexual abuse of children/photographing or filming sexual acts and six counts of sexual abuse of children/child pornography. The NCPD has charged the mother with six counts of sexual abuse of children/photographing or filming sexual acts, six counts of conspiracy to commit sexual abuse of children/photographing or filming sexual acts, six counts of Sexual abuse of children/dissemination of photographs, and two counts of endangering the welfare of children. The NCPD has charged the father with two counts of endangering the welfare of children. The children were placed into CYS custody.

ARREST ROBBERIES The New Castle City Police Department has made an arrest in connection to two recent robberies which occurred at the Sunoco Service Station located at 719 East Washington Street. At approximately 8 pm on 10/7/2020, NCPD units were dispatched to an armed robbery at the Sunoco Service Station. Officers were advised of the male’s description and that he fled on a bicycle towards Spruce Street. The store advised that the suspect did leave with money and cigarett...es. NCPD officers set up a perimeter in that area and spoke to witnesses who showed them where the suspect dropped items on the sidewalk. A NCPD officer viewed the suspect matching the description and attempted to stop him, at which time a foot pursuit was initiated. During the foot pursuit the suspect lost his pants and shoes. The officer lost sight of the suspect in the area of Raymond Street and Oak Street. Officers conducted searches of vacant residences utilizing the NCPD K9, as they entered a structure located at 609 Spruce Street the suspect immediately emerged with no pants or shoes on the roof top of that residence. Officers ordered the suspect back into the window and were eventually able to grab him and pull him through the window to take him into custody. The suspect identified as Cohen ROLLE (25) was placed under arrest. NCPD officers did locate the cash, cigarettes with the clothes and boots on the route the suspect ran. ROLLE was brought to the NCPD where he was questioned about the robbery and a previous robbery which occurred on September 30, 2020 at the same location. ROLLE did admit to officers that he was responsible for both robberies. For the September 30, 2020 robbery ROLLE is being charged with Robbery, Flight to Avoid Apprehension, Theft and Terroristic Threats. For the October 7, 2020 robbery, ROLLE is being charged with Robbery, Flight to Avoid Apprehension, Theft and Terroristic Threats. ROLLE was arraigned and placed in the Lawrence County Jail on $50,000 bond.

CASE UPDATE: SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE On Tuesday, September 22, 2020, a City Council member opened a letter addressed to that member and another council member. It was apparent through this investigation that an unknown powder or dust did fall from somewhere in the letter. Even though there was no previous threat of violence this matter was handled seriously based on the concern of one of the council members feeling ill following this incident. The letter was re...viewed and did not contain any threatening messages. An immediate interview of the individual who wrote the letter was conducted. The United States Postal Inspector and the F.B.I. were contacted to assist in the investigation. The letter was sent to the Pennsylvania State Police Crime Lab in Greensburg, Pennsylvania for a chemical analysis that was expedited due to being a possible threat to a public official. The results from the crime lab found that no controlled substances were detected on the envelope or any of the pages from the letter. The council member that showed an initial positive test for fentanyl was subsequently retested and tested negative therefore resulting in the first test being a false positive. Based on the investigation this case will be closed and it was found there has been no threat of violence to City Council. The NCPD would like to thank the FBI, The Postal Inspection Services, the Lawrence County Department of Public Safety, the PA State Police Crime lab (for expediting the analysis), and the New Castle Fire Department.

CASE UPDATE MISSING JUVENILE The missing 16 year old juvenile has been located and is safe. The NCPD would like to thank all those who assisted and shared the post.

Missing Juvenile The New Castle City Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in locating a 16 year old autistic and epileptic female. The juvenile left UPMC Hospital this afternoon and we have been unable to locate her. She is described as being a white, female, 5'6 tall, weighing approximately 120 lbs with black hair wearing a hospital gown and no shoes. ... The NCPD did have reports of the female being in the area of Mercer Street a short period ago. Anyone who views this juvenile please contact the NCPD asap. Please use the 911 or 724-656-9300 lines and not the tip line so we can get the information immediately.

PRESS RELEASE- ARRESTS MADE IN MARCH HOMICIDE The New Castle City Police Department has made three arrests in the March 24, 2020 homicide which occurred in the parking lot of the McGrath Manor Housing Complex on West Washington Street in the City of New Castle. The victim in the case was 25-year-old Andre Robinson who was shot numerous times while sitting in a vehicle. The New Castle City Police Criminal Investigation Unit has aggressively worked this homicide since March... and on 9/25/2020 NCPD detectives, patrol officers and the CIRT Team (Critical Incident Response Team) did arrest Tyler MCMILLAN (32) and Karalinn PERROTTA (22) after conducting a felony traffic stop on Lathrop Street near East Washington Street. Khalil NEWMAN (24) was arrested at a residence located on Lutton Street. A search warrant was also executed on a residence located at 1207 Huron Avenue. Officers seized three firearms, numerous weapon magazines and ammunition, several bags of suspected Ecstasy pills (MDMA) and a digital scale. Two of the weapons were reported stolen. NCPD detectives learned through the investigation that Robinson was killed as a result of an ongoing feud with McMillan. The investigation showed that McMillan, Newman and Perrotta did plan this crime to set up Robinson and subsequently kill him. Tyler McMillan is being charged with Homicide, Conspiracy to commit homicide, persons (felon) not to possess firearms, firearms not to be carried without a license, two counts of receiving stolen property (firearms). Khalil Newman is being charged with homicide and conspiracy to commit homicide. Karalinn Perrotta is being charged with Conspiracy to commit homicide and two counts of receiving stolen property.

PRESS RELEASE SUSPICIOUS LETTER The New Castle City Police Department is investigating a possible suspicious letter which was opened at New Castle City Council on September 22, 2020. Council members became suspicious when an unknown powder substance was viewed as they opened the letter. The New Castle Police, New Castle Fire and the Lawrence County Department of Public Safety did arrive on scene. Initial tests on the letter were conducted by the Lawrence County Department ... of Public Safety officer using a Chemical Identification analyzer. This test could not be completed due to not having a large enough sample size. Through the investigation the United States Postal Inspection Services was contacted and did respond to conduct an analysis of the letter and envelope. This analysis was inconclusive due not being enough of a sample size to test. The letters will be sent for further analysis to determine if it contains any chemical substances. The NCPD is working with the FBI and Postal investigators to follow up this case.

The New Castle City Police Department would like to congratulate officer Amanda Ventura and officer Mark Manos for receiving the NCPD officer of the quarter awards. This award recognizes NCPD Officers who have provided exemplary service to the community, or performed in a manner worthy of recognition. The New Castle City Police Department is proud to recognize Officers Ventura and Manos with this award. Both officers excelled in conducting self-initiated patrol activitie...s that have resulted in preventing crime. Their actions bring great credit to the NCPD. Their performance of their duties is keeping with the highest traditions of New Castle City Police Department.

SHOTS FIRED INVESTIGATION The New Castle City Police Department is investigating two incidents of shots fired in the City this afternoon. The first incident happened at approximately 5:31 PM near Lowery Street and West North Street. Reports are that individuals inside of two vehicles were shooting at each other. Witnesses stated that a maroon/red SUV and another vehicle were involved. The vehicles fled prior to NCPD's arrival. ... The second incident occurred at approximately 6:37 PM in the 700 block of Lutton Street near Dushane Street. Individuals in two vehicles, one being a red/maroon SUV and the other being a black vehicle were shooting at each other. An uninvolved vehicle was struck during the incident. No injuries were reported in either incident. NCPD officers did view a red in color SUV traveling down Long Avenue and did attempt to stop it. The vehicle did travel at a high rate of speed to Boroline Street and the driver did exit and run from the vehicle. NCPD officers did attempt to utilize the K9 to track the individual with negative results. The vehicle was impounded and will be processed. The investigation is continuing into these incidents. Anyone with information on the individuals involved in this incident is asked to contact the NCPD at 724-656-9300 or tips can be left at our website.h

HALLOWEEN 2020 Trick-or-Treating is scheduled for October 31 from 5pm-7pm. The NCPD will put out general safety guidelines along with COVID related safety suggestions as we get closer to Halloween.