Robbery Suspect Nabbed In Kersey

State police from Ridgway didn't spend much time investigating an armed robbery in Kersey Monday night. Within a matter of hours, they apprehended 30-year-old Joseph W. Martell for allegedly robbing Fairview Fuel. Police allege that Martell entered the gas station with a pillowcase over his head, brandishing a .22-caliber revolver and demanding cash. He left with about $500. Police arrested him at his home early Tuesday morning. Martell was remanded to the Elk County Prison on robbery and four related charges.

Two Smethport residents were injured in a bizarre accident Saturday night on Rt. 46, just north of the Norwich/ Keating Township line in McKean County. State police say a southbound car being driven by Wayne Foltz of Smethport struck a deer, sending the animal into the air. The deer subsequently smashed through the windshield of a northbound sedan being operated by Jonathan Watson. Watson and his wife, Katie, who was a passenger in the front seat, were taken to Bradford Regional Medical Center for treatment.

An Emporium woman has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol as well as traffic offenses, in the wake of a car crash early Sunday morning on the Gardeau Road, about a halfmile south of the McKean/ Cameron County line. State police said Gail Herbstritt, 33, was driving a Pontiac coupe south when the vehicle went off the road, struck an embankment and rolled onto its roof.

State police from Denton Hill were called to the scene of a collision Sunday afternoon at the intersection of Route 872 and the Dutch Hill Road in Potter County. A compact car being operated by a 17-year-old girl, whose name was withheld by police, pulled into the path of a southbound 1989 Ford Mustang being driven by Paul Burgett of Emporium on Rt.872. The young driver suffered minor injuries. Two teenaged passengers in the same car were unhurt. Police said they'll be charging the teen with a traffic violation.

A Coudersport man often seen riding his flag-decorated tricycle on the streets of town suffered a head injury last Friday morning when his trike was struck by a car. Coudersport Borough Police said Romaine Myers of Coudersport backed her car out of a parking space at a retail store along the Port Allegany Road and struck the threewheeler being pedaled by 75year-old Carl Sprouse.

No injuries were reported for a Coatsville driver whose car landed in Sinnemahoning Creek Friday afternoon. Troopers said David Vasko swerved his northbound Mazda

to avoid a deer. The vehicle went out of control, struck a tree and came to rest on its side in the creek. Vasko was able to exit through a sunroof.

Emporium-based state police have charged 39-year-old Barry Bates Jr. with disorderly conduct and open lewdness for an incident allegedly taking place late Saturday night near his home on the Rich Valley Road. Authorities claim Bates created a disturbance by shouting at his neighbors while he was nude.

A criminal mischief taking place last weekend in Gibson Township is being probed by state police at Emporium. Vandals damaged a metal gate on Mix Run Road. The gate belongs to Darryl Cassel of Driftwood.