Area Police Beat

Flimflam in Emporium

Three men posing as tree removers victimized an Emporium couple Tuesday night with a flimflam ploy before being scared off.

State police at the Emporium barracks report that three Hispanic men in a newer gray or silver Cadillac pulled into the driveway of the Austin Kowell residence on Valley View Road at about 8.

One of the miscreants went to the door and explained to the Kowells that he was a state employee and was directed to discuss removal of trees on the border of the Kowell property. While that man, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Kowell, was distracted, the other two men sneaked into the house and began rummaging for items to steal.

The victims became suspicious and headed back for their home, at which time the man who was accompanying them spoke hurriedly into a cellphone in a foreign language.

Police say the trio rushed back to their vehicle and fled. There was no information available on what, if any, items were stolen.

Suspect apprehended

A Clinton County man has been committed to the Potter County Jail on various charges stemming from a vehicle pursuit last Sunday afternoon in the Emporium area.

State police report that John Poorman Jr., 23, of Renovo was observed committing several traffic violations.

When Poorman saw the trooper, he allegedly increased his speed and began to flee on several Emporium streets. As he reached the intersection of Portage and Oak streets, Poorman failed to negotiate a curve and his sedan slammed into a section of guardrail, where it became disabled.

He was taken into custody without incident. There were no injuries.

Big haul from camp

Thieves recently forced their way into a camp on the East Fork Road in Potter County sometime over the last several weeks and stole a variety of items.

State police at Denton Hill said they were summoned by the owner, Sandra Holleran of Tarentum, after she discovered the burglary.

Among the stolen items were a television, wooden TV stand, six bottles of liquor, about $20 in currency, six DVDs, articles of clothing, and two rugs, both white with floral print.

Thieves strike

State police from Denton Hill were recently summoned to investigate a pair of thefts in northern Potter County.

Sometime over the past several months, thieves entered the basement of a house on McGinnis Road in Genesee Township, owned by Barbara Lee Cook- Benton of Arlington, Va., and removed 25 feet of three-strand copper wire.

Police were also summoned to a seasonal home at the corner of Tracey Brook and Greenhill roads in Hebron Township. Owner Ted Heckman of Lancaster told troopers someone stole a radiator from a 1969 Chevrolet truck parked next to his camp.

Lots of coins

A thief carried out at least $1,100 worth of coins from a Wharton Township residence sometime last week.

State police from Denton Hill identified the victim as James Whitney of Jameson Drive. The investigation continues.

Joke's on you

A McKean County man apparently playing a prank on a youngster finds himself facing charges filed by state police from Kane.

They say 21-year-old William Logue Jr. of Crosby was charged with disorderly conduct and supplying tobacco to a minor for an incident taking place at a residence in Norwich Township

Police allege that Logue gave a cigarette which contained a concealed firework to a juvenile. The explosive discharged when the youth lighted up. The victim was not hurt.

Two-vehicle collision

Two people were injured in a motor vehicle collision Monday afternoon on Route 44 in Ceres Township, near the Potter and McKean County border.

State police say a truck operated by 61 year-old Dick Clark of Shinglehouse drove into the path of a vehicle driven by 21 year-old Jay McCleaft, also of Shinglehouse.

McCleaft and a passenger, Sandra Hodgins, 23, of Olean, N.Y., were both taken to the hospital for treatment of unspecifi ed injuries.

A parked car was also damaged in the accident.