City man charged
for burglary
A 29-year-old city man was charged Tuesday by Pottsville in connection with a burglary at 606 N. Eighth St. on Feb. 2.
Police said officers were called to the home about 10:45 a.m. for a burglar alarm but were unable to locate anyone in the area. A subsequent check determined an Xbox 360 game console, a controller and about 20 Xbox games were missing.
Police said they determined the point of entry and were able to track footprints in the snow. Subsequent investigation led to officers to learn the person responsible was wearing a black sweatshirt and black sweatpants and was last seen walking south on Eighth Street.
The ongoing investigation revealed that Quinn Clarence Reaves was involved in the burglary but he denied having any involvement when interviewed several times.
On Wednesday, Reaves was again involved at City Hall by Cpl. Charles Webber and was presented with video evidence obtained by police. After the seeing that evidence, police said Reaves admitted to his involvement in the crime.
Reaves was subsequently charged with burglary, criminal trespass, theft and receiving stolen property. Police said he was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison, unable to post $15,000 bail.
Disturbance nets
multiple charges
Pottsville police have filed criminal charges against a man after a domestic disturbance that officers were called to about 10:35 p.m. Saturday at 203 N. George St.
While responding, police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky said officers were told by the Schuylkill County Communication Center that the caller reported a man he did not know came into the home and said his girlfriend “had been raped” and that “someone (is) hurt bad.”
The caller also said there was a lot of yelling in the area and that a man was out of control.
The chief said that when officers arrived, they found Jose Francis Cabrera Jr. inside the entryway to 203 N. George St., where he was being restrained by a man who resides in the building.
Further investigation revealed that Cabrera had banged on the front door of the residence, and when the resident answered, Cabrera claimed that his girlfriend was inside being sexually assaulted inside the home.
The male resident attempted to tell Cabrera this was not true and as he closed the door and began to secure the lock Cabrera forced the door open and entered, Wojciechowsky said.
At that time the male resident was alarmed for the safety of his 4-year-old daughter and woman who were also inside the residence and he attempted to physically restrain Cabrera as officers were notified and immediately responded, Wojciechowsky said.
Responding officers observed Cabrera to be exhibiting traits consistent with a person under the influence of a controlled substance, Wojciechowsky said, adding that verbal attempts to calm and control Cabrera were unsuccessful and he continued to act in a highly agitated and aggressive manner, in addition to exhibiting signs of increased body temperature and hallucinations.
The chief said that as officers attempted to take Cabrera into physical custody, he fought with them and during this altercation one officer sustained an injury for which he was later treated.
Even after being physically secured, Wojciechowsky said Cabrera continued to kick at officers and refused to cooperate in his removal from the building.
Cabrera was taken to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street for evaluation and while there continued his persistent disorderly behavior by yelling and cursing despite verbal orders to stop causing a considerable inconvenience, annoyance and alarm for employees and patients at the facility, Wojciechowsky said.
As a result of the incident, a criminal complaint was prepared by Cpl. Brian Reno charging Cabrera with felony criminal trespass, resisting arrest, persistent disorderly conduct, public drunkenness and harassment.
Police announce
DUI checkpoints
The North Central Regional Sobriety Checkpoint DUI Taskforce announced Sobriety Checkpoints and Roving DUI Patrols will be conducted now through Monday on Routes 61, 183, 901, 209, 1006, 309, 1008, 443, 895, 125, 25, 924 and 54.
Travelers are reminded to call 911 if they suspect a drunk driver or to call 888-UNDER21 to report underage drinking.
Police announce
parade route
The City of Pottsville will hold the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday.
The parade route begins at 12th and West Market streets, proceeds east on Market to North Second Street, south on Second Street to Mahantongo Street, east on Mahantongo Street to Centre Street, north on Centre Street to Laurel Boulevard and west on Laurel Boulevard to Third Street.
Pottsville police said that due to staging for participants, West Market Street, from Sixth through 14th streets, will be closed to vehicle traffic beginning at 10 a.m. until the end of the parade.
Police said that vehicle traffic along the rest of the parade route will be closed to vehicle traffic beginning at 10:30 a.m. until the parade is finished.
In addition, police said no parking restrictions along the parade route will be posted on Friday and will be in effect from 8 a.m. until the conclusion of the parade.