Police Briefs

Firearm Violation

• According to reports from the , officers were dispatched to Noble and Lafayette streets Saturday, Sept. 3, for a report of a drug violation. According to the county dispatch, the caller stated that four males wearing white T-shirts had allegedly been selling drugs for approximately one hour. When the officers arrived at the scene, they counted six males sitting on steps on the 900 block of Lafayette Street. According to police, they approached the men due to recent information they received during a police roll call briefing in regards to attempted home invasions in the 900 blocks of Jackson and West Lafayette streets where a firearm was allegedly used and discharged. Officers then reportedly asked if any of the males resided at the location where they had gathered and no one did. Police began asking questions and patting the individuals for weapons, at which point Hakeem A. Tarte fled the scene. According to the report, as Tarte ran, he allegedly threw a black item that hit the ground, making a “metallic” sound. After police caught up with Jones, they retraced their steps through the 900 block of Yerkes Avenue and located a black Smith and Wesson 38 Special revolver. The weapon was collected as evidence. Police then determined Tarte did not have a license to carry a firearm and that, due to his criminal history, was not allowed to carry a firearm. He was charged for two firearms violations in addition to charged for loitering and disorderly conduct.

Burglary

• Police responded to a report of a burglary on the 400 block of East Oak Street that occured Sunday, Sept. 4, between 2 and 9:32 p.m. According to the police report, the victim returned home at 9:33 p.m. and noticed her shades were drawn and several things were missing including a 48-inch flat screen television, 58-inch flat screen television, HP computer, PS3 and cash. The total value of the missing items is $4,800.
• On Saturday, Sept. 3, police responded to a report of a stolen bike from the 700 block of Selma Street. According to the report, the victim placed a boys green Avigo bicycle in the garage Friday, and when she returned the following morning, the bicycle was gone. If anyone knows the whereabouts of this bicycle, contact the Norristown Police Department at 610-275-1222.
• A victim reported to police on Friday, Sept. 2, that after returning home to the 1000 block of Swede Street from a short time away, she found her side door open and a first floor window and blinds pushed inward. Police observed that several boxes were gone through and thrown on the floor. The victim did not immediately observe anything missing, despite things being out of place. The victim received a state compensation and victim pamphlet.
• Police responded to two reports of a burglary that occurred on the 1000 block of DeKalb Street between 4 and 5 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6. According to the police report, the suspect entered the apartment through an open rear window and stole a wallet, ID card and blue lunch bag, then walked out the front door. The victims received a state compensation and victim pamphlet.

Shots Fired

• Police were dispatched to the 1200 block of Swede Street on Sept. 2 after a victim reportedly heard two shots fired and saw two pellet holes in her front windows. The person allegedly responsible fled the scene before police arrived.

Breaking and Entering

• A victim reported to police that while she was on vacation from Sept. 1 to Sept. 3, someone broke into her home on the 700 block of East Moore Street. According to the report, the victim’s son received a text message from a friend while they were away stating that the front door was open. The victim then had a family member check on the house and was told the doors were closed and locked. When the victim returned, she noticed the back window was unlocked and the screen was ripped. A checkbook, cash, a Nintendo Wii, an Xbox and video games were among the items reported stolen and had an estimated value of $1,549.

Bicycle Accident

• Police responded to a medical call regarding an injured person on the 100 block of West Marshall Street. According to the police report, Derek Salvo, of the 1400 block of West Marshall Street, rode his bicycle into the rear end of a parked vehicle. When police arrived, he was lying in the street unconscious. He was then transported to the Norristown State Hospital grounds by Plymouth Ambulance to be air lifted to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania for medical treatment. The police department held several of his belongings for safekeeping, as he could not take them with. The vehicle that was struck had minor vehicle damage; however, the owner of the automobile did not wish to file a report. It was later determined that Salvo had been drinking at the time of the incident and was cited by mail for public drunkenness.

Retail Theft

• Jacqueline N. Kelly, of the 900 block of West Main Street, was arrested and processed at the police station for allegedly stealing 15 food items valued at $28.68 from the located at the 600 block of West Main Street Sept. 4. Kelly was advised to not return to the Sunoco A-Plus.

Theft

• A victim reported that a vacuum cleaner inside of his truck parked in front of his residence on the 700 block of Sandy Street was stolen during the overnight between Sept. 1 and Sept. 6. He stated the vehicle was parked in his driveway, however the doors to the vehicle were left unlocked. The vacuum is purple and gray in color with a black hose attached. If anyone knows the whereabouts of this vacuum, contact the Norristown Police Department at 610-275-1222.
• On Sept. 5 at 11:45 a.m., Tonya Simmons of the 900 block of Mount Pleasant Avenue, Wayne, was cited for theft of service for allegedly failing to pay a taxicab fare. According to the police report, Simmons took a cab from the 00 block of East Lafayette Street to the 900 block of Mount Pleasant Avenue, Wayne, and reportedly did not pay the $25 fee.

Vandalism

• Police responded to a call for a report of vandalism on the 1000 block of Powell Street. According to the report, the victim told police that something broke her window and that she cleaned up the glass before they arrived. Police observed the second floor window to have a circle in the center with coning on the inside of the window.

Vehicle Theft

• James Williams, of the 600 block of West Marshall Street, was arrested on Sept. 3 for allegedly stealing a 2000 black Honda Civic from the 700 block of Noble Street. The victim reported hearing the sound of breaking glass at approximately 3 am.

Man Found Dead

• Police found an unidentified man lying on the 200 block of Barbadoes Street next to a 1999 GMC Sanoma and open driver’s side door. Police noticed that the man was not breathing. Minutes later paramedics arrived and declared the man deceased. A witness in the area allegedly observed four Hispanic males in the area where the subject was found 30 minutes before police arrived. Police took three Hispanic males in the area into custody who were highly intoxicated, including one who was passed out in the passenger seat of the vehicle that the deceased was lying next to. Inside the vehicle were dozens of empty alcoholic beverage containers as well as some full cans of beer. At 7 p.m., Montgomery County Coroner Pat Groff arrived on the scene. The deceased was labeled as a “John Doe” and transported to the morgue. The GMC was towed to the station and secured for evidence pending further investigation. At 10:45 p.m., a man stating that he was the brother of the deceased came to the police department to identify the body.

Fraud

• A victim reported to police that on Friday, Sept. 2, he was using the ATM outside of the on Main Street to make a deposit. He reports that he mistakenly walked away from the machine without removing his ATM card. Later, when he checked his bank transactions he reportedly realized that someone had used the machine with his card in it right after he left and withdrew $300. The victim contacted the bank and cancelled his card.

Disorderly Conduct

• Brian Rodriguez, of the 500 block of Haws Avenue, was arrested and cited for disorderly conduct on Friday, Sept. 2, after a neighbor called reporting harassment. While police were at the above location talking with the victim, police state that Rodriguez’s behavior in the presence of law enforcement constituted disorderly conduct.
• Waltor Butler III, of the 1000 block of New Hope Street, was cited on Sunday, Sept. 4, for disorderly conduct after police reportedly observed him urinating against a wall on the 300 block of East Oak Street at the Martin Luther King Park.
• Thomas M. Endlich, of the 3000 block of Ridge Pike in Eagleville, and Cheri Kavetski, of the 100 block of Haws Avenue, were cited for disorderly conduct for engaging in sexual activities in a public place on Sept. 3 after police reportedly observed a suspicious vehicle parked in a lot on Buttonwood Street. Police allegedly witnessed Endlich and Kavetski engaged in sexual activity inside the car.
• Bryan Rodriquez and Arthur Vasquez, both of the 500 block of Haws Avenue, were cited for disorderly conduct on Sept.2 after police witnessed them in a loud argument outside on a porch. According to the police report, their actions caused annoyance and alarm to the public. Vasquez also reportedly yelled at police and smelled of alcohol. He was then cited for public drunkenness in addition to disorderly conduct, and taken to the police department to sober up.
• Dehaviland Smith, of the 1000 block of Swede Street, was cited for disorderly conduct and other offenses on Sept. 3 after police were dispatched to the 200 block of East Elm Street for an alleged armed person. According to the report, Smith allegedly exited a green Jeep and reportedly began to chase children around with a bat and threaten to shoot them. Police also reportedly found a green bat, large knife, pocketknife, small baseball bat and a hammer in the 200 block of East Elm Street. Dehaviland allegedly told police that the bat was hers and the children were disrespecting her.
• On Sept. 1 at 1:40 p.m., Marylou Benitto of the 600 block of George Street was cited for disorderly conduct. The police report states that Benitto was allegedly indecently exposing her buttocks to the public.

Vehicle Registration Seized

• Police seized the registration from a 2001 gold Cadillac on Friday, Sept. 2, after police reportedly discovered that the registration actually belonged to a Buick. The owner of the registration was unable to be contacted. The registration was seized and returned to PennDOT.

Criminal Mischief

• Police responded to a call of criminal mischief Friday, Sept. 2, after an employee of on the 1300 block of DeKalb Street heard a sudden pop and saw a small hole in the window. According to the police report, a BB gun pellet possibly caused the holes. Police did not observe anyone in the immediate vicinity with a pellet gun. No injuries were reported.
• A victim reported to police that a window was broken on the west side of the on the 300 block of East Main Street Sept. 2. The claimant states he will check video cameras for any possible additional information and contact the police department.

Vandalism

• Vehicles on the lot of were reportedly vandalized and a report was filed with the Norristown Police Department on Sept. 3. According to the police report, a Jeep’s windshield was broken and the removable top stolen. A motorcycle’s rear taillight was broken and deep scratches were made on the hood. The reporting person believes the vandal is also an employee of the towing company. The victim received a state compensation and victim information booklet.
• A resident complained of juveniles throwing rocks in her backyard on the 300 block of East Moore Street to police on Sept. 5. The victim states that the juveniles are often in her backyard; however, she does not want them on her property. Police observed rocks that were reportedly thrown in the yard, but the juveniles were no longer in the area when police responded. The victim received a state compensation and victim information booklet.

Animal Complaint

• Police responded to a report of a dying cat on the 800 block of Smith Street. Upon arrival, police observed the cat lying in front of a residence at the above location. The cat reportedly had shallow breathing, was barely moving and surrounded by flies. The cat was taken to Washington and Ford streets where it was dispatched.
• On Sunday, Sept. 4 at 1:30 pm, police responded to a report of a loose dog on the 700 block of George Street. Police attempted to stop the black Labrador retriever with a red collar. According to the police report, the owner’s cousin said the animal had been missing since early morning. The dog was located and secured, and the owner, Lamar Hughes, of the 800 block of George Street, will be cited for the loose dog.

Found Property

• Police discovered a cell phone on a desk at Sept. 4 and could not determine who the owner was. The phone was placed in an evidence locker for safe keeping until someone claims it.
• On Friday, Sept. 2 at 10 a.m., a police officer was approached by a male who reportedly found an Access card on the ground on the 700 block of East Johnson Highway. The officer was able to locate the owner of the card, who confirmed he was missing it and would pick up the card after work.

Public Drunkenness

• Ezequiel Santiago, of the 100 block of West Marshall Street, was cited for public drunkenness Tuesday, Sept. 5, at 9:52 p.m., after he allegedly fell while trying to cross Marshall Street. According to the report, several residents witnessed the incident and tried to help Santiago.
• Vicente Peredes, of the 200 block of East Main Street; Cesilio Gonzalez, of the 1000 block of Cherry Street; and Jose Guadalupe-Chavez, of the 200 block of Barbadoes Street, were cited for public drunkenness on Sunday, Sept. 4, at 6:58 p.m., after police and medics were dispatched to the area of Barbadoes and Lafayette streets for a report of an unresponsive person. Peredes, Gonzalez and Guadalupe-Chavez reportedly smelled of alcohol, had glossy eyes and slurred his speech. They were taken into custody and held until sober.
• Adrian Myers, of the 700 block of East Main Street, was cited for public drunkenness on Saturday, Sept. 3, at 11:05 pm after police were dispatched to at Marshall and Corson streets for an intoxicated customer. According to the report, Myers was allegedly trying to light his keys on fire with a lighter at the counter inside the eatery. Police reportedly observed Myers to have slurred speech and red eyes. He then began calling the officer “dog” and another expletive. He was arrested and released when sober.
• Rufus Plummer Jr., of the 600 block of East Marshall Street, was cited for public drunkenness and violation of a municipal ordinance on knives on Saturday, Sept. 3, at 11 p.m., According to the report, Plummer was allegedly walking down a public sidewalk with an open can of beer. Police report that he was unsteady on his feet and arrested him for public drunkenness. When taken to the police station to sober up, Plummer was found to be in possession of a 4 inch folding knife.
• Robert Weaver was cited for public drunkenness and being in possession of an open container on Saturday. Sept. 3, at 11:11 pm, after police were dispatched to the 600 block of DeKalb Street for a report of an individual drinking from an open container. According to the report, Weaver had glassy, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and smelled of alcohol. He was taken into custody to await sobriety.
• Robert Shaw, of the 1600 block of Juniper Street, was cited for public drunkenness on Saturday, Sept 3. after police were dispatched to the 1400 block of Markley Street for a report of a male falling down and holding onto a street sign. Police reportedly found Shaw lying on the front lawn of someone else’s property. According to the report, Shaw was unable to stand on his own and emanated a strong odor of alcohol. He was arrested and held to await sobriety.
• Christopher Piccidilli, of the 5000 block of Wayne Avenue in Philadelphia, was cited for public drunkenness on Saturday, Sept. 3 after police were dispatched to Noble and West Main streets for a report of a disoriented man not wearing a shirt. Piccidilli reportedly told police he had been drinking alcohol at a local bar. Police allege that he was unsteady on his feet and smelled of alcohol. He was arrested and held to await sobriety.
• Javier Castillo, of the 700 block of Roosevelt Avenue, was cited for public drunkenness on Friday, Sept. 2, after police found him walking on the 300 block of Harding Boulevard with bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and smelling of alcohol. He was arrested and held to await sobriety.

Open Container

• Police reportedly witnessed Joseph Bundy, of the 200 block of DeKalb Street, crossing DeKalb Street with an open can of beer wrapped in a paper bag on Monday, Sept. 5. Bundy was also allegedly stopping people and asking for money. He was cited for an open container.
• David Boone, of the 500 block of Haws Avenue, was cited for having an open container of alcohol in public on Friday, Sept. 2 at 9:51 a.m.

Loud Sound Amplification

• Julio Gonzalez, of the 100 block of East Main Street, was cited for loud sound amplification on Sunday, Sept. 4. According to the police report, Gonzalez was operating a 1995 Honda Civic with a sound amplification system that was loud enough to be heard in excess of 25 feet. This is in violation of local ordinance 98-3. Gonzales was then issued a non-traffic citation and released.

False Alarm

• Police responded to the sound of an audible alarm going off at on the 200 block of West Main Street on Monday, Sept. 5. The officer reportedly could hear the alarm from the area of Main and Market streets. According to the report, police have responded to six false alarms at the business since Aug. 23. A citation for control of alarm devices was mailed to the business.

Violation of Ordinance

• Police were called to the transportation center by SEPTA for the report of an individual on the train armed with a knife on Sept. 4. When the officers arrived, the conductor pointed out Charles Shelton, of the 00 block of East Lafayette Street. Shelton cooperated with police and reportedly admitted he was armed with a knife. The knife was taken from Shelton without incident and he was removed from the train. He was cited for breaking a municipality ordinance regarding knives.

DUI

• Chandra A. Barnett, of the 200 block of Auburn Drive, was pulled over on the 200 block of Noble Street. According to the police report, this area is known as a drug area. Police reportedly witnessed an allegedly known drug dealer and runner hanging on the driver’s side window of a green 1996 Ford Contour. The officer then reportedly told Barnett to park the vehicle, who allegedly ignored the request and continued talk with to the male. The officer states he could tell her words were slurred as she talked and asked her to pull the vehicle over. She was then asked to exit her vehicle and reportedly became combative with police, who said she had a staggered gait when exiting the vehicle. Barnett was unable to perform any field tests for alcohol consumption due to a medical condition and refused to take a chemical test of blood again due to her medical condition. She was then arrested for driving under the influence because of her refusal to take the tests.

Warrants

• Junior Pinnock, of the 100 block of Pearl Street, was arrested on Saturday, Sept. 3, at 12:25 am, for two active criminal warrants. He was taken to the Norristown Police Department to await arraignment.
• Julie Lafferty of the 1200 block Oakland Avenue was arrested for a criminal warrant at the corner of Selma and Oakland Avenue at 10:44 pm on Friday, Sept. 2.
• According to the police report, Lewis Granger of the 1000 block of W. Main Street was taken into custody for an active PFA violation warrant on Sunday, Sept. 4 at 7:10 p.m.
• Danielle Neve, of the 900 block of West Marshall Street, was picked up for a criminal warrant issued for shoplifting. She was taken to the Norristown Police Department and held for arraignment.

Simple Assault

• Solomon Johnson III, of the 100 block of Schuylkill Avenue, was cited for simple assault and harassment on Friday, Sept. 2, at 1:50 p.m. Police responded were dispatched to the Norristown Transportation Center at DeKalb and Lafayette streets after a report was made that a man was allegedly hitting a woman and the woman was calling for help. Police made contact with the individuals on the street and saw the woman had fresh bleeding injuries on her lip and the left side of her eye. Police took pictures of the injuries and transported Johnson to the Norristown Police Department to await processing and arraignment.

If you have questions about these briefs, contact Norristown Patch Editor James Myers. Read more recent .