Police Briefs

Robbery

• According to reports from the , a victim reported being robbed near the Transportation Center on the 00 block of East Lafayette Street Friday, Dec. 2. She said she was walking in the tunnel and saw a male who appeared to be smoking in the tunnel. The victim said he then grabbed her purse and ran out of the tunnel on the south side toward DeKalb Street. According to the report, security chased the accused and was able to retrieve the woman’s purse. A cell phone was found inside the victim’s purse, which she sad did not belong to her. The phone was taken for evidence. The victim told police a bottle of medication was missing. A victim’s rights and compensation form was provided.

Burglary

• Durrelle Yarbough, of the 500 block of Chain Street, was arrested for charges of  burglary, criminal trespass, receiving stolen property, criminal conspiracy, theft by unlawful taking, criminal mischief and possessing an instrument of crime Dec. 7.  Police were dispatched to the 900 block of Swede Street for a report of two males in an apartment that reportedly did not live there. Upon arrival, the building was checked and police spoke with an occupant who was pointing at a bathroom door on the second floor. Police opened the door to find Yarbough in the bathroom. Yarbough reportedly identified himself as Charles Mist. The other male climbed out of the window and ran off as police were handcuffing Yarbough. Yarbough was detained as the area was checked for the individual who fled out of the window. A check of the second floor revealed a closet that had broken into filled with military-issued equipment. Yarbough allegedly was in possession of a padlock, which came from the locked closet. Outside the window where the other actor allegedly jumped, police found a box from an MP3 player containing discs, a power cord and manual for an MP3 player. Yarbough was fingerprinted at the police station, which is when it was discovered that his name was not Charles Mist but Durelle Yarbough.

Firearms Violation

• Sam Collins, of the 100 block of East Main Street, was charged with persons not to possess, manufacture control, sale or transfer a firearm and possession of drug paraphernalia Dec. 7. Polcie responded to the 100 block of East Elm Street at the request of state parole agents. The agents detained Collins at their office and a search of his car reportedly yielded $1,790. They performed a home visit at his apartment and reportedly found blue bags commonly used for packaging narcotics and a Smith & Wesson 380 handgun, police said. According to the report, the handgun was loaded with a magazine that contained six live rounds of ammunition. The items were secured and placed into evidence. Collins was convicted of violating the drug act from an offense dated July 5, 2007, for a felony violation.

Possession

• Theodore R. Gaines, of the 300 block of Jefferson Street, was arrested for a misdemeanor drug charge and disorderly conduct Saturday, Dec. 3. Police responded to the area of DeKalb and Marshall streets for a report of a suspicious subject, who was allegedly looking to sell drugs on the 100 block of East Airy Street. Police found Gaines in the area matching the description provided by the caller. Police stopped Gaines and advised him as to why he was stopped. When asked if he had anything on him, he reportedly told police he had a crack pipe on him. Police reportedly recovered the crack pipe and confiscated it for evidence. Gaines was arrested, transported to the police station and released pending a summons.
• Juan Wallace, who has no known address, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance Dec. 7. Police responded to the 100 block of East Main Street at the request of state parole agents who performing a home check of Collins. The agents state that when they entered the residence they could hear the toilet flushing. Collins reportedly did not immediately respond to orders to exit the bathroom. He was then escorted out of the restroom. Agents then reportedly located a crumpled plastic bag on the toilet tank that contained one blue glassine bag of suspected cocaine. The agents detained Wallace and the substance field tested positive for cocaine, which was placed into evidence for further analysis.

DUI

• Reginald Johnson, 1000 block of Arch Street, was arrested for driving while under the influence Monday, Dec. 19. According to the report, police responded to a vehicle accident on the 200 block of East Elm Street where a vehicle reportedly jumped the curb and came to rest against the front steps there. Upon arrival, police observed a silver Dodge Stratus with the driver slumped across the front seats and locked inside. Police had to smash the passenger front window and rear driver window to get access to the driver, identified as Johnson, because he could not unlock the doors. He was then checked by medics and transported to for treatment. He refused chemical testing to determine his blood alcohol content. 

Public Drunkenness

• Cruz E. Fuentes, of the 500 block of Buttonwood Street, was charged with public drunkenness, disorderly conduct and accidents involving unattended vehicle Dec. 4. Police came into contact with Fuentes during the course of an accident investigation for a hit-and-run accident. Fuentes was found on the sidewalk on Buttonwood Street near the striking vehicle. Police state he was under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. Fuentes reportedly admitted to driving but denied striking any vehicles. He also said his sister was driving the vehicle; however, she was not at the scene. Police state Fuentes’s vehicle had minor damage consistent with the accident. He was taken into custody and taken to the police department. A search prior to arrest reportedly revealed plastic bags containing residue of a white powdery substance believed by authorities to be cocaine, which was taken and entered into evidence.
• Marquis R. Allen, of the 900 block of West Lafayette Street, was charged with public drunkenness, disorderly conduct and terroristic threats Sunday, Dec. 4. According to the report, police responded to the area of West Airy and Astor streets for a report of a fight in that location. While in route to the location, police received information that one of the subjects involved in the fight may have a gun. The reporting person spoke with police when they arrived and said Allen was allegedly fighting with a group of other males. When asked to stop, Allen allegedly told the victim, “I have a gun and I’ll shoot you and come back and burn your house down tomorrow.” Police caught up with Allen and when questioned, he reportedly told authorities he did not have a gun but said he did. The victim positively identified Allen. Allen was then transported to the police department.
• Miguel Osorio, of the 200 block of West Spruce Street, was arrested for public drunkenness, Monday, Dec. 19. Osorio was reportedly found on the 600 block of Markley Street with glassy, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and odor of alcohol on him. Police also state he was unsteady on his feet. Hew as taken into custody and taken into municipal hall to await sobriety.

Disorderly Conduct

• Marvin L. Simmons, of the 600 block of Corson Street, was cited for disorderly conduct Tuesday, Dec. 20. According to the report, Simmons reportedly parked a black Kia behind the 900 block of Jackson Street with the vehicle sticking out into the alley. He then reportedly walked away but came back after the owner of the residence on the 900 block of Jackson Street said that it was not his vehicle. Simmons allegedly told police he did not have a driver’s license. When police did an inventory of the vehicle they reportedly discovered three small joints with a small clear sandwich bag with suspected marijuana. The items were collected for further testing. The Kia was towed and Simmons was arrested and cited for disorderly conduct.

Simple Assault

• According to a police report, a woman claimed she was slashed in her throat by an ex-boyfriend at the on the 200 block of West Main Street Friday, Dec. 2.  Police noted that the victim did not have injuries consistent with such an attack but had some bruising around her neck. She told police she could not provide any biographical information on the accused. Police were able to find the accused’s address and advised the victim to stay away from him. The victim declined medical treatment and declined a victim’s rights pamphlet.
•  A victim reported to police being assaulted by a fellow bus passenger Wednesday, Dec. 21, after exiting a Septa bus at the Norristown Transportation Center. The victim states the accused punched her after a verbal altercation and then allegedly continued hitting her and then pushed her to the ground. The victim was advised of her rights and issued victim’s rights information.

Loitering and Prowling

• Brian A. Sanders, of the 200 block of North Hills Avenue, was charged with loitering and prowling Friday, Dec. 2. Sanders was stopped by police because he allegedly looked like a suspect in a recent strong-arm robbery. Police attempted to make a pedestrian stop and Sanders allegedly took off running. Police were able to catch up with him on the 600 block of Chain Street. He was taken into custody and transported to the police station where he was charged with loitering and prowling. It was not reported if Sanders was involved in the robbery.

Harassment

• Linwood Brown, of the 6000 block of Kelly Drive, was cited for harassment Sunday, Dec. 18. Brown reportedly struck an individual in the face during a sudden and violent outburst. He was mailed a citation.
• A teacher at on the 1100 block of Markley Street was reportedly threatened by a parent who called to find out why her son had been threatened Dec. 9. According to the report, the parent told the teacher, “I am going to get a lawyer to sue you because you are prejudice, this is why my son did what he did because of people like you.” When the teacher asked the parent if her son admitted to the incident, she allegedly replied, “Unlike my son, I am not worried about no assault charge on my record, and I will come up there and assault you.” The teacher then asked if she was being threatened and the parent reportedly replied, “Yeah, you just heard me. You just watch.” The teacher said she felt threatened and hung up. The teacher received a victim’s rights booklet.

Fraud

• A victim went to the police department to report a fraud Dec. 12. According to the report, the victim went to a bank in King of Prussia to withdraw money from his account and told there was no money in the account. The victim states he immediately cancelled his bankcards and was told to contact police to file a report. Documentation was presented to police showing $741 in unauthorized withdraws was made between Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. The victim stated he lost his debit card Dec. 5 and was not able to find it. He stated he requested a new one by mail and never received it. In addition, he states someone has been opening his mail and believes his P.I.N may have been stolen. The victim was advised of his rights and provided a victim’s rights pamphlet.

Theft

• A set of cooking pots valued at $199.95 was reported stolen to police Friday, Dec. 2. According to the complainant, the pots were ordered from HSN Nov. 10 but the victim did not receive them. A check with the delivery company stated the items were delivered and left on the front porch. The victim spoke with a neighbor who stated he did not know anything about the delivery. A victim’s rights pamphlet was issued.
• After doing renovation work on the 100 block of Wayne Avenue Dec. 1, the reporting person states he left the residence unoccupied and secured. When he returned to do work the next day, the key to the property was removed from the lock box. He knocked on the door and a known individual answered it. The victim states he noticed several power tools missing and questioned the person who answered the door about them. The accused then suggested the place might have been burglarized; however, there was no reported sign of forced entry. The victim states the individual left prior to police arrival.
• Isidro Valerio, of the 00 block of East Chestnut Street, was charged with theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property Saturday, Dec. 3. Police responded to the above location for a report of a disturbance. Upon arrival, police learned Valerio had allegedly stolen a saxophone and $250 from his roommate. The victim stated he allegedly witnessed the theft. The instrument was reportedly found in the accused’s apartment but the cash was not. The victim received a victim’s rights pamphlet. Valerio was taken back to the police station where he was placed in a cell.
• A 24-inch Christmas wreath was reported stolen from a fence on the 800 block of East Fornance Street Tuesday, Dec. 20. The victim stated the ornament had been hanging on a gate in her front yard and now it was gone. It’s unknown when and who took the wreath. A report was filed as a matter of record.
• Police were in the area of the 00 block of West Oak Street searching for scofflaw vehicles when they encountered a 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis on the north side of the street. A check of the vehicle registration revealed six open tickets. A boot was secured to the vehicle’s left front tire and a notice placed on the driver’s side window on Dec. 9. When police returned to the are to tow the vehicle for failure to pay the fines, they discovered both the vehicle and boot missing. The boot’s rubber trim was found in the street. The owner of the vehicle did not report the vehicle stolen and the tickets had not been paid.

Vandalism

• A property owner of a residence on the 200 block of Knox Street reported a tenant causing vandalism to the property Dec. 2. The victim states her former tenant intentionally caused water damage before being evicted. According to the report, copper pipe was removed and damage to the wall, carpet and ceiling. The victim states he took pictures of the damage and planned to handle the incident civilly.
• Vandalism to a vehicle on Swede and Marshall street was reported to police Wednesday, Dec. 21. The victim states she was at a red light when a known person reportedly struck the back of the vehicle with a brick and then threw the brick through the front driver’s side window. The accused then attempted to open the door but was unable to gain entrance because the vehicle was locked. The door handle was injured during the attempted entry. As the victim was attempting to flee, the victim hit an unknown object that reportedly damaged the front passenger side of the bumper. The victim did not sustain any injuries but the vehicle’s damages were estimated between $760 -1,000. A victim’s rights pamphlet was issued.

Harassment

• Police received a report from a victim who said a known individual was sending her threatening text messages Friday, Dec. 2. She stated the alleged harasser told her, “You have a death wish;” and “I’m going to send people to your house;” I’m going to take your kids.” The victim claims to have received 50 to 100 text messages over two days.  A victim’s rights form was issued.

Defiant Trespass

• Thomas M. Kantra, of the 800 block of George Street, was charged with defiant trespass Monday, Dec. 19. Police were dispatched to the 200 block of the East Washington Street to for a report of a male driving a Kia Spectra who was reportedly inside a fenced area labeled "No Trespassing." The driver, later identified as Kantra, reportedly was blocked from the exiting the secured area by a Gretz company vehicle. He was still inside the enclosed area when police arrived. After speaking with the manager, who stated Kantra had allegedly been in the back near the scrap area multiple times in preceding week and was not allowed to be there. Kantra was taken into custody and transported to the police station. Police state Kantra was allegedly in possession of scrap items and multiple hand tools commonly used for collecting scrap.

Deceased Person

• Police were dispatched to the 500 block of George Street for a report of an unconscious person Dec. 7. Upon arrival, police were directed to the second floor bathroom and observed a white male slumped in the tub. A check for vital signs revealed a negative result. Plymouth Ambulance Company paramedics arrived on the scene and attempted to revive the individual. The reporting person told police she heard what sounded like a thump come from the bathroom. When she went to check on the noise, she found her husband in the bathtub. The man was transported to where he was pronounced dead a short time after arrival

Surrendered Firearms

• A resident on the 900 block of West Washington Street turned over two firearms to police Tuesday, Dec. 20. The resident stated he no longer felt comfortable with the weapons in the house with his grandson staying at the home. The weapons were taken to be logged into evidence.

Animal Reports

• Bobbie McCall and Denise Brown, both of the 100 block of Stanbridge Street, was cited for a vicious dog Wednesday, Dec. 14. McCall reportedly is the owner of a dog that was let outside into a fenced area and unleashed. The dog proceeded to jump the fence and reportedly attacked a child walking from a school bus stop on the 100 block of Stanbridge Street. McCall was cited again on Friday, Dec. 16 for dogs at large after his pitbull reportedly bit a juvenile.
• Police found a black and white male pug on the 500 block of Noble Street Tuesday, Dec. 20. The animal was wearing a green color and taken to the SPCA.

Warrants

• Mauro Tlapaltutuli, of the 700 block of Chain Street, was arrested for two active fine and cost warrants, Wednesday, Dec. 21. Tlapaltutuli was pulled over while operating a 1999 Honda Odyssey on the 500 block of Haws Avenue. He was arrested and transported to municipal hall for arraignment.
• Juan Wallace, who resides at MCCF, was arrested for an active criminal warrant Tuesday, Dec. 20. He was arrested and transported to the police department where he was held for arraignment.
• Anthony F. Hill, of the 700 block of West Lafayette Street, was picked up by police from the sheriff’s office for an active criminal warrant Monday, Dec. 19. He was taken to the police department and held for arraignment. Hill also had a detainer that was placed on him by the county.
• Steven A. Miller, of the 00 block of West Spruce Street, was arrested for an active probation violation warrant out of Dauphine County Monday, Dec. 19. Police reportedly found Miller pushing a cart between houses looking for scrap metal. He was arrested and taken to the police station where he was held for pickup.
• Kyle L. Smallwood, of the 600 block of East Marshall Street, was arrested for an active warrant out of Chester County Tuesday, Dec. 20. Police were called to the area of Tremont and Marshall streets for a report of an armed subject. Police made contact with Smallwood who was walking in the area and reportedly matched the description of the suspect. Smallwood was not armed but was found to have a warrant out of Chester County. He was taken into custody to await pickup.
• Khalief R. Anderson, of the 2000 block of Gretz Street in Philadelphia, was arrested for three active warrants Dec. 12. Police responded to the 300 block of East Airy Street for a disturbance. A check for warrants revealed the above active warrant. Anderson was taken into custody and transported to the police department to await arraignment.
• Durrelle Yarbough, of the 500 block of Chain Street, was arrested for an active Montgomery County bench warrant Dec. 7. He was taken into custody for an alleged burglary and related charged and found to have the above active warrant.
• Daron A. Allen, of the 600 block of East Moore Street, was arrested for an active criminal warrant Dec. 7. According to the report, Allen turned himself in to the police and was processed and held for arraignment.
• Shekinah C. Flowers-Anderson, of the 1000 block of Dekalb Street, was arrested for an active criminal warrant Dec. 7. Police went to the above location to serve a warrant to Flowers-Anderson. She was arrested, transported to the police staion, processed and transported to district court for arraignment.
• Ashley Peterson, of the 1000 block of Stanbridge Street, was arrested for five active fine and cost warrants Dec. 7. Police were dispatched to the above location to investigate a possible hit-and-run accident. The owner of the vehicle, Peterson, was found to have several active warrants. She was arrested, transported to the police station and held for arraignment.
• Karrell Rogers, of the 200 block of the 200 block of Noble Street, was arrested for an active Montgomery County warrant, Dec. 8. Police were called to the above location for a report of an armed suspect. It was subsequently discovered Rogers had a county warrant. He was arrested and taken to the police department to await pick up by the sheriff’s office.
• Brian L. Marburger Jr., of the 1500 block of Powell Street, was arrested for an active warrant Dec. 15. Police were called to Marburger’s address for a report of a disturbance when a warrant check revealed an active warrant. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the police department.
• Anthony Hill, of the 1400 block of Powell Street, was arrested for an active criminal warrant in Cheltenham Dec. 15. He was transported back to Norristown where he was held for arraignment.
• Kevin Alexander, of the 1000 block of DeKalb Street, was arrested for an active criminal warrant Dec. 16.  He was taken into custody while allegedly involved in a disturbance on the 1000 block of DeKalb Street.
• Winfred Johnson, of the 200 block of East Fornance Street, was arrested for an active criminal warrant Dec. 16. Police transported Johnson from the Philadelphia Police Department.
• Matthew Villanova, of the 100 block of Chestnut Street in Pottstown, was arrested for an active criminal warrant Dec. 15. He was picked up in Pottstown and transported back to Norristown where he was held for arraignment.

Police Information

• While doing a routine inspection of the interior of a police vehicle, a clear plastic bag was found under the rear seat. Inside the bag were 14 smaller blue-tinted bags containing a white substance. The items were placed into evidence.
• Police responded to the 400 block of Warren Street in reference to a vehicle being moved and damaged overnight. The victim told police that sometime between 12:34 a.m. and 8:17 a.m. on Dec. 12 her 2003 Chrysler Town and Country was moved and damaged and then returned. Police observed substantial damage to the right front door and sliding back door of the vehicle. Police state they did not observe any signs of forced entry or any damage to the ignition. The victim states she does not know who drove the vehicle and caused the damage. She was advised to call the police station with any new information and was provided with a victim’s rights pamphlet.

Citations Mailed

The following citation was mailed Monday, Dec. 19:

• Denny Allen, of the 900 block of Green Street, for harassment.

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