Category Archives: Criminal Investigation

Stolen Challenger Creates Challenges For Criminals

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On September 10th, a Dodge Challenger was reported stolen from a parking lot in downtown Lancaster. While Officer David Kaminski was taking the information for the report, Officer David Thornton received information that the vehicle had been located in the 400 block of E Strawberry Street. He was able to receive descriptions of those who left the car there.

Using the resources of the Lancaster Safety Coalition, Detective Adam Dommel was not only able to track the Challenger after it was stolen but to identify the two adults and two juveniles that took the car. Detective Dommel charged these individuals and notified the other members of the bureau of this information.

On September 16th, Officer Josiah King found the thieves at Reservoir Park. As additional officers responded to the area the subjects began to run. Officers quickly tracked them and were able to capture three of the four.

About eight hours later, Officer Nicholas Nolan was patrolling the 300 block of Beaver Street when he found the fourth subject in the area. Officer Nolan acted swiftly, coordinating with other officers, and arrested the man. After the arrest, Officer Nolan found the man to have a stolen handgun in his waistband as well as numerous other stolen credit cards and property. 

This is a great example of teamwork by the officers of the Lancaster City Bureau of Police. Thank you to each other who contributed to the arrest of these four criminals and keeping the peace in our city!

Good Teamwork Leads to Robbers Arrest

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On June 1st members of Platoon B worked in harmony in identifying and arresting a robbery suspect.

About about 6:30 PM, Officer Jason Hagy responded to a report of a robbery. Officer Hagy utilized great communication and investigative ability in speaking with the victim and was able to identify the adult male who conducted the robbery. This information was immediately provided to the other members of Officer Hagy’s platoon.

About three hours later and while patrolling the area of the 300 block of S Queen Street, Officer J Hatfield, who is always aware of the people in his patrol areas, located the robbery suspect. As Officer Hatfield went to make the arrest, the man began to run.

Officers Benjamin Strausser and Micaela Heckman quickly responded to the area to assist Officer Hatfield. With great communication and coordination from all of the officers involved Officers Strausser and Heckman were able to apprehend the man. After the arrest was made, the man was found with a quantity of various drugs leading him to be charged with robbery, possession with intent to deliver, and other various crimes.

These officers did a fantastic job from start to finish. Thank you for your amazing efforts in keeping our City safe!

Suspended License Leads to Gun and Shooting Arrest

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A keen eye by Sergeant Shawn Gunnett and smooth talking by Detective Sergeant Robert Whiteford resulting in numerous firearms related charges for a Lancaster City man.

On May 1st 2022 at about 1 AM, Sergeant Gunnett observed the man driving in the 100 block of S Queen Street. Sergeant Gunnett knew the man had a suspended driver’s license and was aware that he was involved in a daytime shooting about one month prior. Without hesitation, Sergeant Gunnett conducted a traffic stop. With his instincts and gift of gab, Sergeant Gunnett spoke with the man and learned that he had illegally possessed a handgun, as well as marijuana, in his car. Sergeant Gunnett was able to seize these items and arrested the man.

While at the police station, Sergeant Gunnett notified investigators of the arrest. Sergeant Robert Whiteford spoke with the man and received his confession of the prior shooting. Sergeant Whiteford also learned of several other crimes that the male had committed, which are still under investigation.

This was a great example of great police work and cooperation to lead to the arrest of this dangerous individual. Thank you Sergeant Gunnett for your bravery in stopping a violent person and extending the investigation beyond a traffic ticket. We appreciate the hard work and dedication of all members of our department involved in this investigation and arrest!

Homicide Arrest Made After 20-month Investigation

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The end of April 2022 brought an end to an extensive homicide investigation as Detective Ryan Burgett filed criminal homicide charges on an adult man.

In September 2020, members of the Lancaster City Bureau of Police were called to a shooting in the 500 block of East End Avenue. Detectives immediately began an investigation by looking for cameras, canvassing for witnesses, and examining evidence. The shooting victim, who was initially transported to a local hospital for treatment, succumbed to their injuries several days later. 

At the onset of the investigation, it was known that it would not be easy. Throughout the next year and a half, Detective Ryan Burgett worked tirelessly in uncovering additional evidence and speaking with person after person in an attempt to connect all of the information together. From this, a suspect was developed.

Several months into the investigation, and with the assistance of Detective Toby Hickey, a major breakthrough in the case was made. Detective Burgett seized the opportunity and left no stone unturned. The lead to the discovery of additional persons of interests and investigative routes to explore.

Further assistance in the investigation came from Officer Christopher Kophamel and Officer Michael Schwebel when they made a traffic stop in January 2022. The passenger, the suspect of the shooting, was arrested on an outstanding probation warrant and found in possession of a handgun and a large amount of prescription medication.

His hard work paid off and on April 29th Detective Burgett filed charges of criminal homicide and persons not to possess firearms against the male. The accused is an extremely dangerous individual and he will now be out of our community thanks to the hard work of Detective Burgett and many other members of the Lancaster City Police.

Man Calls In His Own Arrest

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Over the course of several months, detectives in the Lancaster City Police Violent Crime Unit worked with PA Department of Corrections Intelligence Analyst Damien Mscisz regarding an adult male illegally possessing firearms. Analyst Mscisz had uncovered phone and video calls of the male conversing with an inmate. During these conversations the man was displaying and describing, in great detail, his collection of handguns and accessories which attracted the attention of the inmate as well as the police. 

On April 20th 2022 members of the Special Emergency Response Team conducted their own call…at the man’s house. Eager to show off his stolen handgun to the police, the man threw it out of his third story bedroom to the street below and at the feet of Detective Stan Roache. All of the occupants were then quickly and safely removed from the house and a search was conducted inside by numerous detectives.

Inside the house, police found numerous high capacity “extended” magazines as well as a 50-round drum style magazine. A large amount of ammunition for various calibers of handguns were also seized. Approximately ¼ pound of marijuana, packaged for sale, and numerous prescription medications were found as well.

This investigation started and ended with great teamwork and coordination. Thank you to all involved for your hard work and commitment to making Lancaster City safe for everyone!

Child Rapist Arrested After Undercover Operation

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A sexual predator is in jail thanks to the efforts of Detective Jared Snader.

Since September 2021, Detective Snader has been working diligently in speaking with numerous child victims and witnesses about an adult male. Through his investigation Detective Snader learned that this male had raped and engaged in other illegal sexual contact with several female children. Detective Snader was able to build rapport and trust with those involved in order to ensure this man would be held accountable.

On March 24th 2022, Detective Snader spearheaded an undercover operation in order to lure the man to his arrest. The male, believing that he was communicating with a juvenile female, went to the Park City Mall where he planned to have sexual intercourse with her. Instead, he was met by Detective Snader and numerous other detectives who quickly placed him under arrest.

Thank you Detective Snader for getting justice for these victimized girls and preventing this man from continuing his wicked behavior!