Pennsylvania launches designated-driver initiative

Inspired by young ensign’s death, campaign aims to prevent similar tragedies State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan was one of the speakers at a news conference announcing Pennsylvania’s participation in a designated-driver campaign to prevent tragedies on state roadways. On July 22, 2000, U.S. Navy Ensign John R. Elliott, just two months out of the Naval Academy, was killed in Salem County,...

Police: Man enters house, crashes on couch

22-year-old Lincoln University resident cited for public drunkenness On Sunday, Nov. 17, at 5:13 a.m., Kennett Square Police cited Mario Hall, 22, of Lincoln University, for public drunkenness after he entered an unlocked residence in the 300 block of South Union Street and fell asleep on the couch, police said. Kennett Square Police cited Ofelia Garcia-Quintana, 67, of Kennett Square on Monday,...

State police cite speeding in one-vehicle crash

Kennett Square woman reportedly lost control of Tahoe on Kaolin Road State police from the Avondale barracks cited a 31-year-old Kennett Square resident for speeding after she was involved in a one-vehicle accident on Nov. 22 at 9:39 p.m. Police said Lucia Castro was traveling south on Kaolin Road in Kennett Township and lost control of her 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe as she attempted to turn right onto...

Free child safety seat checks scheduled

State police urging parents, caregivers to have equipment inspected  Every day, about two children aged 12 or younger die and 325 are injured in motor-vehicle accidents across the country, according to statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Research also shows that three out of four children are not as secure in the car as they...

Veteran law-enforcer returns to county roots

Sheriff selects former state trooper, detective as chief deputy By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Chester County Sheriff Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh (left) announces her selection of George P. March as chief deputy sheriff, filling a position that has been vacant since January. For the new Chester County chief deputy sheriff, the position, which was announced Wednesday, represents...

Five burglary suspects apprehended quickly

New Garden Township police said drug charges are pending  By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Demetrius A. Rochester (clockwise from top left), 23, of Peach Bottom; Jennifer N. Farris, 22, of Rising Sun, Md.; Bobby J. Guinn, 32, of Peach Bottom; and Lisa D. Senter, 24, of Quarryville, were arrested on burglary charges, police said. Authorities took five people into custody following...

State police: Fleeing Kennett teen under influence

Troopers reportedly give chase after 18-year-old driver refuses to stop  On Friday, a Kennett Square driver’s failure to heed a stop sign led to multiple charges, state police from the Avondale barracks said.  For starters, Matthew J. Scott, 18, of Kennett Square, also ignored an attempted traffic stop, leading troopers on a brief pursuit, state police said. Once Scott was apprehended, troopers...

Charges multiply against former foster parent

D.A. calls defendant, a former URA coach, ‘a wolf in sheep’s clothing’ By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times A 1995 photo of Leroy K. Mitchell at age 42 may help identify other potential child sex-abuse victims, District Attorney Tom Hogan said. Five additional child victims have surfaced in the sexual-abuse case against a former coach, foster parent, and corrections officer,...

State police: Woman cited for duck-biting dog

State police from the Embreeville barracks cited a Kennett Square woman on Thursday for failing to confine her pet. Police said a dog owned by Brooke Holloway, 24, got loose and bit several geese and ducks owned by a West Chester man in the area of the 200 block of Brandywine Drive in Newlin Township at 6:12 p.m. Kennett Square police said they cite Jorge Lopez-Perez, 35, of Kennett Square, for...

D.A.: Mexican drug pipeline to county busted

Sixteen defendants face cocaine-trafficking charges By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Moise “Moi” Lantigua-Ayala (clockwise from top left), 29, of Reading; Fidencio “La Tusa” Avalos, 42, of Kennett Square; Jonathan “Cesar” Garcia Sanchez, 25, of Wilmington, De.; Jesus Zamora-Zamora, 40, of Wilmington, De.; Benjamin Lara-Medina, 38, of Wilmington,...