Morning Roundup: Woman robbed Downtown; shots fired at Aliquippa police; 2 hurt in police-involved crash

Here are some of the latest news items from this morning, Thursday, Sept. 19:

Police seek suspects in Downtown assault and theft

A woman told police she was a victim of a violent theft Tuesday evening near Market Square.

Just before 11 p.m., officers responded to a report that a female was beaten and robbed of her purse in the 500 block of Market Street.

According to police, responding officers were informed a group of minors had followed and attacked her. The victim was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

Police said they detained two of the assailants and are seeking others, as well as the purse.

The two juveniles caught by police face charges for simple assault, riot, disorderly conduct and harassment.

Shot fired at police in Aliquippa

State police said they’re assisting with an investigation into who fired a lone shot at Aliquippa police in an apartment complex.

The incident happened around 5 p.m. Wednesday as officers responded to reports of someone dressed in all black and brandishing a firearm near a Superior Avenue apartment complex known as “C Building,” according to a release from state police.

As officers searched the area, the released continued, the individual fled into an apartment stairwell.

Police said they were about to enter a hallway to pursue the person when a shot rang out. It hit a doorway and no one was hurt.

No arrests were announced as of early Thursday morning.

2 hurt in police-involved crash

A police officer and another person were taken to a Pittsburgh hospital after their vehicles collided shortly before midnight Wednesday in Washington.

Dispatchers told TribLive the crash, which took place near the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Hall Street, caused the police cruiser to roll over and may have ejected the civilian driver from their vehicle.

One person was flown to a hospital and the other transported by ground, but dispatchers said they weren’t sure which was taken by helicopter.

Emergency responders were on scene for hours, forcing a street closure. The area has since reopened to traffic.

The conditions of the people hurt were not immediately available.

Weapon found on Moon Area High School student

A Moon Area High School student brought a weapon to school Wednesday, Superintendent Barry Balaski said in a letter to district families.

“The police were immediately notified and the situation was handled swiftly,” he said. “At no point was there any intent to harm students or staff.”

Moon Township police have determined this was an isolated incident and not related to threats circulating on social media following a deadly school shooting in Georgia earlier this month. These threats have forced heightened security, delays or closures at more than a dozen schools in Western Pennsylvania.

In his message, Balaski did not say whether charges will be filed.

Caregiver accused of stealing thousands from 98-year old woman

A caregiver working at a senior community in Scott Township is accused of stealing more than $18,000 from a 98-year-old woman over the course of this year.

Court papers allege that Melissa Hatherley-Parrish, 34, forged the woman’s signature on 12 checks to entirely drain her bank account, mostly after resigning from her role in February to seek other employment in healthcare.

Police said they were alerted by the daughter of the victim on Aug. 12 after First National Bank closed the account for fraudulent activity. She stated her mother, who resides at Vanadium Wood Village, could no longer cover her living expenses.

Bank statements also showed several overdraft fees and bounced checks.

Hatherley-Parrish faces felony counts of theft and receiving stolen property as well as misdemeanor forgery and theft charges. She awaits a preliminary hearing.