Police beat: Week of Dec. 30
bethel park
Retail theft: Joseph Zalin, 35, of Pittsburgh, was arrested by police Dec. 21 after Kohl’s loss prevention officers called for assistance with a shoplifter. According to reports, Zalin fled the scene on foot, but was quickly apprehended and taken into custody without incident. Police charged Zalin with felony retail theft and fleeing to avoid apprehension. Police also said Zalin had numerous outstanding warrants.
castle shannon
Theft arrest: Christopher Schumacher, 28, of 1051 Connor Road, Pittsburgh, was arrested Dec. 19 and charged with theft and receiving stolen property, police said.
False ID and warrants: Police arrested Christine Benaiah, 26, of 3143 Vernon Avenue, Pittsburgh, on Dec. 20 for warrants and showing a false ID to law enforcement officers.
cecil township
Gun theft alleged: Joshua Cowden, 25, of 50 Maple Street, Muse, was arrested Monday, Dec. 21 on charges of theft, drug possession and paraphernalia possession after he allegedly stole two pistols from the vehicle of his girlfriend’s father on Maple and sold them for heroin. Cecil police said they used text messages between Cowden and another person to confirm he was stealing the guns to trade for heroin, and police said they found needles and heroin at his home. He was arraigned before District Judge Jay Weller and placed in Washington County jail on $10,000 bond.
peters township
Theft reported: Police are investigating a report of a theft of money and lottery tickets that occurred Dec. 22 from the BP Ruff Creek gas station and convenience store in the 3800 block of Washington Road. Value of the money and missing tickets was not disclosed.
Retail theft: Maria Lai, 42, of Hartford Drive, Library, will be cited by police for retail theft. According to reports, Lai attempted to take a curling iron and hair straightener valued at $100 from Kmart on Washington Road Dec. 24.
Reckless driving: Police will cite Drew Brewster, 58, of Canonsburg with reckless driving and disorderly conduct stemming from a Dec. 26 incident at the corner of Moccasin Drive and Washington Road. According to reports, Brewster was driving roughly 10 miles under the speed limit and was passed by a motorist. Police said Brewster drove up behind the motorist and bumped the vehicle, pushing it forward.
upper st. clair
Two arrested: Two Clairton men were arrested Dec. 24 in the parking lot of Target at the South Hills Village Mall following an altercation. Upon arrival, police arrested Ismail Aziz Hamlin, 19, of Ridge Avenue, Clairton, and Tre Carr, 21, of Independence Avenue Clairton. Hamlin had 65 stamp bags of heroin and $3,000 cash on him. Carr had 45 stamps bags of heroin and $1,300 cash. Both were charged with drug possession with intent to deliver. Hamlin was also charged with underage drinking.
X-Box taken: A resident of the 600 block of Frontwood Circle said an X-Box valued at $350 was taken Dec. 24 from his front porch, police said.
Simple assault: Police arrested Michael Recker, 35, of Fairview Drive Dec. 23 and charged him with simple assault stemming from a domestic incident.