Police briefs March 9
PITTSBURGH
Gun charges: James McDonald, 45, of Point Marion was charged with carrying a firearm without a license after he allegedly brought a gun into Pittsburgh International Airport on Wednesday. Allegheny County Police said Transportation Security Administration officers found the gun in McDonald’s suitcase at the main checkpoint. McDonald did not have a concealed carry permit, police said. He was arraigned and released on a signature bond.
UNIONTOWN
Assault: Michael P. Palmer Jr., 43, of Uniontown was charged with aggravated assault and burglary after he allegedly forced his way into a Hickle Street home in Uniontown around 4 a.m. on Dec. 8. Police said he hit Yasmin Suber in the face with a gun, causing bleeding and swelling, and partially detaching her earlobe. At the time she was holding a 1-year-old, the complaint stated. Police said Palmer also pointed a gun at Lasheka Harris while inside the home. Palmer, who was released on an unsecured bond, also faces charges of endangering the welfare of children, simple assault and reckless endangerment.
SPRINGHILL TWP.
Fleeing: Andrew L. Ashton, 22, of Smithfield was accused of taking a truck from his father’s girlfriend on Wednesday. Police said they were called about the stolen truck around 10 p.m. While they were talking to the woman at her Outcrop Road home, police said, Ashton drove by in the truck. A trooper followed Ashton, who lost control of the truck and crashed on Gans-Woodbridge Road. Police said there were empty and full cans of alcohol in the truck. Ashton is charged with fleeing and eluding, theft, DUI and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. He also faces 17 citations and was committed to Fayette County jail in lieu of $25,000 bond.