Wishing well theft leads to arrest

A stolen wishing well led to the arrest of two men on drug charges.

At 12:10 p.m. Sept. 1, Mahoning Township police were dispatched on a report of a vehicle trespassing on Swiss View Road. An officer spotted a vehicle matching the description traveling off the road.

While traveling behind the vehicle, the officer saw the rear side door was not closed. The vehicle was stopped and a wishing well was found in the back seat. The size of the object prevented the door from closing. Police determined the well had been taken from a home on Swiss View Road.

Police also observed a black handgun sticking out of a backpack on the rear floor. On closer examination, police identified it as a pellet gun. In addition to the pellet gun, the backpack contained a syringe.

The driver of the vehicle, Jason Reed, 41, of Jamestown, was charged with theft by unlawful taking or disposition and possession of drug paraphernalia, both misdemeanors, and driving under suspension, a summary offense.

The passenger in the vehicle, Shawn Sitarchyk, 40, formerly of Pine Hollow Drive, was charged with receiving stolen property, a misdemeanor.

Preliminary hearings are scheduled for Nov. 18 before District Judge Casimir Kosciolek of Lansford.