Police news – December 24
Restaurant burglary
MILL HALL — State police were dispatched to Rey Azteca following a report of a burglary, according to state police at Lamar.
Upon investigation, police learned an unknown actor gained entry by prying open the door with a suspected crowbar, police said.
Once inside, the actor was able to obtain $2,000 left in bank envelopes and $280 from the register, police said.
The cash register was left inoperable, valued at $195, police said.
Video surveillance showed the actor was wearing jeans and a collared coat with a hooded sweatshirt underneath, police said.
The investigation is ongoing, any person with information is asked to contact PSP Lamar at 570-726-6000.
Two vehicle crash
JULIAN — A two vehicle crash occurred on Oct. 17 at approximately 10:36 p.m. at the intersection of South Eagle Valley Road and Temperance Street, according to state police at Rockview.
A 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe, driven by Braedon W. Comly, 22, of Bellefonte, failed to yield to a 2024 Kia Forte, driven by Amy S. Young, 42, of Beech Creek, that was traveling north along South Eagle Valley Road, police said.
A rear passenger in the Forte was transported by EMS to Mount Nittany Medical Center for evaluation. No other injuries were reported, police said.
The Forte sustained disabling damage and was towed from the scene by S&R Towing and Recovering, according to police.
Two vehicle crash
RUNVILLE — A crash occurred at the intersection of South Eagle Valley Road and Runville Road on Oct. 2 when a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, driven by Barbara A. Pearce, 63, of Bellefonte, failed to stop at a red light and struck a 2021 Ford Ecosport, driven by Nelson R. Kennedy, 69, of Altoona, according to state police at Rockview.
Kennedy was attempting to make a left turn from Runville Road when he was struck by Pearce, police said.
After the initial impact, Pearce veered off the roadway over a curb and struck a utility pole, police said.
Pearce sustained suspected minor injuries and was transported from the scene for further medical treatment, police said.
U-turn crash
CENTRE HALL — A two vehicle crash was reported on North Pennsylvania Avenue, Centre Hall, on Sept. 12, when a 2025 Chevrolet Trail Blazer, driven by Steven Johnson, 64, of Atlanta, Ga., attempted to make an improper U-turn, crossing double yellow lines, according to state police at Rockview.
While Johnson was attempting to make the U-turn, a 2015 Dodge Dart, driven by Juan J. Bailer, 31, of Lewistown, was unable to stop and struck Johnson, causing disabling damage to the Trail Blazer, police said.
No injuries were reported as a result of the crash and the Trail Blazer was towed from the scene by Bowersox Towing, police said.
Tire causes accident
BELLEFONTE — A 2025 Hyundai Elantra, driven by Avelino Davila, 72, of Independence, Ohio, struck a tire and wheel from another vehicle that was in the left travel lane of I-80 near mile marker 164, on Oct. 11 around 11 p.m., according to state police at Rockview.
Avelino was unable to see the tire due to the darkness and lack of street lights, police said.
No injuries were reported, police said.
The Elantra sustained disabling damage and was towed from the scene by Tressler’s Towing, police said.


