Black Forest Broadcasting

…Wilcox woman arrested for cruelty to animals….Childline tip investigated in Elk County…Vandals damage ball fields in Tioga County….Emporium burglary investigated….Causer’s bill on automatic knives awaits governor’s signature….

Elk County

A 28 year old Wilcox woman has been arrested for cruelty to animals. State police did not release the suspect’s name but allege when they went to her home at 566 Marvin Street Sunday afternoon they found animals without food and water, living in deplorable conditions. The Elk County Humane Society took custody of the animals.

Troopers at Ridgway are investigating a case of physical harassment occurring at 23 Apple Street between September 30, and October. The alleged crime was reported by Childline and the investigation is continuing.

Tioga County

State police at Mansfield are looking for vandals who damaged Tioga Little League fields between October 23 and 26. The criminals also stole $300 worth of items, including  a 5 gallon gas tank valued at $45.00,5 gallons of gas valued at $20….a black cash box valued at $20….three first aid kits valued at $150.

No injuries were reported for a Wellsboro driver after a car/deer collision Sunday night in Charleston Township. According to state police, Eric Bailey was unable to avoid hitting a deer which entered Route 6 in front of his eastbound 2019 Ford Escape.

Cameron County

A burglary taking place at 1429 Sizer Run Road Emporium between July 9 and October 6 is under investigation by state police at Emporium. Several items including a large amount of currency were taken from the home of Lyle Akins. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Emporium barracks at 814.486.3321.

Statewide

The General Assembly has approved and sent to the governor’s desk legislation authored by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) to end the state’s prohibition on automatic knives.

“Automatic knives are commonly used by outdoor enthusiasts like hunters, boaters and hikers, and by tradespeople like contractors, landscapers and mechanics,” Causer said. “They are legal in 43 states, but not in Pennsylvania. It’s time we get rid of this antiquated law that needlessly infringes on our rights and puts knife manufacturers here at a competitive disadvantage.”

Mark Paup, president and CEO of Zippo Manufacturing Company and W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Company said removing Pennsylvania’s prohibitive laws on automatic knives will be welcomed by knife owners throughout the Commonwealth while providing for continued business growth at Case. These types of knives are some of the best-selling found in the current marketplace, and the company is  looking forward to introducing new Case-branded designs with the help of Bradford talent.

Current law prohibits individuals from repairing, selling, dealing, using or possessing an “offensive weapon.” Included in the definition of an offensive weapon, along with bombs, grenades and machine guns, is automatic knives. Causer’s bill would simply remove automatic knives from the list of prohibited offensive weapons.

However, Causer emphasized, someone in possession of an automatic knife with the intent to employ it criminally would still be in violation of the state’s Crimes Code.