Police Beat

Jefferson County Drug Task Force

Man charged after search – A Mingo Junction man was booked into the Jefferson County Jail on felony drug charges after detectives with the Jefferson County Drug Task Force searched his home Thursday. Joseph W. Francis, 39, of 132 Garfield Ave., was booked without bond on charges of possessing fentanyl and crack cocaine. Police said they seized 94 grams of a substance believed to be fentanyl and two grams believed to be crack cocaine. The raid involved the task force, Jefferson County Special Response Team, the sheriff’s department and Mingo Junction police.

Steubenville Police

Suspicious behavior – A shirtless man wearing a long trench coat with tattoos on his chest and face was warned Thursday that he was no longer welcome in a downtown business. Employees said he had been walking through the store, rearranging items on shelves, and had been doing so for the past three days.

Tequila trespass – A Lawson Avenue resident told police a man was standing in front of his home and refusing to leave Thursday. The resident said he had found the man in his backyard, who claimed he was “looking at his firepit.” The resident said the man frequently trespassed and verbally accosted him. Police advised the man to stay off the property. The man said he would leave to avoid further incidents.

Unreturned equipment – A business owner reported a man had not returned a rented drain-cleaning machine since December. Police said the man explained health issues prevented him from moving the $2,000 machine. Officers told him the business could send someone to retrieve it.

Suspected theft – A city resident reported Thursday that a family member had been taking money from his bank account without permission. The man said he had previously allowed some withdrawals for household expenses but believed thousands of dollars had been taken over the past year. He said he had since secured the account.

Vehicle issues – An Oakmont Avenue man reported his truck missing. He had left it for repairs in November and hadn’t reached the mechanic since January. The vehicle was still titled to him, so he asked police to enter it as stolen.

Tampering – A Market Street resident said someone removed her gas cap Thursday. She said her vehicle started normally, and the gauge appeared correct. Police learned the mechanic responsible had been arrested in another state and the property owner removed his vehicles from the lot.

Abandoned vehicle – Police were called about a car that hadn’t moved for months on Braybarton Boulevard. The registration was expired, and the owner said he was trying to scrap it. Officers offered to help move it, but the owner refused. Police warned the car would be impounded if still on the street the next day.

Dog cited – An Aberdeen Road resident, David M. Lalich, 81, was cited Thursday for allowing his dog to run loose after a neighbor provided video of the dog in their driveway barking at them. Police said it had been an ongoing problem and the owner had been warned previously.

Jefferson County Sheriff

Apartment assault – A caller at a Wintersville apartment complex said she was walking to a vending machine March 21 when another woman began assaulting her. The caller said the attacker called her daughter, who also joined in. She said she defended herself by pulling her hoodie over the girl’s head. The caller suffered a swollen lip and head pain. The alleged assailant denied starting the fight and claimed the caller had joined in.

Lost in the woods – A man called 911 Wednesday reporting he was intoxicated and had smoked “two eight-balls of crack” and was lost in the woods. Deputies located him and transported him to a hospital for treatment.

Weirton Police

Leigh Ann Kupiowicz, 42, 59 Liberty Ave., Weirton, possession of a drug abuse instrument, March 15, arrested following officers receiving a call of people trespassing on their property.

Shawn Michael McClure, 34, 3232 Elm St., Weirton, petit larceny warrant, failure to appear capias, March 21, arrested on outstanding warrant and capias after being observed riding skateboard on Main Street.

Miranda Michelle Martin, 41, 116 Belmont St., Weirton, domestic battery, obstructing, March 22, arrested following a domestic disturbance.

Mark Blancato, 3928 Adams St., Weirton, 49, fugitive from justice, shoplifting, city capias, public intoxication, March 23, arrested following a call of an intoxicated male in the parking lot of Dollar Tree on Main Street.