Police Urge Residents to Lock Vehicles After Rash of Thefts

The Easton Police Department is urging residents to make sure to lock their cars after a rash of thefts from motor vehicles parked in the city's South Side neighborhood.

Police say the thefts appear to have occurred during late night and early morning hours in at least 10 locations, including:

• On April 16, the 400 block of West Berwick Street , the 200 block of Lachenour Avenue, 300 block of West Grant Street, the 700 block of West Grant Street, the 800 block of West Lincoln Street, the 100 block of Ann Street
• On April 18, the 800 block of West Grant Street and the 600 block of Davis Street.
• On April 19, the 1000 block of West Berwick Street and the 300 block of West Grant Street

Police did not specify the items that were reportedly stolen or their value.

"Thus far it appears all of the vehicles were left unlocked. Therefore, the Easton police department would like to offer a friendly reminder for everyone to lock your vehicles. Additionally, we’d like to add that if valuables are stored out of view and vehicles are locked there is a very good chance your vehicle will not be targeted by thieves," the department said in a media release. "Lastly, we ask for the public to keep watch for suspicious persons around your neighborhood and to call police if anyone appears to be acting suspiciously. Hopefully by working together we can reduce future crimes like these. "

Anyone with information about these thefts is asked to call city detectives at 610-250-6635. If you see a crime in progress, call 911.

Police Hunting for Suspects After South Side Home Burglarized

Easton police are looking for two possible suspects after a residence on the 400 block of West Berwick Street in the city's South Side neighborhood was reportedly burglarized.

Police say the resident called them at about 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 19 to report that the electrical system of their home was tampered with in an apparent attempt to disable the home's alarm system. A window of the home had also been forced open and some personal property was found to be missing, authorities added.

Police say they are searching for two men that were seen in the area at the time of the incident, thought to be around 5 p.m. on Friday, April 18, that reportedly fled in a black four-door VW Golf, most likely a 1994-1996 model, with a Pennsylvania license plate.

The two men are described as a Hispanic man that was driving the car, and a Hispanic man  with black, slicked-back hair, weighing approximately 200 pounds, wearing a white and blue t-shirt and blue jeans that is believed to have entered residence.

Police added that the men and the vehicle were seen in the vicinity of the 400 block of Wirebach and 400 block of West Berwick streets around 5 p.m. Friday and they are believed to be the actors that committed the burglary.


The Easton Police Department is asking that anyone with information regarding this incident, these persons, or the vehicle, please call Detective Darren Snyder, 610-250-6637. Also, callers can call the EPD tip line, 610-250-6635 and remain anonymous.

Cars, County Building Struck by Bullets Overnight

Two cars and the county's Juvenile Justice Center on the 600 block of Ferry Street were struck by bullets early this morning, Easton police report.

Police say they responded to the area after they were called in response to shots fired at about 2:26 a.m. Investigators recovered several shell casings and two firearms, they added.

Authorities are actively investigating the incident, and police ask that anyone with information call Detective Charles Leauber at 610-250-6780 or the Easton Police Department tip line at 610-250-6635. Callers to the tip line may remain anonymous.

Easton Robbery Suspect Arrested in New Jersey

Kenneth Ennis
Photo courtesy of the Easton Police Department

Kenneth Maurice Ennis, wanted by authorities in connection with a robbery that took place late last year in Easton's South Side neighborhood, was arrested in New Jersey this morning, the Easton Police Department reports.

City police, assisted by the Phillipsburg Police Department, took Ennis into custody at about 8:30 a.m. in the area of the 1000 block of Third Avenue in Alpha, NJ, EPD Detective Charles Leauber said.

Ennis, 24, had been named by police as one of three armed men who allegedly assaulted a 26-year-old man and took his wallet in the 100 block of West St. Joseph Street in the early evening hours of December 27, 2013. The victim was reportedly punched several times during the incident, though he did not require medical treatment for his injuries.


Ennis faces charges of criminal conspiracy to commit robbery, simple assault, robbery,  simple assault, theft, and recklessly endangering another person, police previously said.

New York Man to Be Charged in Eddy G's Murder

Miguel Angel Rodriguez
Photo contributed by
the Easton Police Department

The Easton Police Department has announced that they and the Northampton County District Attorney's office have obtained an arrest warrant for Miguel Angel Rodriguez, 19, who will be charged with criminal homicide for his alleged role in the shooting death of Damien Robinson, which occurred at the former Eddie G's Bar last year, on February 9, 2013.

Rodriguez, allegedly a member of the Very Crispy Gangsters or the VCGs in Brooklyn, was also charged last year, in November 2013, with attempted homicide in connection with the shooting of Eric Edwards, which occurred on December 19, 2011, in the 1300 block of Washington Street.

Rodriguez is currently in the custody of the New York City Department of Corrections and being held on unspecified separate charges that occurred in that city, the EPD added in a media release.

He was arrested by Easton police on February 21, 2013 on charges of drunken driving and drug offenses after a standoff in a home on Glendon Avenue in Easton's South Side neighborhood, and later extradited to New York on charges of attempted homicide related to a gang dispute.

The latest charges homicide in the Eddie G's case are the result of grand jury findings, authorities indicated.

Robinson was shot multiple times in the chest and later died in an area hospital.

One Arrested After Raid Yields Methamphetamine

A man was arrested early this morning after a police raid of his West Ward residence turned up methamphetamine, the Easton Police Department reports.

Jacob Boyd, 34, of 1406 Butler St. is charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia, police said. Approximately $600 of methamphetamine, scales and packaging material were discovered during a warranted search of his home at about 6:05 a.m., they added.

The search was the result of an ongoing investigation by EPD Vice Unit officers that focused on methamphetamine sales in the West Ward area, police said.

Boyd is expected to be arraigned later today in front of District Magistrate Richard Yetter.

Easton Police Looking for Suspect Charged with Aggravated Assault

Harold Abraham Jr.
Contributed photo

The Easton Police Department says it is actively seeking to arrest a suspect in connection with an altercation that occurred in the South Side neighborhood of the city late Saturday night.

Harold Abraham Jr, of Easton,. is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, reckless endangerment, and making terroristic threats, according to a media release.

Abraham allegedly threatened another man with a gun during or after an argument on West Berwick Street near the intersection of McKeen Street, though full  details of the incident were not immediately available, police said. They added that Abraham and the victim appear to know one another, but their relationship is unclear at this point in the investigation.

The suspect is described as a light-skinned black Hispanic male, 5’6” tall, 195 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Police say Abraham is to be considered armed and dangerous, and he should not be approached if seen.

If Abraham is sighted, police recommend calling 911. Alternately, anyone with information about the incident can call the Easton Police tip line at 610-250-6635. Callers may remain anonymous.

Updated on February 24 at 10:35 a.m. to clarify the details of the incident leading to charges and to add that Abraham is an Easton resident.

Man Arrested During Raid Was Out on Bail

An Easton man who was arrested almost exactly one month ago during a police search of his residence and was out on bail was arrested again this morning and faces additional drug charges.

Easton police say Mark Parks Sr., 51, was arrested early this morning after heroin and cocaine were found during a warranted narcotics search of his home at 740 West Wilkes Barre St. Parks will be arraigned later today on charges of possession of heroin and cocaine and also faces charges of delivery of a controlled substance, they added.

On January 10, the same residence was raided by police, who reported they discovered approximately $10,000 worth of heroin, $3,000 worth of marijuana, and a scale at the residence. Parks was arrested and charged with  possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Police say their search is complete at the residence for now; however, they intend to obtain a  search warrant for a garage related to the investigation

Police Looking for Driver Who Led Them on Chase

Easton police are looking for the driver of a car that led officers on a chase through the city, Wilson Borough and West Easton in the early hours of Saturday morning, eventually abandoning the vehicle in which heroin which was apparently packaged for sale was found.

Police say an officer on patrol noticed a white Plymouth Voyager traveling south on South 15th Street without its headlights on just before 1:30 a.m. As police attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver turned right on Washington Street and sped away when the officer turned on his lights and siren, police said.

The minivan continued to head west and further south on several streets in Wilson Borough. The driver reportedly struck a parked car on South 17th Street but didn't stop and continued into West Easton, heading west on 10th Street, where it got ahead of police in pursuit by more than a block.

When authorities caught up with the fleeing vehicle, it was found to have struck the rear of a building at 1019 Iron St., and the officer on the scene reported seeing someone wearing either orange or pink climb a fence and flee the area.

Police say the suspect, who has not been identified, escaped, but 34 packets of heroin were found inside the vehicle. They added investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Anyone with information about the matter is asked to call the Easton Police Department tip line at 610-250-6635. Callers may remain anonymous.

Suspect in December West Ward Shooting Arrested

Jared Alvin, 18, who was named as a suspect
in the shooting of a 27-year-old man that occurred in Easton's
West Ward on December 21 has been arrested
and faces multiple charges, Easton police report.
Contributed photo

Jared Alvin, 18, who was named as a suspect in the shooting of a 27-year-old man that occurred in Easton's West Ward on December 21 has been arrested and faces multiple charges, Easton police said Friday night.

Authorities, who had been investigating and seeking Alvin's whereabouts since the shooting, found him in the area of Spruce and Raspberry streets, located between Ferry and Lehigh streets and between South 14th and 15th streets, in the city's West Ward at about 4 p.m. on Friday, January 31. He was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and Northampton County Sheriff’s Department and is expected to arraigned at at Northampton County Central Booking sometime tonight, according to a Easton Police Department media release.

Alvin, who police have formerly alleged is a suspected gang member, faces charges of aggravated assault, robbery, criminal conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, criminal conspiracy to commit robbery, and recklessly endangering another person in connection with the shooting on Dec. 21.

Easton police said the department will also be filing charges against Alvin for narcotics violations, including possession with intent to deliver heroin and possession with intent to deliver cocaine.

Easton police said they are not currently releasing any additional information regarding the shooting or the additional narcotics charges, as investigations into both alleged offenses are ongoing.

The Easton Police Criminal Investigations Division had been working in conjunction with multiple agencies in a cooperative effort to locate Alvin, the EPD said.

Drugs, Cash and a Gun Seized in Ferry St. Raids

Simultaneous raids of residences just two doors apart in the 600 block of Ferry Street  resulted in the arrests of two men early this morning, Easton police report.

Arrested at 614 Ferry St. Apt. 2 during the 6 a.m. operation was Richard Wilkins, 30, who is facing charges of possession with intent to deliver marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Police say they found and seized marijuana with an estimated street value of $1,900 and $200 cash.

At 618 Ferry St. Apt. 3, police say they found a 9mm automatic handgun with an obliterated serial number, crack cocaine, and approximately $2,000 in cash. Timothy Glasgow, 30, was arrested at the scene and faces felony charges of possession of a firearm with an altered manufacturer's number, possession with intent to deliver cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Also seized at the residence was a 2005 Dodge Durango that police say they plan to search and possibly seek for forfeiture.

Investigations leading to the raids were headed by the Easton Police Department Vice Unit, and police say they believe the suspects' activities are connected.

Easton police noted that a Pennsylvania State Police Special Emergency Response Team assisted in executing the searches.

Both 614 and 618 Ferry St. are owned and operated by real estate management firms, according to online county records.

Updated at 1:08 p.m.

Easton Block Watch Gets New Leadership

By Christina Georgiou

Heather Sutcliffe, second from left, and
Sharon Miller, far left, are sworn in as Easton
Block Watch's new president and vice president
by District Magistrate Antonia Grifo.

The Easton Block Watch Association inducted a new president and vice president Wednesday evening at their reorganization meeting, though the outgoing president and vice president, Scott Reiman and Brian Otto, promised to stay actively involved in the crime prevention organization.

Heather Sutcliffe, who heads the Block Watch's fourth sector, on the south side of Easton's West Ward, was sworn in along with other board members by Magistrate Antonia Grifo in front of about 45 members of the community in the State Theatre's art gallery.

Sutcliffe thanked members for their support and promised to communicate openly with the group during her tenure.

"Being the new president, I'll have a lot to learn," she said.

Sharon Miller, who served previously as the Block Watch secretary, will serve as the group's vice president, and Lorraine Hendershot will continue in her role as treasurer.

Grifo, newly sworn in as the district magistrate for the Downtown Easton area and parts of the West Ward earlier this month, replacing the late Gay Elwell, said she feels Block Watch is an important part of the community and fighting crime.

"This is what it's really about," Grifo said. "We're all in this together."

Easton police Chief Carl Scalzo also praised Block Watch efforts, saying he feels the group has contributed to a decrease in crime in the city.

Easton police Chief Carl Scalzo praised Block Watch efforts
and said crime in the city was down last year.

"The communication between...the citizens and the police in fighting crime is so important, and Block Watch is a big part of that," he said.

Scalzo added that city crime statistics for 2013 will be released shortly and hinted that they the numbers will be good news, though he declined to be specific, saying that Mayor Sal Panto "likes to announce these things."

"I think we've had a very successful year," he added. "I'm really pleased with where we ended up this year."

The Easton Police Department was re-accredited by the state on schedule, and the planned addition of one more officer this year will bring the department to its full complement of 63 members, Scalzo said.

The department will continue to pressure those engaged in illegal activity in the city, Scalzo said.

"Last year we conducted over 30 raids, and I'm not going to go into it, but we're going to keep that up," he said. "We're going to make it as uncomfortable for these people as we can."

While some may criticize the tactic as being "bad publicity", Scalzo said he feels the tactic is effective and sends the message to drug dealers and gang members that Easton is not a good place to conduct their business.

Informants have indicated to police that some dealers won't sell in Easton because it's gotten too risky, he added.

Block Watch efforts have contributed to the trend, Lt. John Remaley said, echoing Scalzo's comments.

"Not one of these raids happened without some information come in from the community," Remaley told members. "The information you feed in to us makes our job that much easier.

He urged citizens to continue to communicate with city authorities to help improve their neighborhoods.

"We also want to hear about the quality of life issues," Remaley said. "Please keep it in mind when you think 'do I want to call the police on this?' Yeah, you do. We want to hear about it."

For more information about Easton Block Watch or to join, visit the group's Facebook page or email eastonblockwatch at yahoo.com

Dunkin' Donuts, Subway Robbed at Gunpoint, Police Hunting for Suspects

Easton police are searching for the man pictured in surveillance camera
footage above in connection with an armed robbery
that took place at the Subway sandwich shop in the city's Downtown
district Tuesday night.
Photo courtesy of the Easton Police Department
Click the photo for a full size view

Two popular Easton food venues, one in the West Ward and the other in the center of the Downtown district, were robbed in what appear to be separate incidents Tuesday night, and police are actively searching for suspects.

Police say they received the first call for a hold up in progress at the Dunkin' Donuts located at 1300 Northampton St. just before 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

Police say the robber, described as being a Hispanic man wearing a black hood, red scarf, black pants, and black boots, reportedly entered the store armed with a handgun partially wrapped in a plastic bag and robbed the clerk at gun point. He then fled the store on foot  with an undetermined amount of cash, reportedly heading south on 13th Street.

Upon arrival, police say they immediately began searching for the suspect, but he was not immediately found. Authorities also processed the scene of the crime and collected evidence.

About half an hour later, police were again called for a hold up in progress, this time at the Subway sandwich shop located at 16 North Third St., just before 7:30 p.m.

Police report they found that a black male, wearing a black knit hat, and a black jacket--possibly bearing a "North Face" label with white writing on the front--had robbed the clerk at gunpoint and then fled the store heading west on Church Street with an undetermined amount of cash.

Again, police immediately searched for the suspect but have not yet located him, though in processing the scene evidence was recovered, police said.

No one appears to have been injured in either robbery.

EPD Lt. Matt Gerould said the investigations into both robberies are ongoing.

"The investigation is very active and expected to continue into the night," Gerould said in a media release.
"When additional information is available, we will be sure to pass it on. If anyone (has) seen or knows anything that may help, please notify us immediately."

Anyone with information regarding either of these incidents is encouraged to call Easton police, 610-759-2200, or the EPD tipline, 610-250-6635. Callers may remain anonymous.

Updated on Wednesday, January 29 at 12:08 a.m. to correct the time of the second robbery.

Easton Police Searching for Gunmen After South Side Shooting

A Google satellite image showing the approximate location in Easton's
South Side neighborhood where a 33-year-old man was shot multiple times
early Wednesday evening.

A 33-year-old man was reportedly shot multiple times Wednesday evening in the 700 block of Mauch Chunk Street in Easton's South Side neighborhood, and police are searching for the gunmen.

The Easton Police Department says officers were dispatched to the area at about 5:22 p.m., where they found the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Suspects in the case have been described as being three or four black males, wearing all black. Two of the suspects were reportedly wearing hooded sweatshirts.

Police say the gunmen may have fled the area in a black car, possibly a Dodge Charger, and that the vehicle possibly fled either east on Canal Street or east on Mauch Chunk Street after the attack.

The man was transported to a local hospital and is expected to survive the injuries, police said, adding that they are not currently releasing the victim's name. No possible motive for the shooting was immediately offered by authorities.

Police are asking anybody with any information about the crime to contact Easton detectives at 610-250-6656 or to call the Easton Police tip line at 610-250-6635. Callers can remain anonymous.

Three Arrested in Simultaneous Police Raids

Three people were arrested early this morning after Easton police conducted three simultaneous raids at locations in the city's West Ward and South Side neighborhoods.

Michael Ayala, 43, and Mikaela Ayala, 29, were arrested after a warranted search by a Pennsylvania State Police Special Response Team (SERT) at 20 North Ninth St. yielded crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and $2,900 in cash, a media release from the Easton Police Department said.

Michael Ayala faces charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia, and is expected to be arraigned later today, police said.

Mikaela Ayala, who is Michael Ayala's daughter, has been charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. She was released and will be cited via summons, authorities said.

At 740 West Wilkes Barre St., Mark Parks Sr. was arrested and faces charges of possession with intent to distribute heroin and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Police  report they seized approximately $10,000 worth of heroin, $3,000 worth of marijuana, and a scale at the residence. Parks is expected to be arraigned later today.

A warranted search was also conducted at a garage located at 228 North 14th St. and police were in the process over the course of Friday morning searching and seizing for forfeiture four vehicles and a motorcycle related to Parks' arrest, law enforcement authorities said.

Investigations leading to the raids were conducted by the Easton Police Department's vice/narcotics unit, the department said, adding that the cases were not connected and that no one was injured during the raids.

According to online county tax records, all three of the properties that were searched by police Friday morning are locally owned with all property owners listed as residing in Northampton County.

Updated at 12:31 p.m. to clarify the familial relationship of two of those charged.

South Side Robbery Suspects Named Face Charges, Police Say

Kenneth Ennis
Photo courtesy of the Easton Police Department

Two men face multiple charges when apprehended in connection with an armed robbery that occurred in the city's South Side neighborhood in the 100 block of West St. Joseph Street at about 6 p.m. last  Thursday evening when the victim was approached by three men, two of who punched him several times while a third took his wallet, police have announced,

The Easton Police Department has obtained arrest warrants for Kenneth Maurice Ennis and Maynard Macken, according to a media release.

Ennis, described by police as a 24-year-old black male standing approximately six feet tall and weighing about 170 pounds, is charged with criminal conspiracy to commit robbery, simple assault, robbery,  simple assault, theft, and recklessly endangering another person. Authorities added Ennis is known to frequent the 200 block of West Nesquehoning Street in Easton.

Maynard Macken
Photo courtesy of the Easton Police Department

 

Macken is charged with criminal conspiracy to commit robbery, aggravated assault, robbery,  aggravated assault, theft, being a former convict who is not allowed to possess a firearm, and recklessly endangering another person. Macken is described as a 46-year-old black male, approximately six feet tall and weighing 225 pounds. Police say he has been known to frequent the southside of  Easton and the 1600 block of Washington Street in Wilson Borough.

The Easton Police Department added that the investigation into the robbery is still very active, and that no firearm has yet been recovered in connection with the case, so police believe the suspects could be armed.

"We want the public to be aware of these individuals and know they are wanted," said Easton Police Inspector Daniel J. Reagan. "...call 911 if seen, or if their location is known."

No further information was immediately available from the EPD about a possible third suspect in the robbery case, but a press release from the department indicated more information about the incident and suspects may be released in the near future.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call EPD Detective Charles Leauber at 610-250-6780 or leave information on the tipline at 610-250-6635. Callers to the tipline can remain anonymous.

Robbers Assault Man, Take His Wallet in South Side

A 26-year-old man was robbed of his wallet by three armed men in the city's South Side neighborhood Thursday evening, the Easton Police Department reports.

Police were called to the scene of a robbery in progress in the 100 block of West St. Joseph Street at about 6:12 p.m., where the victim reportedly told police he was approached by three men, one of who demanded his wallet. The other two men then punched him several times, police say the victim told them.

It is believed the suspect that demanded the wallet was armed with a handgun. All three reportedly fled south immediately after the incident toward the 100 block of West Nesquehoning Street, police said.

The three suspects have been described as:

A black male, approximately 30 years of age, about 5-feet-10-inches tall weighing about 250 pounds, with short hair, wearing a dark sweat shirt at the time of the robbery

A light-skinned black male, thought to be in his late 20s, standing about 6-feet-1-inch, weighing about 180 pounds, with short hair, wearing a long sleeved red shirt at the time of the robbery

A dark-skinned black male, with short hair, who was wearing a black hood at the time of the robbery

The victim did not require medical treatment, police added. 

The Easton Police Department says it is continuing to investigate, and anyone with information about the robbery should call Det. Charles Leauber at 610-250-6780, or the EPD Tipline at 610-250-6635. Callers can remain anonymous.

Easton Police Searching for Shooting Suspects

A Google satellite image shows where a 27-year-old man was shot
Saturday night. Police say the victim was attempting to purchase
illegal drugs when he was shot in the neck.

A 27-year-old man was shot in the neck Saturday night in Easton's West Ward neighborhood and police are seeking two suspects in connection with the crime.

Easton police report an officer was flagged down by the victim near South 14th and Lehigh streets just before 11:30 p.m. and told police he had just been shot in the area of Elm Street. Police say they then determined that the incident occurred close to the intersection of Warren and Elm streets, just south of Washington Street between South 10th and 11th streets.

Jared Alvin, 18, will be charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault, robbery, recklessly endangering another person, and conspiracy to commit aggravated assault in connection with the shooting, police said, adding that Alvin is a suspected gang member and is considered to be armed and dangerous.

A second suspect is also being sought in connection with the shooting as well. He is described as being a tall, thin black male, about 20 to 23 years old, wearing a dark-colored "puffy" coat, blue jeans, and a backwards hat.

The victim is reportedly being treated at a local hospital and is expected to survive his injuries.

Police added that they believe the shooting is drug-related and that the victim was actively involved in purchasing narcotics when he was shot.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Detective John Piperato at 610-250-6667 or the Easton Police tip line at 610-250-6635. Callers may remain anonymous.

Police added that anybody with any information as to the whereabouts of Alvin should call 911 immediately.

Updated at 11:50 a.m. to add information about the suspects.

Easton Police Looking for Graffiti Tagger

Video surveillance captured this image of a suspected graffiti tagger in
Downtown Easton in the early hours of Thursday, Dec. 5. Police
are asking the public's help in identifying the man.
Photos courtesy of the Easton Police Department

A number of repeated incidents of graffiti tagging in the Downtown district have Easton Police looking for the culprit or culprits.

Police say the graffiti first appeared in November, with a second wave of vandalism cropping up again this past week.

The suspect or suspects have spray painted the same symbol, with slight variations, on a number of buildings and garages. Graffiti that was removed by the City of Easton was repainted again on several of the same buildings again this week, police said.

While the suspect or suspects remain unknown, video surveillance captured a man in the act in the early morning hours of Thursday, December 5.

This spray painted graffiti symbol has cropped up a number
of times in Downtown Easton since November, with the
most recent spate happening earlier this week.

The Easton Police Department is asking the public's help in identifying the individual seen in the picture above, noting that there may be a second man working with the tagger.

Employees of stores that sell spray paint in the local area are also asked to be on the lookout for the man in the picture and to recall recent sales of spray paint that might have been to him. The graffiti has been found in purple, pink, black and red.

Any information can be left on the Easton Police Department Tipline at 610-250-6635.

Girl Approached by Man in Van, Police Investigating

A 15-year-old girl was approached by a man in a van while she was walking along a West Ward alley early this afternoon, and Easton police report they are investigating the incident.

The man, described as driving an older model green mini-van in poor condition, stopped to speak with the girl at about 12:40 p.m., police said. He then reportedly asked if she wanted to smoke with him.

"It must be noted the male did not attempt to get her into the vehicle," said police inspector Daniel Reagan in a media release about the incident. "However, police are continuing to investigate and want to advise the public about this incident while we continue our investigation."

The driver is described as a black male with a scruffy beard. He was wearing a black hat and a black zip-up sweater.

The man and van were last seen near Raspberry and Spruce streets, headed west.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Det. Matthew Rush at the Easton Police Department at 610-250-6639 or the police tip line at 610-250-6635.