Police log: Police warn about local phone scams

CHAMBERSBURG - A man was defrauded out of $8,000 after Chambersburg Police said he received several calls in which the caller threatened to arrest him.  

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On Dec. 15, police received a report from the man who said another man claiming to be with the Internal Revenue Service threatened to arrest him if he failed to pay back taxes worth about $12,000. According to the report, the man was coerced into driving to Best Buy where he purchased $5,000 in gift cards, and provided the information to the caller. 

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The caller shortly called the man back and, once again, threatened to arrest him, the report shows. Police said the man then went to CVS and purchased $2,000 in Google Play gift cards.

A few hours later, the man received a call from a different man claiming to be a Chambersburg Police sergeant. This call appeared to come from the Chambersburg Police Department, and the man was able to provide the station's address. He, too, threatened to arrest the man, the report shows, so the man went and bought $1,000 in Google Play gift cards, this time from Walgreens. He gave the card information to the caller. 

Washington Township Police also received a report in which someone claiming to be from the Washington Township Municipal Authority called a woman on Dec. 15 about an "insurance matter" that needed to be taken care of right away. The woman immediately disconnected the call before the caller obtained any information. 

The police department also said scammers are now using computers to make calls, which can use any phone number to make it look like a legitimate call. 

Chambersburg Police remind the public that no local, state or federal law enforcement agency will request money, by any means, to settle a warrant or investigation. They also say the best way to stop this type of crime is to disconnect, and immediately report the activity to local law enforcement. 

Washington Township Police are available at 717-762-1447 during normal business hours, or at the station's non-emergency dispatch number 24-hours a day at 717-762-1145, for are residents to ask questions if they are unsure about a call.   

Franklin County

DUI/CRASH: Derek E. Shaffer, 31, Waynesboro, is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol after he allegedly crashed into two trees, according to Pennsylvania State Police, Chambersburg. Shaffer was driving a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic north on Pine Grove Road at about 2 a.m. on Dec. 2, when police said he crossed into the oncoming traffic lane and drove off the road on a slight right turn. According to the report, Shaffer struck two trees before stopping. Shaffer suffered injuries to his head, and was cited with traffic violations. The vehicle was towed. 

(Incident PA2017-1302170) 

PUBLIC DRUNKENNESS: Charles Albert Poole, 31, Chambersburg, was cited with public drunkenness after Pennsylvania State Police assisted Chambersburg Police with a possible robbery on East Liberty Street at about 3:30 a.m. on Dec. 17. Police said during the investigation, Poole was allegedly highly intoxicated, caused a disturbance and refused to follow officers' instructions. The citation was filed through the district court. 

(Incident PA2017-1352763) 

PEDESTRIAN CRASH: Waynesboro Police are seeking information in a hit-and-run crash involving a pedestrian, which occurred at about 2:50 p.m. on Dec. 15 near the intersection of East Main Street and Clayton Avenue. The driver is described as being bald and wearing glasses, and the passenger is described as having long, black curly hair, being 5-feet 6-inches tall and in their 40s. The car is described as a gray or silver Chevrolet sedan. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 717-762-2131. 

Fulton County

FLEEING: Laetten Andrew Park, 20, was taken into custody after Pennsylvania State Police, McConellsburg said he led officers on a pursuit. At about 10 p.m. on Dec. 16 near Pa. 655 and Pa. 913, Park fled as police activated their sirens and lights after he allegedly ran a stop sign, the report shows. Park then stopped his car after leading officers on a 15-minute chase. 

(Incident PA2017-1352176)