West Side Regional Police Department

06/12/2026

NATURE OF INCIDENT:
AGGRVATED ASSAULT
IRC NUMBER:
WS-26-00022
DATE:
6/10/2026
TIME:

LOCATION:
Beverly Drive Edwardsville, PA
PERSONS INVOLVED:
ARRESTED: Jaycob Castillo
36 Payne Ave
Kingston Pa



INCIDENT DETAILS:
"On June 9 , 2026, at 2050 hrs the West Side Regional Police Department responded to the area of Beverly Drive, Edwardsville, for a report of an active disorderly fight between several subjects in the complex. Upon arrival, officers encountered multiple disorderly subjects engaged in a physical altercation. Several of the participants left the area upon police arrival.

During the initial inquiry, officers were advised that a male juvenile was in possession of a handgun and pointed it at multiple individuals and threatened to shoot them. The male was subsequently identified as Jaycob Ruiz Castillo of Kingston. On June 11, 2026 Castillo was taken into custody and charged with Aggravated assault and numerous Fi****ms Violations. He was charged as an adult and incarcerated in the Luzerne County Correctional Facility pending further court action in the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas. The case is being investigated by Detective Lehman and PO J Castner. If anyone has any additional information related to this case please contact 911 or Detective Lehman of the WSRPD.
"

06/10/2026

05/19/2026

NATURE OF INCIDENT:
AGGRVATED ASSAULT
IRC NUMBER:
WS-26-02625
DATE:
5/18/2026
TIME:
2:00AM
LOCATION:
Roosevelt Street Edwardsville, PA
PERSONS INVOLVED:
ARRESTED: Erkah Braxton Brooklyn New York
Atlandrith Owens Ewardsville Pa
Jameerah Westry Newark NJ

Male Juvenile

INCIDENT DETAILS:
"On May 18, 2026, the West Side Regional Police Department responded to the area of 504 Roosevelt Street, Edwardsville, for a report of an active assault. Upon arrival, officers encountered multiple disorderly females engaged in a physical altercation.

Officers quickly secured the scene and initiated an on‑site investigation. During the initial inquiry, officers identified Shaneak Hankerson as one of the individuals who had allegedly used a knife to inflict cuts on several victims. Hankerson was taken into custody and charged with:
Aggravtaed Assult Simple Assault and
Disorderly Conduct

She was subsequently lodged in the Luzerne County Correctional Facility.

A second defendant, Erykah Braxton, was charged with:

Aggravated Assault

Simple Assault

Disorderly Conduct

A third defendant, Atlandrith Owens, was also charged with:

Aggravated Assault

Simple Assault

Disorderly Conduct

Police have additionally identified the involvement of a juvenile male who participated in the assault with a knife. His identity is currently being confirmed, and further charges are pending"

05/04/2026

The West Side Regional Police Department is proud to welcome three new officers to our ranks.
On May 4, 2026, District Justice Barilla administered the oath of office to Officer Patrick Bastek, Officer Joseph Loyocano, and Officer Victor Guevara.

These officers join the WSRPD with a commitment to serve, protect, and uphold the values of our regional communities. Please join us in congratulating them as they begin their careers with the West Side Regional Police Department.

Welcome to the team, gentlemen — we are honored to have you

05/01/2026

❗️MISSING JUVENILE LOCATED ❗️

DC, 15 years old

04/16/2026

NATURE OF INCIDENT:
TERRORISTIC THREATS ARREST
IRC NUMBER:

DATE:
4/15/2026
TIME:
35
LOCATION:
354 E STATE STREET LARKSVILLE , Pa
PERSONS INVOLVED:

Stephen Weidman
Howard Streer
Larksville Pa

INCIDENT DETAILS:
"West Side Regional Police Department Files Charges in Ongoing Trespassing and Harassment Incidents
The West Side Regional Police Department announces that charges have been filed against Stephen Weidman, of Larksville, Pennsylvania, in connection with several incidents involving repeated unlawful and disruptive behavior at the American Legion, 354 E. State Street, Larksville.

Following an investigation into multiple reports from the establishment and its patrons, officers charged Weidman with:

Criminal Trespass

Terroristic Threats

Harassment

Disorderly Conduct

These charges stem from a series of incidents in which the defendant is alleged to have engaged in continuous trespassing, harassment, and threatening behavior toward individuals at the American Legion property.

The West Side Regional Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents, businesses, and community organizations. The defendant was arrested, arraigned and incarcerated at the Luzerne County Prison pendig further court action in the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas.

"

03/26/2026

NATURE OF INCIDENT:
Disorderly Conduct Defiant Trespass Threats
IRC NUMBER:

DATE:
3/26/2026
TIME:
830
LOCATION:
Incident at West Side Mall – Lowe’s Home Improvement
PERSONS INVOLVED:

Randy Yost
32 E Grand St
Nanticoke Pa

INCIDENT DETAILS:
"On March 26,2026, the West Side Regional Police Department responded to Lowe’s Home Improvement at the West Side Mall for a report of a disorderly male who refused to leave the premises after previously being warned not to return.
Upon arrival, officers located the individual, identified as Randy Yost of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania. Yost was taken into custody without incident.
Store management reported that Yost had been escorted out of the store earlier in the day due to disruptive behavior. Despite this warning, he returned and again became disorderly, making threatening statements toward employees when asked to leave.
As a result of the investigation, Yost was charged with:
• Defiant Trespass
• Disorderly Conduct
• Terroristic Threats
• Communications with 911 Systems
Yost was processed and arraigned. He was subsequently remanded to the Luzerne County Correctional Facility, pending further court action in the Court of Common Pleas of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The West Side Regional Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety of local businesses, employees, and community members."

03/26/2026

NATURE OF INCIDENT:
Domestic Incident Involving Firearm – Edwardsville, PA
IRC NUMBER:

DATE:
3.24.26
TIME:
35
LOCATION:
Swizzle StIcks Bar and Grill 434Main Street Edwardsville, Pa
PERSONS INVOLVED:

William Hemple
99 E Main Street
Glen Lyon Pa

INCIDENT DETAILS:
"On March 24, 2026, at approximately 0035 hours, officers of the West Side Regional Police Department responded to the area of 434 Main Street, Edwardsville, for a reported domestic disturbance involving a firearm.
The initial 911 report indicated that a male and female were involved in a domestic incident inside Swizzle Sticks Bar & Grill, during which the male allegedly brandished a firearm and discharged it outside the establishment. The caller further reported that the male had fled the area in a gray Honda.
Responding officers, including Officer Danaher, located the vehicle and made contact with the male, who was identified as William Hemple, of 99 E. Main Street, Glen Lyon, Pennsylvania.
The preliminary investigation revealed evidence that Hemple had fired a weapon, which was subsequently recovered from his vehicle. Officers also determined that Hemple did not possess a concealed carry permit in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and that he was the subject of an active Protection From Abuse (PFA) order.
Hemple was taken into custody and later incarcerated pending further court action in the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas.
He was charged with:
• Illegal Possession of a Firearm
• Reckless Endangerment
• Disorderly Conduct
• Fi****ms Not to Be Carried Without a License
Further investigation resulted in the seizure of various controlled substances and drug‑related paraphernalia consistent with distribution. Additional charges are pending.
The investigation is being handled by Officer Danaher and Officer George of the West Side Regional Police Department.
The West Side Regional Police Department remains committed to protecting the safety and well‑being of all residents and visitors within our jurisdiction."

02/20/2026

NATURE OF INCIDENT:
WEAPONS ARREST

IRC NUMBER:
20260220M6789

DATE:
2/19/2026

TIME:
23:36 HRS

LOCATION:
Church Street Larksville PA

PERSONS INVOLVED:

MICHAEL JOSE DIAZ PASCUAL
407 S FRANKLIN STREET
WILKES-BARRE PA

INCIDENT DETAILS:
Date: February 19, 2026
Location: Church Street Larksville, PA
On February 19, 2026, Officer Bradshaw conducted a traffic stop on Church Street in Larksville for a motor vehicle violation. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the driver was in possession of an illegal firearm.
The suspect was taken into custody without incident and charged with felony weapons violations. He was subsequently incarcerated pending further court action in the Commonwealth Court of Common Pleas.
The individual was also detained on an immigration-related matter. Federal immigration authorities were notified of the arrest and later issued an immigration detainer for the suspect.
The Kingston Police Department assisted at the scene.

02/13/2026

NATURE OF INCIDENT:
Fire Investigation
IRC NUMBER:
20260213M6670
DATE:
2/13/2026
TIME:
0837 Hours

LOCATION:
560 Cherry Street Edwardsville, PA

PERSONS INVOLVED:

INCIDENT DETAILS:
The West Side Regional Police Department, in cooperation with the Edwardsville Fire Department and State Police Fire Marshal, is actively investigating a structure fire that occurred on 2/13/2026 at approximately 0836 hrs at 560 Cherry Street Edwardsville, PA.
Upon arrival, first responders observed heavy smoke and visible flames at the front of the residence. Fire personnel quickly initiated suppression efforts and were able to bring the fire under control.
A preliminary assessment indicates that the fire originated in the front of the residence, though the exact cause remains under investigation. Police and Fire Investigators are currently conducting interviews, reviewing evidence, and examining the scene to determine the circumstances leading to the incident.

Anyone with information, video footage, or who observed unusual activity in the area prior to the fire is encouraged to contact the West Side Regional Police Department C/O Detective Michael Lehman or Luzerne County 911.
The department will provide updates as new information becomes available.