Smith Township Police Department

08/25/2026

We are still hiring various positions at the department. Stop in for an application or email [email protected] to receive a digital copy!

The Smith Township Police Department in Washington County is hiring!

We serve a mostly rural area which spans roughly 36 square miles. We cover Smith Township, Burgettstown Borough, and Midway Borough which are served by the Burgettstown and Fort Cherry school districts. Interested applicants may pick up an application at the police station or request one to be sent by e-mail.

Come, join our team!

08/17/2026

Community Incident Advisement

On 8/16/2026 at approximately 10:22 PM, I was dispatched to 111 South Main Street in Midway for a loud physical domestic dispute. This incident was handled accordingly.

On 8/17/2026 at approximately 12:31 AM, roughly 2 hours later, I was dispatched again to this same residence, this time along with several fire departments for a residential structure fire. While en route, I was advised that the fire departments were working on tackling the fire, which had engulfed the residence.

On arrival, I was given a dog by a firefighter who advised me that the dog had been trapped in the house while it was on fire. During my investigation, I identified a witness who reported to Washington County 911 that they saw Michael Higgins intentionally set the house on fire and flee on foot down Noblestown Road towards the entrance to the Midway Community Park. I requested neighboring agencies check the area for Michael while I continued my investigation at the scene.

Michael was located near the intersection of Noblestown Road and Johns Avenue and brought to me on Herron Street by Mount Pleasant Township Police. Here, I took him into custody.

Michael Higgins was arrested and charged with causing or risking catastrophe (F2), terroristic threats (M1), possession of a controlled substance (M), and possession of drug paraphernalia (M). Subsequently, I lodged him in the Washington County Jail where he awaits arraignment.

The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Detective Tyler Evans
Smith Township Police

08/11/2026

Along with several other police agencies, Detective Evans assisted the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) with this investigation this morning. On PSP's behalf, we are seeking information pertaining to Donald Martin, III's whereabouts.

Edit: Donald Martin, III was taken into custody on August 12, 2026.

Five people are in custody, and two people remain at large after Pennsylvania State police said they are connected to a series of communication wire thefts in Washington County.

07/25/2026

Request for Assistance with Investigation

On 7/25/2026 at approximately 0222 hours, the Smith Township Police Department was notified of an incident that occurred overnight off of Creek Road in a very rural area of Smith Township where a red Ford Ranger struck three people, causing injuries. One of the victims is in critical condition and undergoing surgeries in a hospital.

On this same date, I began an investigation into the incident. Through my investigation, the three victims and the driver of the red Ford Ranger were identified. Reports suggest that there were numerous people in addition to those identified who attended this field party located in the woods or in an open field.

The investigation is ongoing and I am asking that anyone who was a witness or otherwise has credible information pertaining to this incident contact me at 724.947.5069 x205 or through Washington County 911.

Thank you,

Detective Tyler Evans
Smith Township Police Department

06/30/2026

Yesterday, numerous Midway residents expressed concern through Facebook posts and a call to 911 for a dog that was outside on a balcony at a residence on North Avenue.

On June 29, 2026 at approximately 5:15 PM, I was dispatched to the residence in question to check the well-being of the dog. A concerned neighbor (thank you!) reported to 911 that the dog was outside in hot weather and wanted the dog to be checked on. I responded and located the dog on the balcony at the address I was dispatched to. At the time, the dog appeared to be OK, was not on a leash and the door leading back into the residence was wide open, which was easily accessible to him. Consequently, I returned to patrolling the area.

On this same date, roughly 2 hours later, at approximately 7:01 PM, our friends over at the Midway Volunteer Fire Department (MVFD) requested we respond to the residence because they were there rendering aid to the dog, who was unwell and in need of medical assistance.

I arrived, made contact with the owner of the dog and began an investigation. I found the dog to be obviously unwell and bleeding from a leg/foot. Members of the MVFD carried the dog to my police car. I then transported the dog to an emergency pet hospital for further evaluation. The dog was examined and treated by two doctors. Today, I learned the results of the examination and came to a conclusion in my investigation.

I am happy to share that the doctors reported that our furry friend is doing well now. While the dog did present with symptoms of heat exhaustion on scene, the doctors found that the dog suffered from another illness/medical emergency, causing him to collapse on the balcony. The source of bleeding came from a broken toe nail, which they suspect to be the result of the dog accidentally breaking it off while walking/running around. The doctors found the dog to otherwise be healthy, up-to-date on medical treatment and reported no signs of abuse nor neglect. This investigation is complete and closed.

Drink some water this week - it's good stuff.

Detective Evans
Smith Township Police

05/30/2026

Following a nearly 3-week investigation into a string of burglary and theft-related incidents in our area as well as neighboring jurisdictions, I now have a final update to share.

Yesterday, on May 29, 2026, I secured a felony arrest warrant for 18-year-old Mason Comfort of Washington, PA. I have charged him with burglary, criminal trespass, theft by unlawful taking, & loitering and prowling at nighttime.

Additionally, two juveniles are being charged appropriately by written allegations.

I thank the Trinity School District, their administration, their school police, the City of Washington Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police - Washington and the Office of the District Attorney for working with me diligently to wrap up this investigation and bring this case before the court.

I thank our community once again for their cooperation, support, patience and understanding while I completed this investigation. I will be in contact soon to provide further updates, specific to each victim.

Each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Take care,

Detective Tyler Evans
Smith Township Police Department

05/19/2026

The Smith Township Police Department in Washington County is hiring!

We serve a mostly rural area which spans roughly 36 square miles. We cover Smith Township, Burgettstown Borough, and Midway Borough which are served by the Burgettstown and Fort Cherry school districts. Interested applicants may pick up an application at the police station or request one to be sent by e-mail.

Come, join our team!

05/13/2026

As previously shared, the Smith Township Police Department was dispatched to numerous locations throughout Burgettstown and Langeloth on May 10, 2026 for burglary and theft incidents which occurred overnight. Three days later, we are still receiving reports of vehicles and structures that were entered and items that are stolen. Please take a moment to check around your property and report missing/stolen/damaged items and suspicious activity by calling 911.

I am happy to share that my investigation has concluded, all three actors have been identified and criminal charges will be filed appropriately. I will be in contact with each victim to provide updates accordingly. This will take some time because there is a rather long list of victims in this case. No further information will be released at this time for the integrity of the prosecution process.

Thank you to those who cooperated with my investigation and shared information with me. I am grateful we have such a great relationship with our community that comes together and works with us to solve problems. I now ask for your patience while I wrap up this case and let it enter the prosecution phase.

Ptl. Tyler Evans
Smith Township Police Department
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05/10/2026

The Smith Township Police Department is asking for the community's assistance with an ongoing investigation.

On 5/10/2026 (this morning) from shortly after midnight on, we have been dispatched to several residences throughout Burgettstown and Langeloth for a burglary, vehicle break-ins, thefts, and suspicious activity. We are asking our residents and business owners to check their vehicles, businesses, residences, garages, etc. and report missing/stolen/damaged items by calling 911.

Lastly, we ask that anyone with surveillance cameras check for overnight activity. If you find camera footage of suspicious people/vehicles, please share it with us by e-mail.

Patrolman Tyler Evans
Smith Township Police Department
724.947.5069 x205
[email protected]