Police Officer Shot in Erie
Erie – At 5 AM yesterday morning a gunman opened fire on officers from the City of Erie Police Department, one patrol sergeant was injured during an exchange of gunfire with a suspect wearing ballistic armor who eventually surrendered to police and was arrested. The injured sergeant was safely transported to UPMC Hamot where at press time he remains in stable condition in the ICU. EPD has asked the Pennsylvania State Police to take over the investigation of the incident; they are asking for any residents of the 500 block of East 22nd Street to contact them with any information they might have about the crime or the shooter by calling them at (814)898-1641.

Bicycle Rodeo and PennDOT Schedules
Oil City – PennDOT and its safety partners are sponsoring a free bicycle rodeo for children ages 5 to 12, at Titusville City Hall this Saturday, August 5th with registration starting at 11 AM. All participants will need a bicycle, a helmet, and a parent or guardian; there are opportunities to win free bicycles and a hot dog lunch will be provided. PennDOT work schedules for Crawford, Erie, Mercer, Warren, Forest, and Venango Counties can be found online by visiting PennDOT.gov/District1; Clarion County is in District 10.

Police Search for Leads in Burglary Case
Conneautville – The Pennsylvania State Police based in Meadville are investigating a home burglary in Crawford County’s Conneaut Township. A witness called after spotting suspicious activity involving a brown SUV at a house on Carpenter Road shortly before 3:30 on Friday afternoon. Police canvassed the area and found ample evidence of burglary including a broken down door, cut locks on barns, and the hinges of a shed door being removed. Anyone who might have information about this crime should call (814)332-6911.

Guilty Plea in Child Rape CaseReading – In State News, a former leader of the Jehova’s Witnesses in Berks County named Jesse Hill pleaded guilty to two charges of child rape. Hill, who had moved from Pennsylvania to Georgia, admitted to using his position and standing in the church to sexually exploit children while living in this state. He invited young and teenage boys to his family lumber mill where he would ply them with alcohol and drugs and force them to perform sex acts. He is one of 14 Witnesses arrested for child exploitation in the commonwealth since last year. Before he is sentenced it will be determined if Jesse Hill qualifies as a violent sexual offender.