Police Blotter: A Motorcycle Crash, a Sinkhole and Suspicious Person Reports

An Ambridge man was Tasered recently after police said he acted in a threatening manner and disobeyed an officer’s commands.

According to a police report, Sewickley police Patrolman James Grill was on patrol at 1:40 a.m. July 2 when he went down to the Chestnut Street boat ramp and saw four males around the bench at the bottom of the launch.

Police said one of the males immediately fled down the shoreline causing the officer to believe criminal activity might be involved.

Police said the officer got out of his car and gave several commands for everyone to remain where they were. Two of the males obeyed, but police said a third male, later identified as Benjamin Thornton, 23, began to make “slow deliberate” movements toward Grill and ignored the officer’s commands despite being warned that he would be Tasered. Police said Thornton also threw a glass beer bottle in the officer’s direction, shattering it on the ground.

Police said Grill did not have time to call for backup and began to fear for his safety in the poorly lit area. Police said Thornton, about 10 feet away, began to run in a diagonal direction toward Officer Grill and then ran past him.

Feeling he was a threat, police said Grill struck Thornton in the back with his Taser. He ran about 15 feet before he fell and medics were immediately called, police said.

At that time, police said a third male fled and a fourth male, a 17-year-old, was taken to the police station and released to his mother. An investigation continues, police said. 

also responded to the following recent incidents.

Motorcyclist injured

A Pittsburgh man was taken to Allegheny General Hospital July 8 after his motorcycle struck a deer on Route 65 in .

Police said David Wagner, 51, was conscious and laying in the northbound lanes about 50 yards from his Harley Davidson. Witnesses told police a deer ran from the woods and struck Wagner on the motorcycle causing him to crash.

Sinkhole reported

Police were called July 7 to the 100 block of Bradley Lane for a report of a sinkhole in the road. Police found a hole about 12 inches wide and 3 feet deep. Traffic cones were placed around the hole and the road department was notified.

Suspicious persons

Police were called July 7 to the 200 block of Graham Street for a report of a man down. Officers arrived and found a man resting because his vehicle ran out of gas, police said.

Police were called to the Sewickley Bridge July 4 for a report of a man and woman sitting on the edge of the bridge with their feet dangling over the side. Police checked the bridge but did not find anyone. 

Vandalism reported

Police responded July 7 to Heritage Valley Sewickley hospital to speak to security about a car that was vandalized in the emergency room parking area. Police said someone blew out the passenger side window and ripped off the side mirror. The owner was admitted to the hospital and wasn’t aware what had happened, police said.

Vehicle violations

A Moon Township woman was cited with vehicle violations July 6 after police stopped her car on the Sewickley Bridge for an expired registration. Police said Robin Fisher, 42, also didn’t have insurance. Her vehicle was towed and she and her passengers were given a courtesy ride home. 

Woman injured

A 91-year-old Sewickley woman fell outside of Safran’s July 6 after her foot struck a curb causing her to trip. She suffered cuts and was taken to Heritage Valley Sewickley hospital.

Fire reported

Police assisted the fire department with a call to Rite Aid July 3 for a flower box smoking in front of the store. Officers found a cigarette laying on top that caught the mulch on fire. The fire department successfully put the fire out.