Chester County man arrested after attempting to buy gun

On Feb. 23, Joseph Hilferty, 22, of Romansville was arrested for attempting to purchase a firearm from a Federal Firearms Dealer, located in East Goshen Township, on 8/9/2021. The attempted purchase was declined by the Pennsylvania Instant Checks System, overseen by the Pennsylvania State Police, after finding that Joseph Hilferty is a person prohibited from possessing or owning a firearm. Joseph was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Smith and bail was set at $20,000 unsecured. The Preliminary Hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on March 27 at District Court.

Police reports from across the region:

West Whiteland Credit card theft

The West Whiteland Township Police Department is investigating an alleged theft of credit cards that occurred at the Whole Foods located at 175 N. Pottstown Pike on February 26, 2023 at approximately 1:30 PM involving two suspects. The credit cards were later attempted to be used at the Target located at 201 Sunrise Blvd. before 2:00 PM. The same suspects are possibly associated to a similar theft of credit cards from the Giant Store located at 141 East Swedesford Road on February 26, 2023 after 1:00 PM. Anyone with information on the suspects is asked to contact Officer O’Brien at 610-363-0200 ext. 1921 or kobrien@westwhiteland.org

Kennett Square Drug charges

A female juvenile, of Kennett Square, was arrested and charged with violations of the Controlled Substance, Drug Device and Cosmetic Act (Act 64), after she was found to be in possession of two THC vape pens. The incident occurred on February 3, 2023, at approximately 10:36 a.m. in Kennett Square Borough. A Juvenile Allegation was completed and was filed with Chester County Juvenile Probation on February 17, 2023.

Escape

Felipe Cruz-Flores was extradited for the following warrant after serving several years in an out of state prison for unrelated charges. Cruz-Flores is currently wanted for failing to appear in court for charges related to retail theft and fleeing from police during an investigation at a business in the 400 block of East South Street on June 18, 2012.

Parkesburg Drug charges

Police conducting a traffic investigation, the result of a suspended driver’s license, discovered illegal contraband (drugs) in the vehicle being operated by the defendant, Montes Noel Lizandra. Police confiscated marijuana from the vehicle and related smoking devices for testing. The defendant was released pending a summons. A preliminary hearing will be scheduled before MDJ Nancy Gill.

Oxford Sex charges

On January 31 2023 the Lancaster City Police arrested Pedro Aspuac on the criminal warrant. He is charged with involuntary deviant sexual intercourse with a victim less than 13 years old and four additional charges. Aspuac waived his right to a preliminary hearing that was scheduled for February 21, 2023 and all charges were held to the Court of Common Pleas. Aspuac was still unable to post a $250,000 cash bail and is being held at the Chester County Prison.