On 10/08/26, Lycoming County Control received a call from a complainant on the 900 block of Clark St in the City of Williamsport, who reported that a black male (B/M) with dreadlocks, white knit hat, flannel shirt and pajama pants, operating an E-bike attempted to sell marijuana to two women on a porch on the same block. Around the same time, NEU observed the same B/M proceed through the stop sign on Linn St at Poplar St without stopping. I followed the B/M south on Poplar St and then east on 3rd St, as he traveled at approximately 30 mph, eastbound in the westbound lanes, against traffic nearly colliding with oncoming traffic. I activated my emergency lights and sirens and attempted to stop him. The B/M looked back at me and then fled eastbound on 3rd St, north on Depot St, failed to stop at the stop sign at Trenton Ave, then east on Trenton Ave and failed to stop at the stop sign at Arch St, then east on Hively Pl where he crashed the E-bike and fled on foot in a northwest direction. At one point, the same B/M entered the rear of the Kast Hotel to avoid pursuing police, walked through and crossed back over Arch St towards Glynn St, Race St and Moore Ave. A search of the area was conducted and he was not found.

     Video footage was obtained from the Kast Hotel which helped positive identify the black male as Joseph Malign MARTIN.

     Related charges were filed and a warrant was issued for Martin's arrest by MDJ William Solomon

     On 10/09/26, NEU and Williamsport PD apprehended MARTIN leaving 645 Hepburn St Apt#2. MARTIN admitted to unlawfully entering 813 Race St while trying to evade police. The investigation revealed that MARTIN entered an unlocked door to the residence while the occupants were home, and hid in the basement for an extended period of time. While in the basement, MARTIN removed his clothing and put on the home owner's clothing before leaving after police were out of the area. The homeowners were unaware that MARTIN was ever inside their residence. MARTIN's clothing and satchel bag were found in various places in the basement of 813 Race St.

MARTIN was arraigned before MDJ Frey and committed to LCP on $15K bail along with a detainer lodged by Lycoming County APO. 

MARTIN will be charged with Burglary, Criminal Trespass, Theft, attempted marijuana delivery, marijuana delivery and PWID