September 21, 2026 — The Steelton Borough Police Department has made an arrest following an ongoing investigation into a series of suspicious and concerning incidents at the Paxton Lodge No. 16 Masonic Hall, 410 N. Harrisburg Street.

Between August 15 and September 20, 2026, Steelton Police investigated multiple incidents involving unusual objects, written messages, and deceased animals being intentionally left at or near the Masonic Hall. Items discovered during the investigation included balloons, spray-painted shoes, a doll bust, playing cards, feathers, candles, hair, written messages and riddles, and deceased animals, including a cat, crow, squirrel, and raccoon.

Several of the written messages contained concerning language that members of the organization interpreted as vague or implied threats. The repeated nature of the incidents and their proximity to scheduled activities at the Masonic Hall caused increased concern among members regarding their safety.

INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM MILLERSVILLE MASONIC LODGE

On September 17, 2026, the Steelton Borough Police Department received information from an officer of Millersville Masonic Lodge No. 476 regarding similar incidents that reportedly occurred at their lodge during August.

The lodge representative advised that the Millersville Masonic Lodge had been repeatedly vandalized over a period of several weeks. According to the information provided to Steelton Police, the Millersville Borough Police Department investigated those incidents and identified Joshua A. Reisinger as a suspect, filing charges that included harassment.

After learning about the incidents occurring at the Steelton Masonic Hall, the Millersville lodge representative reviewed photographs associated with the Steelton incidents and reported observing significant similarities to what had occurred at the Millersville lodge. Photographs from the Millersville incidents were subsequently provided to Steelton Police for comparison and further investigation.

This information, including the identification of Reisinger in connection with the Millersville investigation, became part of Steelton Police's ongoing investigation into the incidents at Paxton Lodge No. 16.

SEPTEMBER 20 TRAFFIC STOP AND ARREST

On September 20, 2026, at approximately 10:59 p.m., a Steelton Police officer conducting traffic enforcement observed a black Chevrolet Silverado traveling southbound on Front Street. The officer observed the vehicle following another vehicle closely and subsequently passing in a posted no-passing zone.

A traffic stop was conducted in the 500 block of S. Front Street. The operator was identified as Joshua Reisinger. During the investigation, officers determined that Reisinger possessed an ignition-interlock-restricted driver's license and was allegedly operating a vehicle that was not equipped with the required ignition interlock device.

During the traffic stop, the investigating officer recognized the vehicle as one that had previously come to the Department's attention during the investigation into the incidents at the Masonic Hall. While interacting with Reisinger and making observations during the traffic stop, officers observed items inside the vehicle that appeared similar to items associated with the ongoing Masonic Hall investigation. These observations further heightened investigators' interest in determining whether there was a connection between Reisinger and the incidents at Paxton Lodge No. 16.

Reisinger was subsequently taken into custody and transported to the Dauphin County Booking Center.

Following the traffic stop, an officer did check the Masonic Hall. Additional suspicious items were discovered at the property, including a small wooden coffin containing an offensive written message, a fake severed finger marked with a cross, an image appearing to depict a church that had been crossed out, and another written message containing a riddle.

Based upon the totality of information developed during the investigation, including the prior incidents at Paxton Lodge No. 16, information received regarding similar incidents in Millersville, observations made during the September 20 traffic stop, the additional items located at the Masonic Hall, and other investigative methods placing Reisinger in the area, Reisinger's vehicle was secured pending an application for a search warrant.

Investigators are continuing to examine physical evidence, photographs, written messages, and other information obtained during the investigation to determine the extent of any connection between Reisinger and the series of incidents reported at Paxton Lodge No. 16.

Reisinger was charged in connection with the September 20 traffic stop, including an alleged violation involving operation of a motor vehicle without the required ignition interlock system, related traffic offenses, and criminal charges of Loitering & Prowling, Terroristic Threats, Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Trespass, Harassment, and Scattering Rubbish. Additional criminal charges may be filed as the investigation into the Masonic Hall incidents continues and evidence is reviewed.

Reisinger was arraigned before District Justice Lenker and given $50,000 bail and remanded to Dauphin County Prison. Reisinger was able to post bail and was subsequently released.

The Steelton Borough Police Department recognizes the concern these repeated incidents have caused members of Paxton Lodge No. 16 and the surrounding community. The Department has maintained additional patrol attention in the area and continues to coordinate investigative information with other law enforcement agencies as appropriate.

Anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity near 410 N. Harrisburg Street, particularly during the evening or overnight hours between August 15 and September 20, is encouraged to contact the Steelton Borough Police Department.

This remains an active investigation. All individuals accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.