Police Beat

Lansdale Borough Police search for a hit and run driver. The incident happened just after the noon on Wednesday at the Pavilion Shopping Center when a Ford 150 STX pick-up truck hit an unoccupied parked vehicle in the parking lot of the shopping center. According to Police, a witness saw a middle aged white male driving the truck. The truck left the scene in an unknown direction. Anyone with information is asked to call Lansdale Borough Police at 215-368-1801. 

There were some tense moments Thursday afternoon at the Montgomery County Courthouse after a box was discovered on the steps of the courthouse. The County Bomb Squad responded to the courthouse at around 12:30. According to the Sheriff’s Department, a brown box from a large delivery company was found outside the door of the courthouse. Staff and visitors to the courthouse were evacuated. The contents of the box proved to be envelopes that were sent to the wrong address. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department continues to ask staff and the public to be aware any suspicious packages or items left alone.

Tinicum Township Police have charged a 64-year-old woman in connection with stealing a large sum of money from a 93-year-old woman. Danawa Buchanan is accused of taking close to 320-thousand dollars from Angelina Darago. The investigation revealed that Buchanan became close with Darago’s brother, Frank, who left his sister in his will. Police say when he died in 2009, Buchanan was able to assume power of attorney over Angelina, who was living with her brother before his passing. Police say, Buchanan began funneling the money through a fake branch of the Cherokee Nation. Buchanan, who says she is a native American, was released after posting 500-thousand dollars bail on Tuesdday. The investigation also shows that Buchanan paid herself a salary of 54-thousand dollars for taking care of Angelina Darago. Buchanan allegedly spent a hefty portion of the money between 2010 and 2012,including the purchase of a home on River Road in Tinicum Township. Bucks County Court has set a hearing for Buchanan on May 13th. Buchanan faces charges of theft by deception and additional offenses. 

Montgomery Township on Taylor Road. The blaze erupted Wednesday morning just before 9:30 inside a piece of drywall. Firefighters were able to minimize the damage by quickly extinguishing the flames before they could spread. The fire was brought under control in 15 minutes. Fire officials say, no family members were injured as a result of the fire. It’s possible the fire may have been sparked by a wood burning stove. The investigation continues. Montgomery Township, Colmar, Lansdale, Hatfield and Hilltown Fire Companies responded to the fire.