Wanted Ford City Man Captured in Rural Valley, Jailed

by Jonathan Weaver

A Ford City man suspected of burglary, robbery and several other charges who was on-the-run from police since late-Saturday night was apprehended and now is incarcerated in the Armstrong County Jail.

Stephen McDermott – 27 - was arraigned by District Magisterial Judge Gary DeComo Tuesday morning on more than a dozen charges, including felony burglary and criminal trespass, robbery and possession of a controlled substance. He was incarcerated on $50,000 bond.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, McDermott left a 4th Avenue address shortly before midnight after a verbal argument and exited a silver Volkswagen Jetta along 3rd Avenue to flee Ford City Police.

Manor Township Police and Pennsylvania State Police officers also were dispatched to assist with the search along 2nd Avenue, but McDermott is suspected of breaking into a 4th Avenue home during that time.

After several homeowner accounts, Police also requested Armstrong County Sheriff Deputy Theresa Gipson and K-9 “Blak” to search Bolder Park, but “Blak” lost McDermott’s scent near the 400 block of Ash Alley.

Police Chief Roger Wright said Monday evening McDermott was still on-the-run from police and a BOLO order was issued that McDermott could be within a 50-mile radius.

Ford City Police issued a BOLO Saturday for other police to look for a male in blue shorts, a gray tank top and dreadlocks.

Chief Wright confirmed Wednesday that McDermott was apprehended shortly after the council meeting in Rural Valley after a tip was received by the Armstrong County Sheriffs Department.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Tuesday morning in Judge DeComo’s courtroom in Ford City.

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