Alleged Shoplifter Damages New Light Post in Downtown Kittanning

by Jonathan Weaver

A Kittanning woman will be in a local courtroom today after she allegedly drove her vehicle into one of the new Downtown Kittanning light poles and then fled from police.

District Magisterial Judge James Owen will hear the more-than half-dozen charges Kittanning Borough Police has against Angela Hougg at 9AM in his North Jefferson Street courtroom.

Police Chief Bruce Mathews said about 7:10PM Sunday evening -May 22 -, Hougg allegedly stole from the downtown Kittanning Family Dollar, but when officers were responding, Hougg allegedly fled the scene in a red Chevrolet Cavalier.

“While approaching the scene, (Officer Greg Koprivnak) observes the car take off. At that time, somehow she lost control, hit the light post right in front of Rite-Aid (along Market Street),” Chief Mathews said.

Hougg, 19, was pursued along North McKean Street after she did not stop at the sound of Officer Koprivnak’s emergency lights or siren until she was stopped by Kittanning Police, along with Manor Township and Ford City Borough officers, in the Richard G. Snyder YMCA parking lot.

Hougg was taken into custody and arraigned later that evening by District Magisterial Judge James Andring. She was placed in the Armstrong County Jail on $2,500 bond.

In addition to the misdemeanor fleeing charge, recklessly endangering local residents and the summary traffic and theft offenses, Hougg is charged with misdemeanor intent to deliver drug paraphernalia charge after empty stamp bags were found in the Chevrolet Cavalier.

Police did not charge Hougg’s passengers.

“They were checked very thoroughly,” Chief Mathews said.

Police allege that Hougg stole about $20 in various personal items from Family Dollar – including makeup.
While the vehicle was totaled after “major damage,” personnel are still waiting to hear how much money it will cost to replace the light pole.

Chief Mathews said the pole would have only been installed by M&B Construction within the past two months.

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