Noteable News
The Weatherly Police Department is dedicated to keeping the residents of the Borough up to date on incidents that are happening in their neighborhoods. You can also follow us on our Facebook page to see more stories and follow events.
Recent Releases
Media contact: Officer Michael Eyer
Weatherly Police Department
Phone: 570-427-4241 ext. 109.
email: m.eyer@weatherlypd.com
True Crime Series
​
The death investigation case into Jose “Pepe” Herran on Buck Mountain Road in Foster Township back in October of 2015 captivated and struck fear into those living around the area at the time. It was sparked by an arson that occurred on August 6th of 2016 on Third Street in Weatherly. The Weatherly Police Department began the investigation into the fire that engulfed three homes, put many lives in danger and ended up costing approximately one million dollars in damages. The home at 234 Third Street, which was the intended target, was owned at the time by Roberto Torner who burned it down for his own financial gain. The arson investigation led authorities into a deeper web of crime which resulted in drug, weapons and explosive offenses. It ultimately led to the discovery of the heinous murder of Herran.
​
But thanks to the efforts of local, state and federal officials, the two men who participated in the murder were later sentenced to prison. Roberto Torner, who was convicted of first-degree murder, received life in prison while David Alzugaray, who plead guilty to third-degree murder and criminal conspiracy to commit murder was sentenced to 17 to 45 years in prison.
​
The Investigation Discovery channel recently aired an episode about the case on its six-part series: The Friday the 13th murders. The episode which was filmed in Weatherly, Freeland and Foster Township features interviews with law enforcement officials who were involved in the case including Weatherly Police Chief Michael Bogart, PSP Cpl. Shawn Williams and Luzerne County Deputy Assistant District Attorney Daniel Zola. ATF Special Agent Jamie Markovchick was also an instrumental part of the investigation. Unfortunately, the Department of Justice would not allow him to speak on camera or participate in the episode though he is due most of the credit. Many Officers from several other departments are also credited for working countless hours on the case including Butler Township, Sugarloaf and Hazleton Police Departments.
To view the episode visit:
​
​
Burglary
.jpg)
Retail Theft
On Tuesday June 10th, Weatherly Police received a 911 call for a retail theft at the Dollar General in the Borough. The duty Officer responded and located the suspect, Kevin RICHARDS, 58, of New York in the doorway of the store. RICHARDS was taken into custody and had items concealed on his person. RICHARDS provided the Officer a false name in an attempt to hide his real identity. Once his real identity was confirmed, it was found RICHARDS had an active warrant for an unrelated theft. He was transported back to the Weatherly Police Station where he told the Officer that he was unable to afford the items that he was stealing due to his food stamps not being accepted. The on-call Carbon County District Attorney approved charges of Retail Theft (M2), Receiving Stolen Property (M2), Disorderly Conduct (M3), and Disorderly Conduct (S). Richards was then transported to the Carbon County Correctional Facility until his arraignment in the morning.
Disorderly Conduct
On Saturday June 7th 2025, Weatherly Police were dispatched to a residence on West Main Street in the borough for an out-of-control unwanted person. Officers arrived and located Joshua E. MAKOWEIC, 41, of Weatherly in the street manifestly under the influence of alcohol and/or a controlled substance. While in the street, MAKOWIEC was screaming obscene language at passing vehicles and in the presence of small children out in their yards. Officers attempted to calm MAKOWEIC multiple times which all efforts were unsuccessful, he was placed in custody and transported to the Weatherly Police Station and placed in a holding cell where he then began to remove his clothing, scream vulgar language at the Officers and punch/kick the holding cell door. Charges of Disorderly Conduct (M3), Public Drunkenness and Similar Misconduct (S), and Disorderly Conduct (S) were approved by Carbon County Assistant District Attorney Gazo. MAKOWEIC was arraigned by the on-duty District Magistrate Dodson who set bail at $20,000.00 straight. MAKOWEIC was unable to post bail and he was transported to the Carbon County Correctional Facility. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday June 18th 2025 at the Honorable Judge Homanko’s Office.
DUI
On Friday May 2nd at 0002hrs, Weatherly Police conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for several motor vehicle violations. During the traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle, Keith L. PERKINS 47, of Lake Helen Florida, displayed signs of being under the influence of alcohol and/or a controlled substance. The driver was asked to exit the vehicle and Standard Field Sobriety Tests were conducted which multiple indicators of impairment were observed and he was placed under arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence. PERKINS was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital Hazleton for a blood draw. A DUID panel with alcohol analysis was completed at the laboratory which showed a combination of alcohol and drugs in PERKINS blood at the time he was behind the wheel of the vehicle.
​
PERKINS is charged with DUI Controlled Substance Combination Alcohol/Drugs (M), DUI Controlled Substance Schedule 2 (M), DUI Controlled Substance Metabolite (M), DUI General Impairment (M), DUI Highest Rate of Alcohol (M), No Rear Lights (S), Driving While Operating Privilege Suspended (S), Driving w/o Valid License (S). A preliminary arraignment and hearing are scheduled for Wednesday June 25th 2025 at the Honorable Judge Homanko’s Office.
​
Any information received that was not released by the Weatherly Police Department is considered invalid and should not be deemed official. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.