Allentown man charged with DUI

State Police Troop M, Bethlehem, said Trooper M. Hodgskin was in full uniform and driving a marked patrol car when he was dispatched shortly after midnight April 9 for a vehicle crash at 2889 Old Post Road, North Whitehall Township.

Police said as a result of the crash investigation, Gerardo Quiles Figueroa, 27, of Allentown, who was driving a 2007 Honda Accord Crosstour, allegedly showed indicators indicative of someone under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance and was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence.

DUI and related charges were filed with Lehigh County Magisterial District Judge Jacob E. Hammond, South Whitehall, police say.

Harassment incident at KidsPeace

State Police Troop M, Bethlehem, is investigating an incident where a 15-year-old KidsPeace client from Irvington, N.J., allegedly physically assaulted a 24-year-old staff member from Allentown 7:36 p.m. April 22 at KidsPeace, 5300 KidsPeace Drive, North Whitehall Township.

Juvenile probation was advised and charges are pending, police say.

Hang up at KidsPeace

At 6:52 p.m. April 24, Troopers from State Police Troop M, Bethlehem, were dispatched to KidsPeace, 5300 KidsPeace Drive, North Whitehall Township, for a 911 hang up.

Police say through the course of the investigation, it was learned there have been 10 prior 911 hang ups at KidsPeace since March.

This organization was subsequently cited for a control of alarm devices and automatic dialing devices violation, police say.

Retail theft at Weis Markets

State Police Troop M, Bethlehem, said Steven Merkel, 37, of Germansville, allegedly stole merchandise without scanning 12:07 p.m. April 10 at Weis Markets, Route 873, North Whitehall Township.

According to police, items stolen included two bags of Purina Cat Chow (small), Gourmet Song bird food, five packages of wild bird food, diapers, Weis Quality bagged potatoes, Purina Cat Chow (large), Horizon milk, Moala Half and Half, two packages of Weis Quality chicken breast, Naked Drink, and Purina Cat Chow (extra small),

Police allege this crime was reported when asset protection at Weis Market visually identified an individual failing to scan items on numerous dates spanning from Jan. 19 to April 8 with a combined total of $181.47.

Through investigation, a suspect was developed with charges to be filed, police say.

Police say vehicles involved included a 2005 Red Toyocar Van Container Trailer and a 2011 White Ford.

Theft by deception

State Police say Troopers from Troop M, Bethlehem were dispatched 12:26 p.m. March 28 for a report of a theft by deception, where a 40-year-old woman from the 1000 block of Rising Sun Road, North Whitehall Township, lost $36,000.

According to police, the woman deposited $36,000 into a Bitcoin machine.

No further information was provided.

Construction equipment vandalized

A 31-year-old man from Wind Gap and a 53-year-old man from Schuylkill Haven reported multiple pieces of construction equipment were vandalized 8:32 a.m. March 17 on Greenleaf Street, North Whitehall Township, State Police Troop M, Bethlehem, said.

According to police, damaged equipment included a 2022 Bobcat Skid Steer, 2021 Caterpillar Skid Steer and a 2014 Caterpillar D6T XL Dozer.

Police say there are no further leads at this time and the investigation remains ongoing.