Just one week since its arrival on newsstands and readers' doorsteps, the release of the third edition of the "Lycoming County's Most Wanted" list has resulted in numerous apprehensions and surrenders, according to law enforcement officials.
Detective William Weber of the Lycoming County District Attorney's office said the publication is a useful tool in finding wanted persons who have committed various crimes and who owe costs, fines and fees to the county.
Weber said the "Lycoming County's Most Wanted" list has led to more than 40 apprehensions since it was published April 28.
"One individual was caught after he was chased through a house and was found with the article in his pocket," Weber said.
He added that another person who was captured had the list on his bedroom nightstand.
"We've got tips from various employers, family, friends and landlords," said Weber.
He said that several wanted persons turned themselves in after hearing from others that they were included in the list.
The success of the publication will lead to about a 50 percent capture rate, according to Weber.
"We've recovered thousands of dollars already in fines and costs and domestic relations money that's owed to children," he said. "They're important to get so people keep up with child support and payments."
Local municipal police departments, Lycoming County Sheriff's Office, state police, and U.S. Marshals are seeking others in the list wanted for crimes such as driving under the influence, theft and terroristic threats.
Weber said one individual in particular that law enforcement officials are seeking is Chester Bowers, a Megan's Law offender. Weber said Bowers has no known address and has failed to report his present location, as required by law. Bowers escaped from a county pre-release crew in 1990 while he was incarcerated on an unrelated charge, but was caught nine years later in Milwaukee, Wis. After being returned to Lycoming County, he served out a prison term at a state facility in Huntington and later resided in Linden.
Anyone with information on wanted persons are urged to call the fugitive tip line at 1-800-282-0427 or 327-6757.
"Lycoming County's Most Wanted" list will also appear online at www.sungazette.com starting Monday. Visitors to the Sun-Gazette website will be able to see the entire list with updated apprehension information.
