SHOHOLA, PA — As Shohola’s crime wave continues unabated, the municipal meeting scheduled for September 11 is anticipated to be largely dedicated to the volatile subject that has residents on edge. In coordination with local police, Lt. Christopher Paris, area commander working out of Blooming Grove State Police Barracks, will be there to give the current status of state police’s and the district attorney’s increased involvement in this ongoing investigation.

In addition, Paris will be available to answer questions from the public provided they will not put the current investigation at risk. Shohola police, as the primary investigators of the incidents, will also be present. All residents who have been affected in any way by burglaries or thefts who wish to gain greater information than has been available, are encouraged to attend the meeting. The public is also discouraged from repeating unverified rumors, as they cloud the truth and may interfere with the investigation.

Meanwhile, the thief has not been at rest. Several robberies or attempted robberies have been reported by local residents and details of two indicate some important differences between the methods used. There is no clear proof that there is only one perpetrator. Copycats may be taking this opportunity to burglarize as well and count on the witnessed thief being blamed.

Two recent events occurred on Route 434 in Shohola Township. Along with 434, German Hill and the Culvert Hill areas seem to be favorite targets. Members of one household were awake because a young woman was in labor. Because of this, a man was seen near the woman’s car. The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, first mistook him for her husband, as they were preparing to go to the hospital, but she soon realized it was not him. She had an excellent view and said the suspect appeared to be over six feet tall and again wore a dark hoodie, a ski mask, slim dark pants and black sneakers with a white stripe of some sort on them, and gloves. He was also wearing a belt, which may have had items hanging off it, although the witness is certain it was not a true tool belt.

The suspect was going through the woman’s pocketbook at the time, but dropped it and began running with the woman’s husband in pursuit. As usual, he ran into the woods and his pursuer lost sight of him. As in past incidents, no car was ever seen or heard. Any car starting in that remote area would be heard by neighbors. This incident was reported to state police, who arrived within the half hour.

The other incident, while on the same road, was markedly different. This robbery was attempted during the night hours of September 5. The resident awoke to find her car vandalized. While the suspect was unable to enter the car, he did cause considerable damage to the car, which will have to be repaired at the owner’s expense.

The only other incident in this series in which car damage had been reported was the very first report, in which a window had been smashed to gain access to a car on German Hill. That was the first incident of this sort reported to police. No other damage to property has been reported.

Chief Scott Carney emphasized the importance of residents reporting any incident to local or state police as soon as possible. Carney said the police cannot prosecute crimes that are not reported, and is counting on residents to report any burglaries or thefts to aid the investigation.

Also, residents are encouraged to report any discarded clothing that appears to match what is known to generally match what witnesses have reported the suspect is wearing. Carney advised that residents should not touch or move clothing; instead, call the police and allow them to process the evidence properly.

Finally, judging by comments from the members of the community, it’s likely that a few people know who is responsible for these robberies, be it a single individual or more than one. Anyone who knows the identity of the person or persons who have been stealing hard-earned cash from victims in Shohola is urged to inform police, and help bring the crime spree to an end.