Published: July 04, 2009 12:12 am      

IN BRIEF | Motorcycle crash injures operator

SALIX – An Adams Township man was taken to a hospital after crashing his motorcycle early Friday.

Brandon Baxter, 29, was riding a 1999 Yamaha motorcycle south on Oak Street when he lost control and crashed at

1:53 a.m., township police said.

Baxter was not wearing a helmet and was found unconscious about 60 feet from the bike, police said.

He was taken to Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown by Forest Hills EMS.

Baxter’s condition was not available.

Indiana man loses $3,500 in scam

INDIANA – State police in Indiana are warning residents about a telephone scam that cost an elderly man $3,500.

The 79-year old White Township man was contacted by phone Tuesday and told he was the third-place winner in the Green Foundation sweepstakes in Las Vegas, troopers said.

The man, whose name was not released, wired the money as requested to “ensure safe delivery of his winnings.”

The man was contacted a second time and told to wire additional funds to pay for a federal luxury tax on his winnings, troopers said.

At that point, he contacted authorities.

The investigation continues.

Police seek tips on Somerset crimes

SOMERSET – Police in Somerset Borough are asking the public’s help in solving two unrelated crimes.

Someone entered a residence in the 300 block of Center Avenue on Thursday and stole a white Xbox 360 and two game controllers.

And someone threw two large rocks that shattered a window at an apartment building in the 800 block of East Main Street on Friday while the resident slept, police said.

Anyone with information on the incidents may contact Somerset police at 445-4596.

Paving probe leads to deportation for 4

ALTOONA – Four illegal immigrants from Mexico were taken into custody Thursday afternoon when authorities responded to numerous complaints about a paving company working in the area of

49th Street and Sixth Avenue.

Altoona police said a company identifying itself as Williams Paving from New Jersey was found to be operating without a city permit.

Company representatives went to City Hall to obtain the required documents, police said.

During the investigation, laborers for the job were found to be illegal immigrants, police said.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was called and will deport the four to Mexico, police said.

MedSTAR ride to help with medical expenses

The sixth annual MedSTAR Charity Motorcycle Ride will be held July 25 beginning at Greenhouse Park on Route 403 south near Tire Hill.

Signups will begin at

11:30 a.m. and the run will start at 1 p.m.

The cost to participate is $15 for one person or $20 for two.

Proceeds will go to help with medical expenses for Tony “Seb” Sebetich, a police officer and firefighter.

Food and refreshments will be provided during the ride.

For more information, call 534-9063 or 534-9256.