Calls from residents lead to drug arrest in Monongahela
Monongahela police are crediting calls from the public in a recent drug arrest.
Police Sunday evening arrested Lerae Bizzelle, 39, of 821 Meldon Ave., Donora, following a controlled drug buy on Main Street in Monongahela.
Chief Brian Tempest said the police had been getting numerous calls about suspicious activity in the 200 block of Main Street and set up a controlled buy of crack cocaine. After the suspected drugs were purchased from a man driving a red Dodge minivan around 9 p.m. Sunday, officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle.
According to Tempest, Bizzelle, who was driving the van, had the marked bills from the drug buy in his possession.
“We appreciate getting the calls and you can remain anonymous,” Tempest said of the tips that led to the controlled buy.
Tempest said residents shouldn’t be discouraged if they don’t see steps taken immediately to address their calls.
“Sometimes it takes time,” Tempest said.
Bizzelle was charged with criminal use of a cellphone, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, use or possession of drug paraphernalia and driving with a suspended or revoked license.
He is being held at the Washington County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bond, and faces a preliminary hearing Dec. 22 before Magisterial District Judge Mark Wilson.