Columbia man charged with gun theft and 2 additional charges | Columbia Borough Police Department

https://lancaster.crimewatchpa.com/columbiapd/10552/arrests/robinson-dashawn-damien-theft-gun-and-2-additional-charges 

King's Discount Columbia to close

 

Taylor Middle School principal in Columbia Borough resigns | Community News | lancasteronline.com

When: Columbia Borough school board meeting, Jan. 7.

What happened: The school board accepted the resignation of Taylor Middle School principal Erin Birk.

Background: Birk's resignation, which was submitted Jan. 3, is effective Feb. 28. Birk began her career in education in 2010 as a school psychologist at Hempfield School District, serving in the position for nearly a decade. She then became an assistant principal in Manheim Township School District, serving in the role for over three years. She came to Columbia in December 2022.

Next steps: Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the school district's website or by contacting the district office.

MORE:

https://lancasteronline.com/news/regional/taylor-middle-school-principal-in-columbia-borough-resigns/article_bb6f62bc-d369-11ef-914a-9b603c183fb7.html 

Shooting Incident on January 15, 2025

 

Justin Odell Freshwater

The following information is based on an Affidavit of Probable Cause:

Re: Shooting Incident on January 15, 2025

Defendant: Justin Odell Freshwater

On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Columbia Police officers responded to a reported shooting in the 100 block of South 4th Street, Columbia Borough, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Initial reports indicated an adult male had sustained gunshot wounds to the arm.

Investigation Details:

Initial Response:

- Officers discovered Victim #1 with two gunshot wounds to the left arm.

- The victim was treated on scene by EMS and transported to Lancaster General Hospital.

- Two spent Hornady 9mm shell casings were recovered at 400 block of Avenue K near South Fourth Street intersection.

Suspect Identification and Apprehension:

- Witness #1 identified the shooter as Justin Freshwater (18 YOM).

- Officers located Freshwater and a 17-year-old juvenile male in an apartment on the 100 block of South 4th Street.

- Both individuals were detained.

Witness Statement (approximately 1730 hours):

- Detective Matthew D. Leddy interviewed Witness #1.

- Witness reported that Freshwater, the juvenile male, and Victim #1 were known to each other and had prior conflicts.

- The incident began with an argument between Victim #1 and the juvenile male near Fourth and Cherry Streets.

- The argument continued into 400 block of Avenue K.

- Freshwater admitted that the juvenile male told him about the argument with Victim #1 when the juvenile male returned to the apartment.

-Freshwater admitted that he took a handgun from the apartment and approached the area where Victim #1 and Witness #1 were located.

-An argument ensued between Freshwater and Victim #1. Freshwater said that during this argument, he pulled the handgun from his waist area and shot Victim #1 two times.

-Freshwater said that he then fled the scene and returned to the apartment.

Suspect Interview (approximately 1917 hours):

- Detective Leddy conducted a Miranda-warned interview with Freshwater.

- Freshwater waived rights and provided a statement.

- Freshwater admitted to taking a handgun from the apartment after learning of argument.

- Freshwater confirmed confronting and shooting Victim #1 twice before fleeing back to apartment.

Charges Approved by Lancaster County District Attorney's Office:

1. 18 Pa.C.S.2702(a)(4) - Aggravated Assault (F2)

2. 18 Pa.C.S.6106(a)(1) - Firearms not to be carried without a license

[Photo and Affidavit of Probable Cause were provided by Austin Winkler, CBS21 News.]

BREAKING: SHOOTING REPORTED IN COLUMBIA

A shooting incident was reported in Columbia on Wednesday afternoon at approximately 4:30 PM. Emergency units were dispatched to the area of Smoke and Chill shop located at the intersection of South Fourth Street and Cherry Street, and also to South Fourth and Avenue K.

Initial reports:

- Two shots were heard by witnesses

- A male victim reportedly sustained a shoulder wound near Avenue K before running to the Smoke and Chill shop, according to witnesses

-A male was taken from Smoke and Chill by ambulance.

- Law enforcement response included four West Hempfield Township Police vehicles and at least one Columbia Borough Police vehicle

This information is preliminary. Further details will be provided as more information becomes available from official sources.

UPDATE (5:30 p.m. 1/15/25): Police have closed off the 400 block of Avenue K. Two Manor Township police vehicles were also observed near the scene.

Agenda - Columbia Borough Council Meeting - January 14, 2025

 

The meeting packet is HERE.

Deeds Recorded - Columbia Borough - January 13, 2025

Gochnauer Barry L, Gochnauer Beth E. conveyed 454 Linden St. to Lopes Yve C, Crowthers Jesse W. for $245,000.

James Blymire conveyed 332 Cherry St. to Kifle Tigisti, Turpin Justin for $160,000.

Angelina Jenkins conveyed 904 Houston St. to E&E Rental Properties LLC for $137,500.