20 arrested in Arnold drug sweep
Eight of 20 people arrested Tuesday for selling drugs in Arnold were living in Arnold Tower or are accused of selling drugs there.
The roundup came after a three-month probe by Arnold police and other members of the state Attorney General's Drug Task Force and the Westmoreland County Housing Authority police.
Arnold police Chief Eric Doutt said officers received many complaints about drug sales. Undercover police started making drug buys in July.
“This is just the beginning,” Doutt said.
Arnold Towers at 1528 Horne Blvd. and Arnold Manor at 1632 Horne Blvd., both county-owned housing complexes, mainly house elderly residents but some younger people with disabilities or illness are eligible to live there.
Housing Authority Director Michael L. Washowich said all law-abiding residents are welcome.
“But we can't be a societal triage,” he said. “People selling drugs aren't welcome. We have to protect our residents,” he said.
Numerous high-definition cameras have been installed in county housing complexes and the authority will continue to work with police,” Washowich said.
In addition to being prosecuted, people arrested for selling drugs “will lose their right to live in affordable housing,” he said.
Just before 7 a.m. Tuesday, three teams of police and county sheriff's deputies went to Alcoa Drive, Fourth Avenue and Arnold Manor. Suspects were taken to the New Kensington police department holding cells to await arraignment by District Judge Frank J. Pallone Jr.
Doutt said alleged heroin sellers were caught and more are anticipated.
Most, however, are accused of selling crack cocaine — usually three small rocks for $60 — to undercover officers.
Most of the 19 were taken to Westmoreland County jail, although some posted bond and were released pending Oct. 27 preliminary hearings.
In addition, one man, Daryle Johnson, 49, of Arnold Towers, was placed on $25,000 unsecured bond for a medical reasons.
At his arraignment hearing, Johnson told Pallone that he must have his blood filtered three times a week because of failing kidneys.
Noting that the jail won't accept such an inmate, Pallone ordered Johnson to be released on home arrest in his apartment. He may leave to get medical treatment and buy groceries.
“In your apartment means in your apartment. Not outside. Not on the patio. Not at the front door lobby,” Pallone cautioned Johnson.
The AG task force provided help with supervision, marked money and overtime pay for area police officers who worked the cases.
Arnold police officers were assisted by Tarentum, Harrison, Allegheny Township and Vandergrift officers and deputies.
Chuck Biedka is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 724-226-4711.
