Pennsylvania — Authorities in Pennsylvania took eight people into custody after two suspected overdose incidents on October 24 led to a police investigation at a home on 5th Avenue in Altoona. The situation began when Altoona Police responded to the 2000 block for a suspected overdose involving a 23-year-old man later identified as Jordan Woolridge.
Officers found Woolridge conscious and responsive on the porch. He denied overdosing and refused medical treatment, leading police to clear the scene temporarily. Another man left the residence during the initial response and was allowed to go after speaking with officers.
Second Overdose Reveals Troubling Connection
Shortly afterward, police were dispatched again — this time to the 600 block of 5th Avenue — for another life-threatening overdose. According to the caller, five doses of Narcan failed to reverse the man’s condition. Police determined the victim was the same man who had left the first location earlier.
He was transported to UPMC Altoona in critical condition, intensifying concerns about drug activity connected to the home, as per WTAJ.
Tipster Alerts Investigators to Suspected Drug Activity
During these back-to-back overdose emergencies, Pennsylvania State Police received new information. A confidential informant claimed that 35-year-old Holly Bennett was inside the home with heroin and fentanyl, and that they had purchased drugs there in the past from both Bennett and Woolridge.
This information led officers to secure a search warrant to reenter the property.
Officers Detain Eight Suspects During House Search
Upon returning to the residence, officers say several individuals attempted to escape.
Inside and around the property, police arrested:
Arrested Individuals — Pennsylvania
• Nicholas Yohrling, 37, arrested inside residence
• William Hampton, 46, attempted to flee residence
• Anna Knipple, 33, attempted to flee residence
• Jordan Woolridge, 23, located inside residence
• Holly Bennett, 35, located inside residence
• Nicole Lonergan, 38, located inside residence
• Melissa Vonarx, 42, located inside residence
• Joshua Anspach, 47, located inside residence
All eight were taken into custody at the 2000 block of 5th Avenue.
Drugs and Evidence Seized
During the search, police say they recovered:
• 34 packets of heroin/fentanyl
• 5 grams of fentanyl
• 20 grams of methamphetamine
• 8 Suboxone strips
Investigators noted the seized narcotics are frequently linked to overdose spikes throughout Pennsylvania.
Charges and Bail Status
All eight suspects were charged with:
• Possession with intent to deliver heroin/fentanyl and methamphetamine
• Other related drug offenses
Court records show everyone except Vonarx was booked into Blair County Prison with bail amounts ranging from $250,000 to $300,000. The custody status of Vonarx has not yet been clarified.
Police Stress Urgency of Overdose Crisis
Officials said the rapid sequence of overdose calls illustrates the severe impact of fentanyl-laced drugs on the community. First responders credited fast medical action with preventing additional deaths that night.
Authorities confirm the investigation remains active as they work to determine how long drug use and distribution had been occurring at the home.
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