Fight Over Fireworks, Man Charged With Gun Violation In Plumstead

PLUMSTEAD TOWNSHIP, PA — The Plumstead Township Police Department reported the following incidents and arrests between July 1 and July 7:

July 1

At 11:10 a.m., an employee at the Easton Road Wawa reported a retail theft that had occurred in June. The employee told police that an individual entered the store, selected an item, went to a secluded section of the store, and then exited the store without the item in hand. The employee was able to obtain a partial license plate. The case is under investigation pending a positive ID on the suspect.

July 3

At 11:12 a.m., a Plumstead resident filed a fraud report with police. The resident told police that she received a phone call from an individual saying they were with the sheriff’s department. The
unknown caller directed the resident to pay $5000 in fines due to missing jury duty, and if she did not pay, a warrant would be issued for her arrest. The resident was directed to go to different bitcoin machines to pay the $5,000 fine. After the resident had done that, she called the sheriff’s department and was informed it was a scam. The resident notified her bank and Venmo in an attempt to recoup her loss. The case remains under investigation.

July 4

At 9:10 p.m., officers responded to Summer Hill Drive for a possible assault. At the scene, police were told that neighbors were shooting off fireworks when one hit a house and a truck. The resident told police that they asked the neighbors to stop shooting the fireworks as it was becoming a hazard. At that point, another individual started yelling at the complainant. The complainant was then punched in the face, which caused swelling and bruising. The party accused of assault told police the complainant was grabbing and scratching him. A 34-year-old woman from Doylestown and an 18-year-old man from Doylestown were cited for harassment. Both parties were provided with Victim's Rights packets.

July 5

At 11:27 a.m., officers responded to Swamp Road for a medical call. When the officers arrived, they found an individual slumped over in his car behind the wheel. When an officer gained entry into the vehicle, the individual woke up. The officer asked the individual if he took any medication or if there was anything in the vehicle. The individual stated that he had a handgun. When the officer ran his name, police learned that he did not have a permit to carry. The officer arrested Gary Bergstresser, 45, of Northampton County, for carrying and concealing a firearm without a permit. Bergstresser was processed and arraigned and was released on $10,000 bail.

July 6

At 6:50 p.m., police responded to Alder Drive for a domestic disturbance. When the officers arrived, they could hear yelling as they exited their patrol vehicles. The officer separated two parties and interviewed them separately. One party told officers that she locked the door when her son left. When he came back, he couldn’t get in so he climbed through a window, got into a verbal argument, threw a pack of cigarettes at her, and grabbed her by the nose. The victim was provided a victim’s right packet. While the officers were talking to the other parties, they found drugs and drug paraphernalia in plain view. It was confirmed by the second party that the drugs and the drug paraphernalia belonged to them. Officers arrested a 35-year-old man from Doylestown for simple assault and possession. He was processed, arraigned and transported to Bucks County Prison with bail conditions not to have contact with the victim. Officers also arrested a 33-year-old Warminster woman for possession.

July 7

At 2:01 p.m., officers responded to the Giant on Swamp Road for a fraud report. When the officers arrived, they were met by the complainant who stated that an unknown individual placed tampered/altered gift cards on the shelves. The store turned over 50 variety of gift cards that had been tampered with. The case remains under investigation.