Morning Roundup: Butler County man charged with assaulting toddler at Butler Farm Show

Here are some of the latest news items from this morning, Tuesday, Aug. 13:

Police say Butler County man assaulted toddler at Butler Farm Show

A Butler County man is accused of slapping a 3-year-old boy in the face at the Butler Farm Show over the weekend, according to state police.

Gary L. Fend Jr., 45, of Oakland Township posted $10,000 bail and is awaiting a Sept. 4 preliminary hearing on charges of child endangerment, simple assault and harassment.

Troopers were called to the farm show grounds in Connoquenessing Township at 6 p.m. Friday after a vendor reported seeing Fend assault the child and push him into a stroller. The child had red marks on his face and he was taken to Butler Memorial Hospital, police said.

Fend did not have an attorney listed in online court records.

Greensburg firm’s equipment taken from Fayette County location

Construction equipment belonging to a Greensburg firm was taken from a Fayette County location, according to information released Monday by Pennsylvania State Police.

The items — a 14-gallon gas tank, an acetylene cylinder and an oxygen cylinder — were valued at $275 and owned by Plum Contracting. They were reportedly removed from the Moyer Road site in Bullskin in June, police said. Video surveillance showed someone get out of a white car, enter the construction site and then put items in the car’s trunk before driving away.

Anyone with information is asked to contact state police in Uniontown at 724-439-7111.

$2M restitution ordered for consumers in settlements

Nearly 6,500 consumers who did business with Progressive Leasing or Community Loans of America are being sent a total of $2 million in restitution, according to state Attorney General Michelle Henry.

The restitution is related to settlements the attorney general’s office reached with the companies this year. Community Loans of America made thousands of unlawful loans and Progressive Leasing was alleged to have failed to comply with laws that require notification of complete financing cost information on items offered for rent, according to the attorney general’s office.

Both companies agreed to clear consumer debt and outstanding balances.

Pittsburgh police issue latest Downtown patrol report

Pittsburgh police reported making 19 arrests and issuing 32 nontraffic citations last week in the central business district as part of a concerted effort to boost patrols in that area. In addition, police said they met with seven businesses and issued dozens of parking tickets.

Across the Monongahela River in the city’s South Side neighborhood, police reported recovering two guns and making seven arrests last week for a variety of offenses, including drug and gun violations. Officers have been focusing enforcement efforts along East Carson Street and the surrounding areas.

Officers reported making 21 traffic stops and writing 18 traffic tickets, as well as 35 nontraffic citations.