Marijuana and Vehicle Violations Charged in McKean County for Ridgway Resident
RIDGWAY, Pa. – A McKean County Magisterial District Court hearing is set for September 23, 2026, after Samuel Alexsey Heppenstall, a 30‑year‑old resident of Ridgway, was charged with multiple drug and traffic offenses stemming from an incident on September 2, 2026.
The case, docketed as MJ-48304-CR-0000131-2026 in Magisterial District Court 48‑3‑04, lists Judge David Richard Engman as the presiding magistrate. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, represented by the McKean County District Attorney’s Office, filed a criminal complaint on September 8, 2026. The complaint (No. C5AABST49K) references Incident No. PA 2026‑1115577 and originates from an arrest by the Lewis Run Police Service (PSP) under the authority of Officer Jack D. Lauer.
According to the docket, Heppenstall was arrested on September 2, 2026, and subsequently fingerprinted. The charges filed include:
- § 780‑113 (A)(31I) – Marijuana – Small amount for personal use (Grade M)
- § 780‑113 (A)(32) – Use or possession of drug paraphernalia (Grade M)
- § 4524 (E)(1) – Windshield obstruction and improper use of wipers (Improper sunscreening) (Grade S)
- § 4303 (B) – General lighting requirements – No rear lights (Grade S)
- § 4305 (A) – Vehicular hazard signal lamps – General rule violation (Grade S)
All offenses are recorded as having occurred on September 2, 2026. The docket does not specify a bail amount or conditions, and no disposition has been entered at this time. The case status remains “Active – Awaiting Preliminary Hearing,” with a preliminary arraignment scheduled for September 23, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Engman.
Heppenstall’s home address is listed as Ridgway, Pennsylvania 15853. He was advised of his right to apply for an assignment of counsel, but the docket indicates that he did not request a public defender and no application for appointment was filed.
The McKean County District Attorney’s Office, located at the McKean County Courthouse, 500 West Main Street, Smethport, PA 16749, is handling the prosecution. The office can be reached at 814‑887‑3312.
As the case proceeds, Heppenstall is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This article was generated based on publicly available court docket information. While we strive for accuracy, the content may contain errors or omissions. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For official court records and legal guidance, please consult the appropriate court or legal professional.