Scottdale man found in North Huntingdon motel after removing ankle bracelet

A Scottdale man who was free on bail on drug and gun charges is accused of cutting off his electronic monitoring bracelet and hiding out in a North Huntingdon motel, according to court papers.

Westmoreland County sheriff’s deputies tracked Donald M. Young, 46, over several days before apprehending him Friday. He was arraigned Tuesday on a charge of flight to avoid apprehension.

Authorities learned July 25 that Young had cut off the monitor and a bench warrant for his arrest was issued the same day. He had been free on $10,000 bail since June 13 in connection with an April search at a South Greensburg home where police said they found ammunition, 551 stamp bags of heroin, 16 bags of marijuana and two pistols, according to court papers. Young was not permitted to have a firearm, and police said one of the guns appeared to have been subject to an attempt to scratch off its serial number.

The monitor was found in the parking lot of a business on Route 30 in North Huntingdon.

Sheriff’s deputies ultimately found Young and Shanna B. Fletcher, 38, of Scottdale, Friday at a North Huntingdon motel. During his arrest, Young claimed he was going to surrender in a couple days. Fletcher is facing a hindering apprehension charge and had not been arraigned.

Young’s bail was revoked in the South Greensburg case. He was being held at the Westmoreland County Prison. An unsecured $20,000 bail was set in the new case and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 5. An Aug. 26 preliminary hearing is set for the drug and gun case. His attorney could not immediately be reached.