Four individuals were arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania on May 23, 2025, including a man wanted for illegally possessing a handgun. Three others now face charges for allegedly helping him hide from police ahead of Memorial Day weekend.
What Happened
Police in Altoona arrested Marcelino Sanchez Regalado, 35, who was wanted for firearm-related offenses.
He was located inside a home on the 400 block of 22nd Avenue, along with William Hillard Jr., 39, Shawnna Marie Bastian, 30, and Brenna Jade Dimitroff, 28.
All four were taken into custody after an attempted concealment and a drug-related discovery.
Key Details
Regalado had an active warrant for selling a handgun to a police informant in September 2024.
When officers arrived at the residence, they spotted Regalado running into the basement through a glass-paneled door.
Two women, later identified as Bastian and Dimitroff, were seen at the entrance. Hillard answered the door but initially denied Regalado was inside and blocked police entry.
Eventually, Hillard allowed officers to enter. Police found Regalado hiding under a table, covered in a blanket. OC spray was used to remove him from the hiding spot.
A search of the residence revealed drugs and paraphernalia, including:
Item Found | Description |
---|---|
White Powder | Suspected heroin/fentanyl |
Pills | 16 unmarked white pills |
Packaging | Blue wax packets |
Devices | Smoking tools |
Weapon | Brass knuckles |
Reactions or Statements
Altoona police emphasized the home was a known hiding spot for fugitives.
There were no public statements from the accused or their legal representatives at the time of reporting.
Investigation or What’s Next
All four suspects face different charges:
- Marcelino Sanchez Regalado: Held on $100,000 bail for flight to avoid apprehension and drug paraphernalia possession.
- Brenna Jade Dimitroff: Held on $50,000 bail for hindering apprehension, controlled substance possession, and giving false ID.
- William Hillard Jr.: Held on 10% of $50,000 bail for hindering and controlled substance possession.
- Shawnna Marie Bastian: Released on $50,000 unsecured bail for hindering apprehension.
Preliminary hearings are scheduled for June 4, 2025.
FAQs
Who is Marcelino Sanchez Regalado?
He is a 35-year-old Altoona resident wanted for illegally possessing and allegedly selling a handgun.
What charges do the others face?
They are accused of hindering Regalado’s arrest, possessing drugs, and in one case, providing a false identity.
Was any contraband found?
Yes. Officers discovered suspected heroin/fentanyl, pills, smoking tools, and brass knuckles.
Why was OC spray used?
Police used OC spray after Regalado refused to surrender from his hiding spot under a table.
When is the next court date?
Preliminary hearings for all four are set for June 4, 2025.
Summary / Final Takeaway
A police raid in Altoona led to four arrests, exposing a suspected safehouse used to hide fugitives. Along with capturing a wanted man, officers uncovered illegal drugs and paraphernalia.
The case highlights the risks involved in harboring fugitives and the legal consequences that follow.