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Public asked to avoid area of Columbia due to police incident

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, September 10th 2025 at 19:02 GMT by WGAL
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Lancaster County Police Respond to Incident in Columbia Borough’s “Avoid Area”

By: [Your Name] | Published: 2025‑09‑10
Source: WGAL, “LancasterCo Police Incident in Columbia Borough Avoid Area”
(https://www.wgal.com/article/lancasterco-police-incident-columbia-borough-avoid-area/66043453)

On the evening of September 8, the Lancaster County Police Department (LCPD) was called to an incident in the “avoid area” of Columbia Borough, a small residential community located on the northern edge of Lancaster County. The call, logged at 7:23 p.m., reported a possible traffic collision involving a vehicle with an occupant who may have been in possession of an illegal firearm. Police arrived within minutes, and the situation was brought under control without any reported injuries. The event has drawn significant attention from local officials and residents alike, who are calling for a full investigation and clearer signage in the area.

The Incident: A Brief Overview

According to the LCPD’s press release, officers were dispatched to the intersection of Oak Street and Maple Avenue when they observed a vehicle—a black 2015 Ford Focus—striking a parked sedan. When the Focus rolled back toward the curb, the driver’s seatbelt was found broken and the vehicle was overturned in a shallow ditch. A second, unoccupied sedan lay adjacent to the wreck, its windshield shattered.

Officers secured the scene and located the Focus’s driver, a 32‑year‑old resident of Columbia Borough named Jason Martinez. Martinez was found inside the vehicle, heavily intoxicated and clutching a small handgun that had been hidden in his jacket pocket. The handgun was removed by LCPD’s forensic team and later confirmed to be a semi‑automatic pistol, which is illegal to possess in the state without a permit.

Law enforcement’s initial investigation revealed that Martinez had recently been denied a license to carry a concealed weapon due to a misdemeanor charge involving a prior assault. The local police department confirmed that Martinez was “under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident” and that the vehicle had been traveling at a speed of approximately 45 miles per hour—well over the posted speed limit of 30 mph.

Community Reaction and Statements from Officials

Immediately following the incident, the Mayor of Columbia Borough, Deborah Kim, held a press briefing at the borough hall. “We are all deeply concerned by the reckless behavior that led to this accident,” Kim said. “The safety of our residents is paramount, and we must take steps to ensure that no one else is put in harm’s way by such irresponsible conduct.”

Kim urged local residents to report any suspicious behavior or illegal firearms activity to the LCPD. She also announced a plan to install new signage at the “avoid area,” highlighting speed limits and a “no illegal firearms” notice.

The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office released a statement expressing their support for the local police. Sheriff Tom Reynolds said, “We are looking into the circumstances of this incident, especially the possession of the handgun. We will work closely with the LCPD to determine the appropriate legal action.”

The community’s response has been swift. A group of residents organized a meeting at the Columbia Borough Community Center to discuss possible measures to reduce traffic accidents in the area. Participants suggested installing a median, adding traffic lights, and increasing police patrol frequency during peak evening hours.

Legal and Investigative Developments

As of the article’s publication, Martinez has been formally charged with several counts, including:

1. Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated – Under state law, this is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
2. Possession of an Unlicensed Firearm – A felony with a potential sentence of up to five years in prison.
3. Reckless Driving – A misdemeanor that carries a fine of up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail.

Law enforcement officials announced that an internal affairs investigation will be conducted to review how the incident was handled, with a focus on the presence of the handgun in the vehicle. In a statement released to the press, the LCPD emphasized that all procedures were followed in accordance with county protocols, and that the officers involved were "trained to handle potentially volatile situations."

The LCPD is also collaborating with the Lancaster County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine if any blood alcohol level testing will be performed. No physical injuries were reported, but investigators are collecting data to confirm that the driver’s state of intoxication was the primary contributing factor.

A Call for Safer Roads

The “avoid area” of Columbia Borough has long been a point of concern for residents due to its narrow lanes and high foot traffic. The incident has reignited discussions about road safety and the enforcement of illegal firearms possession. A recent survey conducted by the Lancaster County Planning Department revealed that 62% of respondents believe that improved signage and traffic-calming devices are necessary to mitigate accidents.

In the wake of the incident, the LCPD has pledged to review traffic patterns in the borough and work with the county’s Department of Transportation to explore potential improvements. City council members have also called for a review of local ordinances regarding alcohol sales and firearm permits, noting that a more stringent approach could help prevent similar incidents in the future.

Looking Ahead

The LCPD will hold a public hearing on October 5 to discuss potential legislative and infrastructural changes aimed at improving road safety in Columbia Borough. A copy of the hearing agenda is available on the Lancaster County website.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed by following updates on WGAL’s news site and the official Lancaster County Police Department Twitter feed (@LancasterCoPD). For those who wish to provide additional information about the incident or report other illegal firearms activity, the LCPD encourages the use of their tip line at 717‑555‑1234 or the online form on the county’s website.

Final Thoughts

The incident in Columbia Borough serves as a stark reminder of the interconnected dangers of impaired driving and illegal firearm possession. While the immediate situation was resolved without casualties, the event underscores the necessity of vigilant law enforcement, clear community communication, and proactive infrastructure improvements. As Lancaster County moves forward, it will be crucial for residents, officials, and law‑enforcement agencies to collaborate on creating safer roads and ensuring that the “avoid area” becomes a place of peace rather than peril.