Columbia, PA — April 2026
Several criminal complaints were recently filed in Magisterial District Court 02-1-03 and related jurisdictions, according to affidavits of probable cause released through court records. The cases involve separate incidents occurring in late 2025 and early April 2026 and were investigated by local and regional law enforcement agencies.
Arrest Made During Wanted Person Encounter on Chestnut Street
According to an affidavit filed by Columbia Borough Police, officers encountered Skyler Matthew Barr on November 12, 2025, inside the Turkey Hill convenience store at 342 Chestnut Street in Columbia. Police stated they were aware Barr had an active bench warrant at the time.
When officers attempted to take Barr into custody, he reportedly resisted arrest and attempted to pull away, requiring officers to use physical force until backup arrived. After being taken into custody, police said a search incident to arrest resulted in the discovery of a small amount of marijuana, a glass pipe with residue, and a digital scale.
Barr is charged with:
- Resisting arrest (misdemeanor)
- Possession of marijuana
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
The affidavit states the substances later tested positive for marijuana. Charges were filed on April 2, 2026.
Domestic Assault Investigation on South 9th Street
In a separate case, Raymond Gordon Stoutzenberger was charged following a reported domestic incident in the early morning hours of April 5, 2026, on South 9th Street in Columbia.
According to the affidavit filed by Sgt. Brent M. Keyser of the Columbia Borough Police Department, officers responded to a call for service and made contact with a female victim who displayed visible injuries to her wrist with blood present.
Police reported the victim stated an argument occurred during which Stoutzenberger allegedly threw a glass bottle and a lamp, striking her and causing injury. The affidavit also notes that verbal threats were made during the incident.
Stoutzenberger is charged with:
- Simple assault (domestic violence)
Felony Charges Filed After Alleged Domestic Assault on Marietta Avenue
Another criminal complaint was filed against Yazir Damien Brown following an incident reported on April 1, 2026, at a residence on Marietta Avenue in Columbia, investigated by West Hempfield Township Police.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, police were dispatched to a domestic dispute in progress. Officers reported that the victim stated Brown, identified as her ex-boyfriend, entered the residence during an argument and physically assaulted her. The affidavit alleges the victim was struck multiple times and later restrained by pressure applied to her neck, causing difficulty breathing.
Investigators also noted property damage inside the residence following the incident. Brown was later charged with felony and misdemeanor offenses related to the alleged assault.
Brown is charged with:
- Simple assault
- Strangulation (felony)
Court Proceedings Pending
All individuals named in the complaints are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Preliminary hearings and further court proceedings are pending in Lancaster County Magisterial District Court.
Court documents indicate that arrest warrants or summonses were requested in each case and approved by the issuing authorities.
Residents with information related to these or other incidents are encouraged to contact local law enforcement. Victims of domestic violence can also seek confidential assistance through local support organizations and hotlines.
