An investigation into 1610 21st Ave., Altoona, where drug trafficking has been an issue, resulted in several arrests, according to a police report.

Altoona police and the Blair County Drug Task Force began the investigation after several overdose incidents were linked to the residence, including a Sept. 6 case where a man collapsed after leaving the home, police reported.

On Sept. 10, surveillance and a subsequent traffic stop was conducted. During the traffic stop, the passenger of the vehicle started to show signs of an overdose. The passenger admitted to using heroin/fentanyl, xylazine (tranq) and methamphetamine, and police administered Narcan on scene before he was transported to UPMC Altoona for treatment.

A search warrant was executed at the residence later that day, resulting in the arrest of nine individuals and the seizure of heroin/fentanyl packaged for street-level distribution.

Goss

One suspect, Tyler Knepp, 35, attempted to flee and was apprehended with drugs visibly falling from his pockets, police said. Drug paraphernalia and additional narcotics were found throughout the home.

While the investigation is ongoing, police filed drug charges against Robert Goss, 52; William Davis, 56; Knepp and Andrew Bem, 53.

Knepp was arraigned Thursday on two felony charges of possession with intent to deliver, a felony charge of escape and misdemeanor charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, escape, evading arrest, resisting arrest and flight to avoid apprehension.

Bem, Goss and Davis were also arraigned Thursday. Each face two felony charges of possession with intent to deliver and misdemeanor charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

All four were remanded to the Blair County Prison after being unable to post $100,000 bail each. Their preliminary hearings are set for Sept. 24 before Magisterial District Judge Benjamin F. Jones.

Davis

Bem