Officer Zachary Heckenswiler of the Lower Moreland Police Department was recently named February Officer of the Month for his efforts in apprehending repeat offenders who were shoplifting in the Huntingdon Valley area.

From the Department’s announcement:

On February 2, 2023 at 1752 hours, Officers were dispatched to CVS Pharmacy, at 670 Welsh Road, for a retail theft in progress. Officers were advised that a white male in a black hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans, and a white female in a pink top and jeans, left on foot towards the Dunkin Donuts. The subjects then entered a silver GMC Terrain and left towards Huntingdon Pike.

Officer Heckenswiler observed the vehicle making a right onto Huntingdon Pike from the parking lot, caught up to the vehicle, and initiated a traffic stop. Officer Heckenswiler approached the vehicle and observed four occupants in the vehicle. Two occupants matched the description provided from CVS.  One of them admitted to and was positively identified as the subject who was attempting to steal merchandise from the store.  Illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia, along with other suspected stolen merchandise was also found in the vehicle.  In addition to new criminal charges, three of the four occupants also had outstanding warrants. 

Officer Heckenswiler’s efforts helped catch the shoplifter and he will be charging these repeat offenders accordingly. Great Job Officer Heckenswiler!

Photo courtesy of the Lower Moreland Police Department