Bellefonte woman caught hiding in woods near state prison

Bellefonte, Pa. — Police located a woman hiding in the woods after discovering an abandoned vehicle near a State Correctional Institution in Centre County.

A gold Chevrolet Trailblazer allegedly belonging to Betania Perez Pichardo, 46, of Bellefonte was discovered by state police on July 13 just before 8 p.m. Perez was located a short distance from the vehicle in a wooded area belonging to the Rockview Prison in Centre County, according to the complaint.

Police received a call from the prison, which reported seeing the vehicle in the 600 block of Reservoir Road, Trooper Alexander Watters said. Trespassing signs are clearly posted at its intersection with West College Avenue, according to Watters. There allegedly is no other way to enter Reservoir Road.

Investigators conducted an “extensive” search of the area, locating Perez Pichardo just before 11 p.m., Watters wrote in the affidavit. Perez Pichardo was taken into custody before being driven to PSP Rockview.

Perez Richardo is being charged with defiant criminal trespassing. She is free on $2,500 monetary bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for next week with Judge Donald Hahn.

Docket sheet