Elizabeth police make long drive to return car

Elizabeth Police Chief William Sombo, left, returned Janet Finegan’s car to her along with Officer Casey Perrotta at her home in York County on Christmas Eve. Finegan’s vehicle broke down in Elizabeth a week ago after she became disoriented during a shopping trip.

By CHRISTINE HAINES

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The Elizabeth borough police department made a special Christmas delivery this year: returning a car to an 82-year-old woman from York County who had broken down in Elizabeth a week ago.

Janet Finegan had been reported missing after she went out shopping and failed to return home. The woman was located in Elizabeth borough with two flat tires after state police had sent out a notice asking officers to be on the lookout for her. 

Elizabeth police ended up driving Finegan halfway home, meeting some of her relatives at the Sideling Hill rest stop on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, but that left her vehicle, still with two flat tires, disabled in Elizabeth.

“I’m friends with Casey Harper Jr. from C. Harper Chevrolet, and Monday morning they came and got her car,” said Elizabeth Police Chief William Sombo.

Sombo said his intent was to replace the damaged tires. Instead the crew at C. Harper also gave the car new brakes and rotors and an oil change, as well as detailing it inside and out.

“Myself and Officer Casey Perrotta drove out Christmas Eve and gave her her car back for Christmas,” Sombo said. “It was 251 miles one way.”