A welfare check led to the arrest of a Hamburg man after Pottsville City Police recovered a loaded handgun during an investigation on November 18, 2025.
According to Pottsville Police, officers were first dispatched at approximately 11:52 a.m. to the area of 2640 Woodglen Road after witnesses reported seeing two people unconscious inside a vehicle. According to witnesses, the pair had just left a nearby office before returning to the vehicle, where they again appeared to lose consciousness.
By the time officers arrived, the vehicle had left the area. Police later located it at Dunkin’ Donuts West, where they made contact with the driver, William Rowland, 35, of Hamburg. Officers reported Rowland appeared incoherent and took him into custody following their investigation.
During the encounter, police discovered a loaded .25-caliber Chrome Lorcin handgun positioned between the driver’s seat and the door. The firearm contained one round in the chamber and one round in the magazine.
Authorities noted that Rowland is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior criminal history.
Following the investigation, Rowland was charged on November 26th, 2025 with:
- Possession of Firearm Prohibited (F2)
- Firearms Not to Be Carried Without a License (F3)
Rowland was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Reiley, who set bail at $20,000. He was unable to post bail and was committed to Schuylkill County Prison.
Rowland will appear before Judge Reiley for a preliminary hearing on December 8th, 2025.