Editorial Standards

Latest News Today maintains rigorous editorial standards. Our team verifies information from trusted sources and provides context to help readers understand complex stories.

Last Updated: Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 06:54 PM
Category: Id

Editor's Note

Latest News Today provides comprehensive coverage and analysis of breaking news stories. This article is part of our ongoing coverage of wbna29922769, bringing you verified information from trusted sources with added context and expert perspective.

Why This Matters: Understanding the full context of this story helps readers make informed decisions and stay updated on developments that impact our community.

Man robs retired chief at police convention

A retired police chief says he was robbed by "probably the dumbest criminal in Pennsylvania" at a police officers' convention attended by 300 narcotics officers.

A retired police chief says he was robbed by "probably the dumbest criminal in Pennsylvania."

It happened Friday morning at a hotel hosting a police officers' convention near Harrisburg that drew 300 narcotics officers from Pennsylvania and Ohio.

John Comparetto says as he came out of a stall in the men's bathroom, a man pointed a gun in his face and demanded money.

Comparetto, a retired police chief from New York, gave up his money and cell phone. But when the man fled, Comparetto and some colleagues chased him. They arrested 19-year-old Jerome Marquis Blanchett of Harrisburg as he was trying to leave in a taxi.

Blanchett, who was awaiting trial of four previous robbery charges, was arraigned Friday before a District Court judge who set bail at $1 million.

When a reporter asked Blanchett for comment as he was led out of court, he said, "I'm smooth."