Wanted Man Arrested After Knife Threat Near PA Daycare

Efrain Valentin Jr. allegedly pulled a knife on officers, triggering a brief lockdown at a nearby Kindercare Learning Center.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:19pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police evidence marker, such as a numbered placard or chalk outline, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A police investigation into a reported threat near a daycare center exposes the risks law enforcement face when encountering wanted individuals.Hummelstown Today

A 49-year-old man wanted by the Dauphin County Sheriff's Office was arrested near a Hershey, Pennsylvania grocery store after allegedly threatening officers with a knife, leading to a brief lockdown at a nearby daycare center.

Why it matters

Incidents involving weapons near schools and daycares raise serious public safety concerns, especially for parents and families in the community. This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in apprehending wanted suspects who may pose a threat to the public.

The details

Police say Efrain Valentin Jr. was already wanted by authorities for failing to appear in court when his family reported him missing on March 27. Officers spotted Valentin near a Karns Food Store in Hershey and attempted to identify him, but he allegedly produced a knife and threatened the officers. A Taser was deployed, and Valentin was taken into custody after some resistance.

  • On March 27, Valentin's family reported him missing after last speaking with him that morning.
  • On April 2 around 10:46 a.m., police spotted Valentin near the Karns Food Store in Hershey.

The players

Efrain Valentin Jr.

A 49-year-old man from Hummelstown, Pennsylvania who was wanted by the Dauphin County Sheriff's Office and allegedly threatened officers with a knife near a grocery store.

Derry Township Police

The law enforcement agency that arrested Valentin and directed a nearby daycare to briefly lockdown during the incident.

Kindercare Learning Center

The daycare facility located next to the Karns Food Store that was placed on lockdown for 4-5 minutes due to the police activity.

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What’s next

Valentin is facing several charges, including aggravated assault on a police officer, and will appear in court at a later date.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and coordination between law enforcement and local institutions like daycares to ensure the safety of the community, especially when dealing with wanted suspects who may pose a threat.