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Allentown, PA

'Large-Scale' PA Burglary Ring Targeted Home In NJ: Prosecutors 'Large-Scale' PA Burglary Ring Targeted Home In NJ: Prosecutors
'Large-Scale' PA Burglary Ring Targeted Home In NJ: Prosecutors Half a dozen people are charged in connection with a "large-scale" home burglary scheme, according to the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office.  At a press conference on Friday, April 26, prosecutors and law enforcement said an organized ring of thieves stole more than $160,000 in goods from homes in Lehigh, Berks and Northampton counties.  They also targeted at least one home in Warren Township, New Jersey, authorities said.  Beginning in 2019, a team of state and local police agencies began investigating burglaries and attempted burglaries in Allentown, Bethl…
Bright Green Fireball Captured By Wall Township Neighbors Bright Green Fireball Captured By Wall Township Neighbors
Bright Green Fireball Captured By Wall Township Neighbors An earthquake, a total solar eclipse and now a fireball. What a week for weather in the Northeast. Dozens of residents across the region reported seeing a bright green fireball blaze across the sky on before dawn on Wednesday, April 10. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Daily Voice NJ (@dailyvoicenewjersey) Linda Price-Heine captured a fireball in the sky Wednesday, April 10. Daily Voice Linda Price-Heine got a text from her neighbor, Joan Piney, in Wall Township this morning telling her to check her camera, she said…
52 Arrested In 'Elaborate' Cockfighting Ring In South Jersey: Police 52 Arrested In 'Elaborate' Cockfighting Ring In South Jersey: Police
52 Arrested In 'Elaborate' Cockfighting Ring In South Jersey: Police More than 50 people were arrested after police broke up a large cockfighting ring in Atlantic County, authorities said. Galloway Township police executed a search warrant at a home on the 300 block of South Bremen Avenue on Saturday, Mar. 9, the department said in a news release. When officers arrived, a large group of people were there and many tried to run away before they were detained. Investigators found an "elaborate cockfighting operation" that included a fighting ring, seating for spectators, and several cockfighting kits. About 50 roosters were found in "various degrees of health" …
Increased Snow Projections: Parts Of Jersey Shore Could Get Snow In Winter Storm, NWS Says Increased Snow Projections: Parts Of Jersey Shore Could Get Snow In Winter Storm, NWS Says
Increased Snow Projections: Parts Of Jersey Shore Could Get Snow In Winter Storm, NWS Says The National Weather Service says parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania could see more snow than what was initially predicted due to a shift in the storm track. In an updating briefing published Monday, Feb. 12, the NWS said 12 to 18 inches of snow could fall in parts of Sussex County, NJ and the Pocono Mountains. ALSO SEE: North Jersey School Closed, Delayed Ahead Of Major Winter Storm The weather map shows between 8 and 12 inches expected in parts of Bergen, Morris, Passaic, Essex, Warren, Somerset and Hunterdon counties, where winter storm warnings have been issued. Winter weather a…
New Forecast: Increased Snowfall Totals Expected, Arctic Temps To Follow Northeast Storm New Forecast: Increased Snowfall Totals Expected, Arctic Temps To Follow Northeast Storm
New Forecast: Increased Snowfall Totals Expected, Arctic Temps To Follow Northeast Storm Newly-released forecast maps show parts of the region could see up to six inches of snow in the end-of-week storm. Intermittent snow is expected to begin between 4 and 7 a.m. Friday, Jan. 19, with the heaviest amounts falling in the afternoon, the National Weather Service said. Snow will fall at about 0.5 inches per hour and will taper by the evening, with temps in the upper 20s and low 30s, the NWS said. SNOWFALL PREDICTIONS The areas expected to get 4 to 6 inches are Trenton, Long Branch, Allentown, and Philadelphia. Reading, Vineland, Parsippany and Toms River are expected to get 3 to …
Six Inches Of Snow Could Slam Parts Of NJ, PA: Latest Forecast, Timing Updates Six Inches Of Snow Could Slam Parts Of NJ, PA: Latest Forecast, Timing Updates
Six Inches Of Snow Could Slam Parts Of NJ, PA: Latest Forecast, Timing Updates Newly-released forecast maps from the National Weather Service show up to six inches of snow could fall across eastern Pennsylvania and much of New Jersey. Accumulating snowfall will begin Monday, night Jan. 15, mainly after 7 p.m., and carry into Tuesday morning, Jan. 16, impacting the morning commute as it changes over to a wintry mix, the NWS said in its latest briefing. ALSO SEE: North Jersey School Delays For Tuesday, Jan. 16 Between 4 and 6 inches of snow was being forecast for most of North Jersey (including Morris, Sussex, pars of Bergen/Essex/Hudson, Warren, and Hunterdon Counties…
Parents-To-Be Bring Popular NYC Middle Eastern Restaurant To Central Jersey Parents-To-Be Bring Popular NYC Middle Eastern Restaurant To Central Jersey
Parents-To-Be Bring Popular NYC Middle Eastern Restaurant To Central Jersey Abdul Elenani and Ayat Masoud are about to have a very busy autumn. The Pittstown, NJ couple will be expanding both their family — with the birth of their first child expected in October — and restaurant business with new locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, the couple told Daily Voice.  Ayat, a Middle Eastern restaurant that Abdul named in honor of his dear wife, will open at 1243 W. Tilghman St., in Allentown, PA in October. The space was formerly occupied by Bellissimo Ristorante, which closed in 2021. Ayat will have 240 seats, inside and out. The New Jersey store, Al B…
SLEAZY PASS: Feds Charge Bi-State Duo With $1M Pennsy Turnpike Toll Scam SLEAZY PASS: Feds Charge Bi-State Duo With $1M Pennsy Turnpike Toll Scam
Sleazy Pass: Feds Charge Bi-State Duo With $1M Pennsy Turnpike Toll Scam Two men helped truckers and other drivers dodge $1 million in Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls by registering E-ZPass transponders with bogus identities, federal authorities charged. Duvany Zambrano, 43, of Hamilton, NJ, and Sergio Jara, 37, of Allentown, PA, colluded with other unidentified co-conspirators to buy up thousands of the devices from retailers in both states, an FBI investigation found. E-ZPass transponders aren't all that difficult to find. Walmart is among those who sell them. Pennsylvania has more than 300 retail locations where state officials say customers can buy the transpon…
2 Men Restrained Female Workers With Zipties To Rob $578K From NJ Check Cashers At Gunpoint: DA 2 Men Restrained Female Workers With Zipties To Rob $578K From NJ Check Cashers At Gunpoint: DA
2 Men Restrained Female Workers With Zipties To Rob $578K From NJ Check Cashers At Gunpoint: DA Two men from New York City were arrested and jailed after they were apparently connected to a series of gunpoint robberies at check cashing services throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania that involved female workers being restrained with zipties, authorities announced. Ramel Harris, 40, and Neville Brown, 38, both of Brooklyn, were charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, three counts of Hobbs Act robbery, and one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announce…
Marine With NJ Ties ID'd As Motorcyclist Killed In PA Crash Marine With NJ Ties ID'd As Motorcyclist Killed In PA Crash
Marine With NJ Ties ID'd As Motorcyclist Killed In PA Crash The motorcycle rider who died at the scene of a crash in central Pennsylvania on Saturday, August 20, has been identified as a former marine with ties to New Jersey.  Ricardo Reyes, 35, of Mount Joy, was killed in the two-vehicle crash at 8:15 p.m., according to a release by the Lancaster County Forensic Center.  The Manor Township police were called to a crash involving a motorcycle at the intersection of Seitz and Manor Church roads at 7:22 p.m., according to a release by the department. The police officers "render aid to the motorcycle rider until Blue Rock FD and EMS arrived," as stat…
Popular Motorcyclist Killed In NJ Firetruck Crash Popular Motorcyclist Killed In NJ Firetruck Crash
Popular Motorcyclist Killed In NJ Firetruck Crash Those who knew Barry Dowdell, Jr. were grieving his loss this Fourth of July. The Allentown native was struck by a firetruck and ejected from his bike around 6 p.m. Friday, July 1, authorities said.  He was rushed to University Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 6:28 p.m., a spokesman for the Essex County Prosecutor's Office said. The collision is being in investigated by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Crime Scene Investigations Bureau. Meanwhile, countless tributes poured in on social media. Here are just some.
PA Man, 27, Seriously Hurt In Fiery Garden State Parkway Crash PA Man, 27, Seriously Hurt In Fiery Garden State Parkway Crash
PA Man, 27, Seriously Hurt In Fiery Garden State Parkway Crash A 27-year-old driver from Allentown, PA was seriously hurt in an early-morning crash on the Garden State Parkway Sunday, June 26, authorities said. Mafer Fermin Pena was rear-ended by an Acura near mile post 137.9 on the northbound side of the highway in Cranford around 4:45 a.m., New Jersey State Police Trooper Brandi Slota said. The Mazda traveled off the roadway to the right and struck a tree, and the Acura subsequently caught fire. Pena was hospitalized with serious injuries. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
New Jersey TV Reporter Scott Babashak Who Met Wife Working On Air Dies Suddenly New Jersey TV Reporter Scott Babashak Who Met Wife Working On Air Dies Suddenly
New Jersey TV Reporter Scott Babashak Who Met Wife Working On Air Dies Suddenly Former TV news reporter Scott Babashak of Trenton died of a heart attack Friday, May 27, reports WFMZ, where he previously worked. He was 54 years old. The Hamilton native graduated from the Steinert High School in 1985, where he was president of his graduating class, his obit says. He went on to graduate from Rider University and subsequently landed a job at NBC in New York City. Babashak met his wife Liz Keptner while working on air together at 69-WFMZ-TV in Allentown, PA, before the two moved to Sacramento, CA. Babashak and Keptner moved back to the Lehigh Valley to raise …
'I'm The Best Drunk Driver Ever:' Says Woman Accused Of Killing PA Troopers, Pedestrian On I-95 'I'm The Best Drunk Driver Ever:' Says Woman Accused Of Killing PA Troopers, Pedestrian On I-95
'I'm The Best Drunk Driver Ever:' Says Woman Accused Of Killing PA Troopers, Pedestrian On I-95 Twitter users are slamming the 21-year-old woman accused of killing two Pennsylvania State Police troopers and a pedestrian on I-95 on Monday, March 21, after a tweet about her alleged drunk driving skills surfaced. “If you ask me, I’m the best drunk driver ever,” Jayana Tanae Webb, says in a Jan. 15 tweet. Webb, of Eagleville, was driving the speeding car that struck and killed Trooper Martin F. Mack III, 33, Trooper Branden T. Sisca, 29, and Reyes Rivera Oliveras, 28, of Allentown, near southbound milepost 18 just before 1 a.m., Pennsylvania State Police said. The troopers were trying t…
Authorities ID Pedestrian Killed With PA State Police Troopers On I-95; Driver Charged With DUI Authorities ID Pedestrian Killed With PA State Police Troopers On I-95; Driver Charged With DUI
Authorities ID Pedestrian Killed With PA State Police Troopers On I-95; Driver Charged With DUI A 21-year-old woman has been charged with DUI and third-degree murder, among other offenses, in the I-95 crash in Philadelphia on Monday, March 21 that claimed the lives of two Pennsylvania State Police troopers and a pedestrian, authorities said. Jayana Tanae Webb, of Eagleville, was driving the speeding car that struck and killed Trooper Martin F. Mack III, 33, Trooper Branden T. Sisca, 29, and Reyes Rivera Oliveras, 28, of Allentown, near southbound milepost 18 when the troopers were trying to help Oliveras, who was walking on the highway, into their patrol car just before 1 a.m…
Consequences Coming For PA Constable From NJ Who Lied About His Address: Report Consequences Coming For PA Constable From NJ Who Lied About His Address: Report
Consequences Coming For PA Constable From NJ Who Lied About His Address: Report An Allentown constable could be removed from his elected position for falsifying his residential address, LehighValleyLive reports. Steven Wiggs, the constable of Allentown's 16th ward since 2016, has been accused of using a neighbor's Allentown address on his election paperwork despite living in Newark, NJ, the outlet says citing Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin. To be certified as an elected constable in the city, you must be a resident. The DA maintains Wiggs moved from his South Woodard Street address two years ago, before being re-elected in November 2021, according to t…
PA Man Used Apple Watch To Track Wife Before Shooting Her, Killing Man She Was With: Report PA Man Used Apple Watch To Track Wife Before Shooting Her, Killing Man She Was With: Report
PA Man Used Apple Watch To Track Wife Before Shooting Her, Killing Man She Was With: Report A 38-year-old Pennsylvania man is facing murder charges after injuring his wife and killing another man in what police are calling a "domestic-related shooting" at a shopping center in Berks County on Saturday, March 19. Nehemias Santiago Montes, of York, tracked 30-year-old Jessica M. Cruz-Rodriguez using an Apple watch he'd hidden in her car, and waited for her in the parking lot of the Wyomissing Walmart store around 4 p.m., according to the York Daily Record and Borough Police Chief John G. Phillips. Montes noticed an SUV parked next to her car, driven by Alexi Omar Rodriguez …
NYPD: Rookie Shot, Killed By PA Ex-Con, Second Officer Clinging To Life NYPD: Rookie Shot, Killed By PA Ex-Con, Second Officer Clinging To Life
Nypd: Rookie Shot, Killed By PA Ex-Con, Second Officer Clinging To Life A 22-year-old rookie New York City police officer was killed and another officer critically wounded Friday night during what has become one of the most violent periods in the city's recent history. Officer Jason Rivera -- who once wrote that he wanted to join the NYPD to “better the relationship between the community and the police" -- was ambushed with two other officers while responding to a domestic violence call in a Harlem apartment, authorities said. The female caller had said she needed help with her son, city officials said during a solemn news conference at Harlem Hospital. The m…
Feds: Probe In NJ, PA Leads To Arrest Of Paroled Sex Trafficker Feds: Probe In NJ, PA Leads To Arrest Of Paroled Sex Trafficker
Feds: Probe In NJ, PA Leads To Arrest Of Paroled Sex Trafficker A paroled sex trafficker from New Jersey who served nearly 10 years in federal prison was free barely a year when he returned to pimping women and girls, authorities charged. A federal judge in Newark ordered Amin Sharif, 47, of Newark detained following a brief video conference Wednesday afternoon. Records show Sharif, formerly of East Orange, was released from federal prison on Jan. 30, 2020 after serving nearly 120 months for sex trafficking. He'd taken a plea bargain after investigators caught him trafficking underage girls and women, recruiting some of them from out of state on MySpac…
Police Officer Busted On DUI Charge: Authorities Police Officer Busted On DUI Charge: Authorities
Police Officer Busted On DUI Charge: Authorities A patrolman has been arrested for driving under the influence, according to a release by police and public records. Daniel A. Benscics, 33, of Bethlehem, was arrested following a traffic stop on Dec. 12 at 2 a.m., according to Lititz Borough police. Benscics was initially stopped for unsafe driving, but with police for he was allegedly under the influence of alcohol, he was taken into custody, as stated in the release. He blew a 0.190% Breath Alcohol Content during his breathalyzer test for evidence, according to the release. Benscics is a graduate of Bethlehem Catholic High School, who e…
PA Boy, 10, Shot, Killed During Thanksgiving Target Practice, DA Says PA Boy, 10, Shot, Killed During Thanksgiving Target Practice, DA Says
PA Boy, 10, Shot, Killed During Thanksgiving Target Practice, DA Says A 10-year-old Berks County boy was shot and killed during target practice on Thanksgiving Day, authorities said. Responders carried the boy out of the woods to an ambulance after he was shot near his home about 100 feet off Chestnut Street in Hereford Township around 1:30 p.m., they said. He was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest near Allentown, where he was pronounced dead. District Attorney John Adams said the target shooter was “known to the child” and was among those interviewed by State Police as part of an ongoing investigation. An autopsy reportedly was expected to be cond…
Police: PA Man Nabbed With Stolen Loaded Gun In North Jersey Stop Police: PA Man Nabbed With Stolen Loaded Gun In North Jersey Stop
Police: PA Man Nabbed With Stolen Loaded Gun In North Jersey Stop A Hackensack detective nabbed a Pennsylvania man with a loaded gun and more during a traffic stop, authorities said. Narcotics Bureau Detective Kley Peralta pulled over the 2012 Honda for a moving violation in the area of Kennedy Street near Jackson Avenue shortly before 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Detective Capt. Michael Antista said. The passenger, Jonathan Rodriguez-Velez, 39, of Allentown, PA moved around “excessively,” then bent forward to shove something under his seat, Antista said. It was a .357 Magnum “Desert Eagle” reported stolen out of Bristol PA, the captain said, adding that it had f…
Feds Bust NJ YouTuber In Multi-Million-Dollar TV Pirating Ring Feds Bust NJ YouTuber In Multi-Million-Dollar TV Pirating Ring
Feds Bust NJ YouTuber In Multi-Million-Dollar TV Pirating Ring A self-proclaimed South Jersey “influencer” who live-streamed his arrest by federal authorities was charged with running one of the largest-ever illegal TV pirating rings. Bill Omar Carrasquillo – aka “Omi in a Hellcat” -- has insisted that he amassed a $30 million fortune, a stockpile of more than 50 vehicles and dozens of properties through a construction company and as a landlord. Federal authorities, however, say that Carrasquillo, 35, of the Gloucester town of Swedesboro, and partners Jesse Gonzales, 42, of Pico Rivera, CA, and Michael Barone, 36, of Queens, NY, offered subscribers all…
Penn State Student, 20, Dies At Hospital From COVID-19 Penn State Student, 20, Dies At Hospital From COVID-19
Penn State Student, 20, Dies At Hospital From Covid-19 A second Pennsylvania State University student has died of COVID-19. Neil Chetan Patel, 20, of King of Prussia, died at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia on Sunday. Neil Chetan Patel.Facebook- Neil Patel Patel contracted coronavirus at the end of March 2021, just days before the state's phased vaccine rollout changed so everyone over 18-years-old could vaccinate, not just elderly, immunocompromised and frontline workers. He was placed on a ventilator April 11. Shortly after, a GoFundMe campaign page was launched to help cover the cost of his mounting medical bills. An …
NJ, PA Strip Club Owners Sue Feds Over Withheld Stimulus Money NJ, PA Strip Club Owners Sue Feds Over Withheld Stimulus Money
NJ, PA Strip Club Owners Sue Feds Over Withheld Stimulus Money There's nothing socially distant about a lap dance, which is why most strip clubs had to completely shut down during 2020. Now they want to government to pony up. Denied small business stimulus funds, owners of adult entertainment businesses in Pennsylania and New Jersey have joined colleagues from five other states in suing the federal government. The owners claim the U.S. Small Business Administration has denied them “Restaurant Revitalization Fund” grants for moral reasons, which they say is a clear violation of their constitutional rights. Among those now participating in the…
PA Trio Charged With Attempted Murder In Shooting Of NJ Motorcyclist On I-287 PA Trio Charged With Attempted Murder In Shooting Of NJ Motorcyclist On I-287
PA Trio Charged With Attempted Murder In Shooting Of NJ Motorcyclist On I-287 Three Pennsylvania men were charged in a drive-by shooting on Interstate 287 in New Jersey that injured a motorcyclist over the weekend, authorities said. Matthew Plaza, 32, of Allentown; Luis Velez, 37, of Bethlehem; and Raymond Bethancourt, 35, of Shillington have been arrested on various weapons charges while Plaza is also facing a charge of attempted murder, New Jersey State Police said. Troopers from the Somerville Station responded to Chimney Rock Road in Bridgewater, where the motorcyclist had called 911 saying another driver brandished a gun and shot him on the highway around 6:40 p…
Pennsylvania HS Senior Wins National Taco Bell Scholarship For $25K Pennsylvania HS Senior Wins National Taco Bell Scholarship For $25K
Pennsylvania HS Senior Wins National Taco Bell Scholarship For $25K A high school senior and Taco Bell employee in Cumberland County won the national Taco Bell scholarship contest, according to the company’s foundation’s website. Emma Seibert, of Enola works at the Taco Bell on Market Place Way and earlier this week she find out that she won the biggest scholarship her employer offers. Her $25,000 scholarship will help cover her tuition at John Hopkins University where she plans to study nursing. Taco Bell employees between the ages of 16 and 26 were eligible to apply and over 10,000 did, sharing their passions--mostly their future college majors-- in a tw…
Peppy Pennsylvania Pug's Obituary, Funeral Photos Go Viral Peppy Pennsylvania Pug's Obituary, Funeral Photos Go Viral
Peppy Pennsylvania Pug's Obituary, Funeral Photos Go Viral A peppy Pennsylvania pug who recently passed away is gaining national attention for his heartfelt obituary, penned by his loving owner. Dexter Beville, 7, died on April 27 in the arms of Allentown owner, Tim Beville, Jr., his obituary says. The pug was honored with a funeral, which Beville shared to Facebook. The post had been shared more than 82,000 times and received 51 million likes as of Sunday afternoon. Dexter's obituary remembers him as a "sweet and loving" part of the family, who loved to sing along to YouTube videos and play with toys. "Dexter was born in Bethlehem, PA to Galaxy…
Armed Robber From Jersey City Gets 14 Years-Plus In Fed Pen For Pennsylvania Holdup Armed Robber From Jersey City Gets 14 Years-Plus In Fed Pen For Pennsylvania Holdup
Armed Robber From Jersey City Gets 14 Years-Plus In Fed Pen For Pennsylvania Holdup A federal judge in Philadelphia sentenced a New Jersey man to a plea-bargained 14 years and nine months in prison for robbing a Pennsylvania gas station convenience store with a sawed-off rifle. Brandon Garcia, 22, of Jersey City, poked one Allentown Speedway station employee with the gun as he ordered him to “get down!” while demanding cash and Newports during one of the robberies on March 28, 2017, Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams said. A good Samaritan who’d pulled in for gas saw Garcia all dressed in black with his hood up and holding a gun, so he dialed 911. The citize…
Support Surges For 4 Children After Death Of Lehigh Valley Mother, 34, Leaves One Orphaned Support Surges For 4 Children After Death Of Lehigh Valley Mother, 34, Leaves One Orphaned
Support Surges For 4 Children After Death Of Lehigh Valley Mother, 34, Leaves One Orphaned Support is surging for four Lehigh Valley children after the death of their mother leaves one of them orphaned. Irene Joyce Hetrick died Feb. 10 at the age of 34, her obituary says. The Allentown native leaves behind four children; Tatum, Jordan, Jayson Jr. and Anna Lee, as well as several extended family members and close friends. More than $7,500 had been raised on a GoFundMe for Hetrick’s funeral expenses as well as a savings account for her oldest daughter, Tatum, who also lost her father just two months ago, the page says. “Our hope is to bring Irene home and give her the proper memo…
Man Who Tried Hiring Pennsylvania Trooper To Kill Ex-Girlfriend Captured At Casino, Police Say Man Who Tried Hiring Pennsylvania Trooper To Kill Ex-Girlfriend Captured At Casino, Police Say
Man Who Tried Hiring Pennsylvania Trooper To Kill Ex-Girlfriend Captured At Casino, Police Say A man who offered an undercover Pennsylvania state trooper ecstasy in exchange for killing his ex-girlfriend was taken into custody at a Bethlehem casino Wednesday, Allentown police said. Dominic L. Escalera, 37, is accused of offering the trooper 150 ecstasy pills and providing the gun to assault or kill his ex-girlfriend, who had received a protection order Feb. 8 after alleging physical and verbal abuse, WFMZ reports citing Allentown police. The agreement was made toward the end of January, when police say Escalera gave the undercover trooper his ex’s address and photo, the report says. …