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Norristown, PA

These 64 PA Big Lots Stores Are Among Nearly 1,000 Closing Nationwide: Here's When These 64 PA Big Lots Stores Are Among Nearly 1,000 Closing Nationwide: Here's When
These 64 PA Big Lots Stores Are Among Nearly 1,000 Closing Nationwide: Here's When Big Lots, the popular discount retailer, is officially going out of business. The company, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September, has announced plans to close all 963 of its remaining stores nationwide, including the remaining 64 locations in Pennsylvania. Big Lots had 73 stores located in the Keystone State when they declared bankruptcy over the summer. More than 6% of all Big Lots were located in the commonwealth, with the most stores located in Texas.  The last day of business is expected to be in mid-February, according to sources familiar with the closures. While offi…
Norristown Police Chief Resigns Effective Immediately Norristown Police Chief Resigns Effective Immediately
Norristown Police Chief Resigns Effective Immediately Jacqueline Bailey-Davis has resigned as the Municipality of Norristown Chief of Police, effective immediately, officials announced Tuesday, Dec. 17. Bailey-Davis, who took office on Jan. 2, 2024, had been placed on administrative leave on Nov. 25. Municipal Administrator Leonard Lightner previously stated that the decision to place her on leave was made “after careful consideration” and emphasized the confidentiality of personnel matters. “The council and municipal leadership are focused on maintaining stability within the police department,” Lightner said in the earlier announcement. …
CAPTURED: Norristown Police Nab Man Wanted In Machete Attack, Upper Merion PD Says CAPTURED: Norristown Police Nab Man Wanted In Machete Attack, Upper Merion PD Says
Captured: Norristown Police Nab Man Wanted In Machete Attack, Upper Merion PD Says With help from Norristown police, a man wanted in a machete attack was taken into custody Wednesday morning, Sept. 11 without incident, authorities said. Edward Gomery, 56, is suspected in "an aggravated assault involving a machete" on another man he knew on Aug. 27, Upper Merion police said on Monday, Sept. 9. The attack caused "significant injuries" to the victim, police said. "Thank you to the Norristown officers and to everyone who submitted tips to assist us!" Upper Merion police wrote in a press statement Wednesday. Gomery is now awaiting arraignment and further court proceedings, po…
SEEN HIM? Manhunt In Machete Attack In Upper Merion Township (DEVELOPING) SEEN HIM? Manhunt In Machete Attack In Upper Merion Township (DEVELOPING)
Seen HIM? Manhunt In Machete Attack In Upper Merion Township (Developing) Police in Upper Merion Township are on the lookout for a 56-year-old man wanted in a recent machete attack in which the victim suffered "significant" injuries, authorities said on Monday, Sept. 9. Edward Gomery is suspected in "an aggravated assault involving a machete" on another man he knew on Aug. 27, Upper Merion police said. ALSO SEE: CAPTURED: Wanted Suspect Nabbed By Norristown Police. The US Marshals Service (Philadelphia Office) is assisting in locating Gomery, police said. At about 12:15 a.m. on Aug. 27, officers were dispatched to a residence on the 200 block of New Church Road…
Young Mom, Toddler's Deaths Land Norristown Man Double Homicide By Vehicle Charges: DA Young Mom, Toddler's Deaths Land Norristown Man Double Homicide By Vehicle Charges: DA
Young Mom, Toddler's Deaths Land Norristown Man Double Homicide By Vehicle Charges: DA A 22-year-old man has been charged with two counts of homicide by vehicle for a crash that killed a young mom and her toddler, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Upper Merion Township Director of Public Safety Thomas Nolan announced on Wednesday morning.  Brayan Alejandro Gonzalez-Paez of Norristown has been charged with a slew of offenses for a high-speed crash on Valley Forge Park Road in Upper Merion Township that killed 20-year-old Anjelica Guadalupe Amaya Briceno and her 3-year-old daughter on Jan. 13, according to the affidavit of probable cause.&nbs…
Norristown Woman Was DUI In SEPTA Crash That Killed Her Baby: Montco DA Norristown Woman Was DUI In SEPTA Crash That Killed Her Baby: Montco DA
Norristown Woman Was DUI In SEPTA Crash That Killed Her Baby: Montco DA A 35-year-old Norristown resident is charged with homicide by vehicle and driving under the influence after a wreck that killed her 14-month-old son, prosecutors say.  Arbetina Johnson-Lowery hit a stopped SEPTA bus near Old Arch Road and E. Johnson Highway on Sept. 30, 2023, according to the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.  Detectives said the westbound bus had stopped to unload passengers when Johnson-Lowery, headed east on the highway, clipped the bumper of a car in front of her and then slammed into the bus' driver's side.  Her baby, "found by witnesse…
PA Star Student-Athlete Dies In Crash On US Rt. 22 PA Star Student-Athlete Dies In Crash On US Rt. 22
PA Star Student-Athlete Dies In Crash On US Rt. 22 Tonee Ellis a star wrestler at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, died following a car crash on Tuesday, Aug. 1, state police said.  Troopers believe the Norristown native was driving west on US Route 22 in Perr County when his car left the roadway and hit a tree, catching fire.  The 22-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, according to a state police report.  Born in 2001, Ellis was a graduate of Methacton High School in Worcester Township, where he launched his athletic career, loved ones said.  I love you so much Baby brother, and i will miss you so much, Even tho You ar…
Recent Kindergarten Grad Dies Suddenly In PA Recent Kindergarten Grad Dies Suddenly In PA
Recent Kindergarten Grad Dies Suddenly In PA Dominic Kyrie Lyons, a beloved Norristown son and brother, died suddenly in his sleep on Sunday, July 16, according to his obituary. He was 6 years old.  Born in 2017 to Kristen F. Sabatino and Husayn Lyons, Dominic had recently graduated from kindergarten at the Musselman Learning Center, loved ones wrote.  "My dear sweet boy Dominic had a smile that would light up an entire room," wrote his grandmother Tina Pino on a GoFundMe page. "He was funny, goofy, loving, and always wanted to help." Tina, Kristen's mother, is collecting donations to help her daughter pay fo…
Top Ten Most Wanted List Updated By PA State Police Top Ten Most Wanted List Updated By PA State Police
Top Ten Most Wanted List Updated By PA State Police Three new criminals have been added to the Pennsylvania State Police's "Ten Most Wanted" list. The three newest fugitives replace three who have been captured. Those men are: Jordan Alexander Allen, Wilkes-Barre: Aggravated assault with a firearm. Samuel Irizarry, Philadelphia: Attempted homicide Rakeem Markell Jones, Erie: Attempted homicide. The other men on the list, which still includes one individual who has been captured, includes: Michael Edward Akerly, Erie: Wanted for a 1998 rape and aggravated indecent assault in Erie, PA. Seen in Wattsburg, Erie County; Chauauq…
Man Left For Dead Under Bridge Was Robbed By Evicted Pair: Montco DA Man Left For Dead Under Bridge Was Robbed By Evicted Pair: Montco DA
Man Left For Dead Under Bridge Was Robbed By Evicted Pair: Montco DA Two 20-year-old people who had been evicted from their apartment robbed and killed of a man whose body was found under a Montgomery County bridge last month, authorities said. Ana Gonzalez-Munguia, 20, and Erick Galo-Ponce, 20, beat 23-year-old Nilson Velazquez-Cardona to death before his body was found under the Stony Creek Bridge on W. Marshall Street Saturday, Dec. 17 around 7:30 a.m. — Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Norristown Acting Police Chief Michael Bishop said. Dr. Ian Hood of the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office, who found that the male died of blu…
Fentanyl, Cocaine Worth $4.3M Seized In Takedown Of Massive PA Drug Ring, DA Says Fentanyl, Cocaine Worth $4.3M Seized In Takedown Of Massive PA Drug Ring, DA Says
Fentanyl, Cocaine Worth $4.3M Seized In Takedown Of Massive PA Drug Ring, DA Says Nearly thirty people are facing criminal charges after authorities dismantled a "large-scale" operation that trafficked drugs from Mexico and Puerto Rico to Pennsylvania, with nearly $4.3 million worth of fentanyl and cocaine seized as evidence, authorities said. In an early-morning roundup on Thursday, Dec. 1, a total of 22 adults were taken into custody, said Berks District Attorney John T. Adams and Montgomery District Attorney Kevin R. Steele in a joint statement.  Posted by Berks County District Attorney on Thursday, December 1, 2022 Posted by Berks County District Attorney on T…
Video On Murder Victim's Phone Helps Police Nab His Philadelphia Killer: DA Video On Murder Victim's Phone Helps Police Nab His Philadelphia Killer: DA
Video On Murder Victim's Phone Helps Police Nab His Philadelphia Killer: DA Authorities have arrested the man they say was caught on video fatally shooting another in Norristown.  Eugene Ware, 41, of Philadelphia, is charged with the murder of 35-year-old Tyrone Guy on West Main Street late on Monday, Nov. 21.  He was taken into custody in Bucks County early on Wednesday, Nov. 30, after a "brief standoff" at a home in Sellersville, officials said.  As Daily Voice has reported, detectives wrote in the criminal complaint against Ware that they found Guy's phone on the ground, recording a video, at the scene of the crime. Forensic analysts reviewed the video, which…
Second College Student Found Dead In Central Pennsylvania Dorm Second College Student Found Dead In Central Pennsylvania Dorm
Second College Student Found Dead In Central Pennsylvania Dorm A York College Freshman who was found unresponsive died on Thursday, Nov. 17, authorities say.  Ryan Heflin, of Norristown, was found in his residence hall Thursday afternoon and later pronounced dead, according to Richard Satterlee, dean of student development and campus life. His death is not considered suspicious, Satterlee says.  Heflin had been majoring in sports media. You can read Satterlee's letter to the community below: It is with a heavy heart that I share with all of you the death of one of our students, Ryan Heflin. Ryan was found unresponsive in his residence hall…
Fugitive ID'd As Second Suspect In Double Slaying Of Teen Buddies In Suburban Philly: DA Fugitive ID'd As Second Suspect In Double Slaying Of Teen Buddies In Suburban Philly: DA
Fugitive ID'd As Second Suspect In Double Slaying Of Teen Buddies In Suburban Philly: DA A man who has been wanted for aggravated assault, terroristic threats and more has been identified as a second suspect in the double killings of two teen friends in Suburban Philadelphia, authorities announced. Deonte Kelly, 23, of Philadelphia — who also goes by the name "Taz" — is wanted on two courts of first- and second-degree murder, robbery and more, in connection with a Pottstown shooting that left two friends dead, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele said. Dominic Carboni, of Shwenksville, had previously been arrested in the deaths of 17-year-old Skyler Fox and …
$5K Reward Offered, Photos Released Of Gunman Who Killed Innocent Bystander In Norristown $5K Reward Offered, Photos Released Of Gunman Who Killed Innocent Bystander In Norristown
$5K Reward Offered, Photos Released Of Gunman Who Killed Innocent Bystander In Norristown A $5,000 reward is being offered for information that could help authorities identify and arrest the gunman who killed an innocent bystander last week in Norristown. The deadly shooting happened on the 800 block of Arch Street around 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7, according to Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele. As officers arrived on the scene, they found 47-year-old Anthony Vitelli suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. Cops also recovered eight 9mm fired cartridge casings and a deformed projectile, they said. The victim was taken to Paoli Memorial Hospital, where he wa…
PA Woman Stole $162K In COVID-19 Relief Funds Intended For Renters Facing Eviction PA Woman Stole $162K In COVID-19 Relief Funds Intended For Renters Facing Eviction
PA Woman Stole $162K In Covid-19 Relief Funds Intended For Renters Facing Eviction A 53-year-old Pennsylvania woman stole more than $162,000 in COVID-19 relief funds intended for renters facing eviction or utility shut-off, authorities said. Tina M. Yorgey, of Norristown, was charged with multiple counts of theft, receiving stolen property, forgery, and other related offenses, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele said on Friday, Sept. 30. Prosecutors say Yorgey received $162,680 in funding on nine COVID Emergency Rental Assistance and Utility Coalition (ERUC) applications by submitting fraudulent claims and forged documents. An investigation…
5 Suburban Philly Child Predators Arrested In Undercover Prostitution Sting 5 Suburban Philly Child Predators Arrested In Undercover Prostitution Sting
5 Suburban Philly Child Predators Arrested In Undercover Prostitution Sting Five child predators were arrested in Montgomery County as part of an undercover prostitution sting, authorities announced. The following men contacted children on social media for sex and arrived at a location in Conshohocken, where they were met by undercover detectives instead: Onesimo Rodriguez Campos, 27, of Norristown David G. Kohlmeier, 46, of Devon Allan R. Lattanzi, 57, of Lower Providence Kenneth Sugalski, 49, of Conshohocken Ashish Verma, 37, of Norristown The undercover operation began last week as part of an ongoing effort with the Internet Crimes Against Childr…
Beloved Pennsylvania Dad Dies After Heroic Cancer Battle Beloved Pennsylvania Dad Dies After Heroic Cancer Battle
Beloved Pennsylvania Dad Dies After Heroic Cancer Battle Beloved Montgomery County dad Shane M. Franzone died after a heroic battle with cancer on Saturday, Aug. 20. He was 30. Born in Norristown, Franzone settled down in Royersford and worked as a crew scheduler with Eastern Airlines, his obituary says. "This fight against cancer was the second time Shane was faced with a life-threatening illness," reads a GoFundMe launched for his family's remaining expenses. "Ten years ago he waged, and won, a serious blood disorder," Daisy Foster wrote. "And it was this relentless drive in him that allowed him to live the next decade to the fullest." Franz…
Man Recorded Students On Hidden Camera In Bathroom Of Illegal Norristown Dance Studio: Police Man Recorded Students On Hidden Camera In Bathroom Of Illegal Norristown Dance Studio: Police
Man Recorded Students On Hidden Camera In Bathroom Of Illegal Norristown Dance Studio: Police A dance instructor was arrested after police say he used a hidden camera to record his students inside the bathroom of his illegal studio in Norristown. Francis G. Laurenzi, 37, was charged Wednesday, Aug. 17 with invasion of privacy, intercept communications, and possession of instruments of crime, court records show. Laurenzi had been running the unlicensed studio, "Frankie G Dance", in the basement of a home on the 1700 block of Kendrick Lane, Norristown Police Chief Derrick Wood said. An investigation into Laurenzi began after a woman told police on Tuesday, Aug. 16 that she spotted a …
Beloved PA Mom Killed In Fiery Head-On Crash Was 'Ray Of Sunshine' Beloved PA Mom Killed In Fiery Head-On Crash Was 'Ray Of Sunshine'
Beloved PA Mom Killed In Fiery Head-On Crash Was 'Ray Of Sunshine' A Pennsylvania mom who died in a fiery head-on crash is being remembered by loved ones as a "ray of sunshine." Haley Brooks, 23, was behind the wheel of a car that traveled into the opposite lane and struck a second vehicle before it went up in flames on the 1100 block of North Grange Avenue in Worcester Township around 8 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 21, Pennsylvania State Police said. Brooks, of Norristown, was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said. It was not immediately known whether the second driver, a 51-year-old Gilbertsville woman, had suffered any serious injuries. Meanwhile, a G…
WINNER: $1 Million Mega Millions Ticket Sold In Suburban Philly WINNER: $1 Million Mega Millions Ticket Sold In Suburban Philly
Winner: $1 Million Mega Millions Ticket Sold In Suburban Philly A Pennsylvania Lottery ticket worth $1 million was sold in the Philadelphia suburbs. The Mega Millions ticket for the Friday, July 29 drawing was sold at 7-Eleven on West Germantown Pike in Norristown, state lottery officials said. The winning numbers were: 13-36-45-57-67. The retailer will receive a $5,000 bonus for selling the winning ticket. Pennsylvania Lottery Mega Millions® winners have one year from the drawing date to claim prizes. To initiate an online prize claim, winners should call 1-800-692-7481. 
Repeat Offender Captured On Video Sexually Assaulting Blind, Deaf, Mute PA Woman, DA Says Repeat Offender Captured On Video Sexually Assaulting Blind, Deaf, Mute PA Woman, DA Says
Repeat Offender Captured On Video Sexually Assaulting Blind, Deaf, Mute PA Woman, DA Says A 23-year-old Pennsylvania man was arrested after authorities say they discovered a video of him repeatedly sexually assaulting an elderly woman who is blind, deaf, and mute, just two months after being charged with a similar offense involving a minor. Malquan Craig, of Lancaster, is facing charges of indecent assault of a mentally disabled victim, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault, and invasion of privacy in connection with the incidents involving the handicapped 70-year-old woman, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele said. The alleged assaults happened in 2…
Man Sold THC Edibles Via Instagram To Kids Across Philly Area, DA Says Man Sold THC Edibles Via Instagram To Kids Across Philly Area, DA Says
Man Sold THC Edibles Via Instagram To Kids Across Philly Area, DA Says A 20-year-old Pennsylvania man is facing charges for using Instagram to sell THC edibles to children as young as 11 years old, authorities said. Quashon Rice was arrested after a raid of his Philadelphia home on Tuesday, June 14 turned up 40 bags of marijuana-laced edibles, 10 individually packaged bags of marijuana, a ghost gun, and drug-related materials, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele said in a joint release. “This defendant was targeting children as young as 11 years old to sell his drugs to, imbedding drugs in cereals and snack products that appeal to children," D…
Fugitive Injured In Shootout With Police in Philly Suburbs: DA Fugitive Injured In Shootout With Police in Philly Suburbs: DA
Fugitive Injured In Shootout With Police in Philly Suburbs: DA A 29-year-old fugitive was injured after a shootout with police over the weekend in the Philadelphia suburbs, authorities said. Mark Simpkins Jr., of Norristown, had been wanted on an arrest warrant since Oct. 4, 2021, when patrol officers spotted him heading into the A-Plus store on Main Street around 6 a.m. Saturday, May 21, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R.Steele said in a joint release. Officers tried to stop him, but he fled on foot down West Lafayette Street, leading police on a chase, they said. Simpkins then shot at the officers, who returned fire, Steele said a…
Man Wrestles Gun From Teen Robbers And Kills Them Both In PA, Authorities Say Man Wrestles Gun From Teen Robbers And Kills Them Both In PA, Authorities Say
Man Wrestles Gun From Teen Robbers And Kills Them Both In PA, Authorities Say A man being robbed by two teenage boys wrestled a gun from one of the boys and used it to kill them both in Pennsylvania, authorities said. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. in an alley behind 334 Warren St., in Norristown, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele said. The shooter and would-be robbery victim was questioned and released. This is a developing story. Check back for more.
Norristown Man Who Killed Ex-GF Surrenders: DA Norristown Man Who Killed Ex-GF Surrenders: DA
Norristown Man Who Killed Ex-GF Surrenders: DA UPDATE: A Norristown man who had been wanted for killing his ex-girlfriend in the shower while her children were home surrendered to authorities in York County Tuesday, the Montgomery County DA's Office said. Elvyn Almodovar Rodriguez, 32, will be transferred to Montgomery County overnight and is expected to be arraigned on first-degree murder charges on Wednesday. Almodovar Rodriguez shot Keishla Arroyo-Rodriguez to death in her Norristown apartment on Jan. 10, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Norristown Police Chief Derrick Wood said. Arroyo-Rodrigue…
Support Rises For 25-Year-Old PA Man Killed By Stray Bullet Eating Thanksgiving Dinner Support Rises For 25-Year-Old PA Man Killed By Stray Bullet Eating Thanksgiving Dinner
Support Rises For 25-Year-Old PA Man Killed By Stray Bullet Eating Thanksgiving Dinner Support is on the rise for a 25-year-old Pennsylvania man who was struck and killed by a stray bullet that came through his window while eating Thanksgiving Dinner in his suburban Philadelphia home. Edilberto Miguel Palaez Moctezuma was eating in an Arch Street home in Norristown when he was shot by Kevon Clarke, 19, who was wanted Friday on murder charges, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Norristown Acting Police Chief Todd Dillon previously said. He was flown to Penn Presbyterian, where he was pronounced dead. Palaez Moctezuma was sitting at the table eating dinner …
Stray Bullet Kills Innocent Man Eating Thanksgiving Dinner In Philly Suburbs, Gunman Sought: DA Stray Bullet Kills Innocent Man Eating Thanksgiving Dinner In Philly Suburbs, Gunman Sought: DA
Stray Bullet Kills Innocent Man Eating Thanksgiving Dinner In Philly Suburbs, Gunman Sought: DA A 25-year-old Norristown man was struck and killed by a stray bullet that came through his window while eating Thanksgiving Dinner in his home, authorities in suburban Philadelphia. Edilberto Miguel Palaez Moctezuma was eating in an Arch Street home in Norristown when he was shot by Kevon Clarke, 19, who was wanted Friday on murder charges, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Norristown Acting Police Chief Todd Dillon said. Norristown police were called to the home around 9:30 p.m. Nov. 25, where Palaez Moctezuma was found with a gunshot wound to his torso, Dillon a…
Details Released In Killing Of NJ Pharma CEO Followed Home By Gunman From PA Casino:  Reports Details Released In Killing Of NJ Pharma CEO Followed Home By Gunman From PA Casino:  Reports
Details Released In Killing Of NJ Pharma CEO Followed Home By Gunman From PA Casino: Reports Authorities have released additional details in the harrowing killing of a New Jersey man followed home from a Pennsylvania casino last month. Sree Ranga Aravapalli, 54, was followed nearly 50 miles to his Plainsboro home from Parx Casino, and shot dead in what law enforcement is calling a "robbery gone wrong" on Briardale Court Oct. 26. Aravapalli -- the CEO of pharmaceutical company Aurex Labs -- died of multiple gunshot wounds over nearly $10,000 in gambling winnings, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office said. Jekai-Reid John, 27, of Norristown, PA, was arrested in c…
2nd PA Fugitive Arrested In Death Of Plainsboro, NJ, Man After Following Him Home From Casino 2nd PA Fugitive Arrested In Death Of Plainsboro, NJ, Man After Following Him Home From Casino
2nd PA Fugitive Arrested In Death Of Plainsboro, NJ, Man After Following Him Home From Casino A second Pennsylvania fugitive has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a Central Jersey man, authorities said. Devon Melchor, 26, of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, was charged with first-degree armed robbery and second-degree conspiracy to commit armed robbery, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Plainsboro Police Chief Fred Tavener. Melchor was taken into police custody by authorities in Florida where he was attempting to board an international flight, Ciccone and Tavener said. Melchor’s apprehension was made possible by collabor…
Tornadoes Rip Through Philadelphia Region Tornadoes Rip Through Philadelphia Region
Tornadoes Rip Through Philadelphia Region Tornados touched down in the Philadelphia region Wednesday evening, downing trees and destroying houses along the way. As the remnants of Hurricane Ida moved in on the region many residents captured their surroundings on social media. Twitter users captured the damage an apparent tornado left on a home and roads in Oxford. A friend of mine just sent me pictures right after an apparent tornado came through the Oxford, PA area. Damage from tornado in pictures below. Multiple trees and power lines down with roof pieces missing. #pawx #Tornado #nws #TORNADOWARNING #wxtwitter pic.twitter.co…