Tag:

Berks County, PA

Shots Fired At Police Officer Lands Reading Man Homicide Attempt Charge: Berks DA Shots Fired At Police Officer Lands Reading Man Homicide Attempt Charge: Berks DA
Shots Fired At Police Officer Lands Reading Man Homicide Attempt Charge: Berks DA A 22-year-old man was arrested after allegedly firing multiple gunshots at police officers during a pursuit involving a stolen vehicle, the Berks County District Attorney's office announced on Wednesday, Dec. 18. The incident began when officers spotted a stolen Toyota Camry on Cotton Street around 8:01 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 17, as detailed in the DA's release. When they attempted a traffic stop, the driver, later identified as Davius Manuel Ortiz, fled on foot, leading police through alleys and backyards. During the chase, Ortiz reportedly fired at least seven shots at officers and nearby …
Bethel Mother Justified In Fatal Shooting Of Son During Break-In: Berks DA Bethel Mother Justified In Fatal Shooting Of Son During Break-In: Berks DA
Bethel Mother Justified In Fatal Shooting Of Son During Break-In: Berks DA A Berks County woman who shot and killed her son after he broke into her home acted in self-defense, authorities announced on Tuesday, Dec. 17. Sean M. Clemens, 32, of Myerstown, was shot multiple times by his 64-year-old mother during a confrontation at her residence on Little Mountain Road in Bethel Township, Berks County, on Wednesday, Nov. 6, according to the Berks County District Attorney’s Office. The incident began around 7:50 a.m. when the woman called 911 to report that she had shot her son after he forcibly entered her home, officials said. Investigators said Clemens, who had a h…
Light Snow Dusts Berks County, Huffs Church Reports 0.3 Inches Light Snow Dusts Berks County, Huffs Church Reports 0.3 Inches
Light Snow Dusts Berks County, Huffs Church Reports 0.3 Inches The National Weather Service has released snow totals from this week's winter storm. Snowfall accumulation impacted areas across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and New York, with Sussex County, NJ, and Putnam County, NY, seeing the highest totals from Sunday, Dec. 15 into Monday, Dec. 16. Below are detailed figures reported by state, county, and town, as per the National Weather Service: New Jersey Mercer County: Trenton Mercer Airport: Trace (11:59 PM, 12/15) Morris County: Butler (1 S): 3.0 inches (5:15 AM, 12/16) Sussex County: Wantage Twp: 4.1 inches (5:00 AM, 12/16) Wan…
Two Men Charged In Berks County Underage Human Trafficking Sting: DA Two Men Charged In Berks County Underage Human Trafficking Sting: DA
Two Men Charged In Berks County Underage Human Trafficking Sting: DA Two men have been charged in connection with an undercover operation targeting underage human trafficking in Berks County, authorities announced on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. Keith George Manwiller, 49, of Hummelstown, and Mathew Christian Koroma, 23, of Sinking Spring, were arrested during the sting conducted by the Berks County District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Task Force, according to Chief County Detective Michael Gombar. Both men are accused of responding to online ads placed by detectives on websites commonly used for sexual advertisements. The suspects allegedly agreed to meet and p…
PA Senate Race Heats Up With Another Lawsuit And County Election Board Challenges PA Senate Race Heats Up With Another Lawsuit And County Election Board Challenges
PA Senate Race Heats Up With Another Lawsuit And County Election Board Challenges The Pennsylvania Senate race between incumbent Democrat Bob Casey and his challenger, Republican Dave McCormick, is heating up with another lawsuit filed and challenges made to a county election board. McCormick filed a lawsuit against the Bucks County Board of Elections over about 400 undated mail ballots that had already been counted on Thursday, Nov. 14, according to a Casey Campaign news release. The Republican candidate, who the Associated Press has already called as the winner, previously filed lawsuits in Philadelphia challenging about 20,000 provisional ballots, previous Daily Voice…
New Wawa Store Grand Opening In Berks County Brings Free Coffee, T-Shirts New Wawa Store Grand Opening In Berks County Brings Free Coffee, T-Shirts
New Wawa Store Grand Opening In Berks County Brings Free Coffee, T-Shirts A new Wawa store's grand opening in Berks County will feature free hot coffee and T-shirts, the company announced. The new store is located at 10 Bernville Road in Robesonia, according to the company. Its grand opening will be held beginning with a countdown at 7:45 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14. Doors will officially open at 8 a.m. There will be free T-shirts for the first 100 customers along with free any-size hot coffee on opening day, while supplies last, the company stated.  A brief ceremony marking the store's opening will be held at 8:30 a.m. followed by a Hoagies for Heroes hoagie…
3rd Arrest Made In Shooting Death Of Reading Teen: Report 3rd Arrest Made In Shooting Death Of Reading Teen: Report
3rd Arrest Made In Shooting Death Of Reading Teen: Report A third person was arrested for the shooting death of a Berks County teen on Friday, Nov. 8, according to an affidavit. Gavin Will, 17, of Reading, was charged for his role in the death of 19-year-old Christian Disla in the 1300 block of Muhlenberg Street on Monday, April 1, according to the  affidavit. Will; Brothers, Luis Santos-Cruz, 19, of Reading; and Jonielle Cruz, 17, of Doylestown, acted together to ambush an unnamed second victim who Disla happened to be getting into the same vehicle with, the affidavit states. The second victim was uninjured. A single bullet struck Disl…
Mom Dies In Fatal Berks County Apartment Fire, Community Rallies To Help Family Mom Dies In Fatal Berks County Apartment Fire, Community Rallies To Help Family
Mom Dies In Fatal Berks County Apartment Fire, Community Rallies To Help Family After the death of a Berks County mom in an apartment fire, the community has rallied to help her grieving family. Amy Valentine couldn't escape from her burning apartment building in the 3400 block of Kutztown Road in Muhlenberg Township on Friday, Nov. 1, a GoFundMe campaign started by Valentine's daughter, Lexi Shuey, states. "I'm raising funds for my mom's funeral. These are words no child should ever have to say," Shuey said on the campaign page.  Valentine had a partial handicap and lived alone when the fire tore through her apartment building, according to Shuey. The cause…
Here's A County-By-County Breakdown Of Who PA Chose In Presidential Race Here's A County-By-County Breakdown Of Who PA Chose In Presidential Race
Here's A County-By-County Breakdown Of Who PA Chose In Presidential Race For the second straight presidential election, Pennsylvania voters helped a candidate narrowly win the state, with Republican candidate Donald Trump edging out Vice President Kamala Harris in the most recent race.  Trump received 50.51% of the vote (3,457,446 votes) statewide, coming in just ahead of Harris who had 48.53% (3,322,052 votes), according to unofficial results from the Department of State posted on Wednesday, Nov. 6. In 2020, the numbers were similar but with Joe Biden on the winner's side, according to previous reporting by Daily Voice. Four years ago, Biden had 50.01% of …
Shooter Involved In Berks County Homicide Cooperating With Police: Report Shooter Involved In Berks County Homicide Cooperating With Police: Report
Shooter Involved In Berks County Homicide Cooperating With Police: Report The shooter involved in a homicide in a quiet Berks County neighborhood is cooperating with authorities, according to a report. Police were dispatched for a reported shooting in the 1000 block of Little Mountain Road in Bethel Township at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6, a WFMZ 69 News report states. Berks County District Attorney John Adams told WFMZ at that time that a homicide investigation was underway.  "I would call this somewhat of a domestic-burglary type incident, and that is why there's no need for us to charge anyone at this point," Adams said in a WFMZ interview on Thursday, N…
Election 2024: Winner Projected For PA's 6th US Congressional District Election 2024: Winner Projected For PA's 6th US Congressional District
Election 2024: Winner Projected For PA's 6th US Congressional District Election Day 2024 is in the books, and Pennsylvanians have chosen their next representatives in Congress, according to multiple outlets' projections based on unofficial results. In the commonwealth’s 6th congressional district race, Chrissy Houlahan defeated Neil Young for the House seat representing Berks and Chester counties, the AP projects. The incumbent was leading her republican party opponent by a margin of 55.4% to 44.6%, with 94% of the vote as of 3:30 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 6, according to the PA Department of State.  The 57-year-old has represented the district since 20…
Election 2024: Winner Projected For PA's 4th US Congressional District Election 2024: Winner Projected For PA's 4th US Congressional District
Election 2024: Winner Projected For PA's 4th US Congressional District Election Day 2024 is in the books, and Pennsylvanians have chosen their next representatives in Congress, according to multiple outlets' projections based on unofficial results. In the commonwealth’s 4th congressional district race, Madeleine Dean defeated David Winkler for the House seat representing Berks and Mongomery counties, the AP projects. The incumbent was leading her opponent by a margin of 58.5% to 41.3%, with 89% of the vote as of 3 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 6, according to the PA Department of State.  The 65-year-old has represented the district since 2019, after having …
Next Of Kin Sought For Berks County Man: Coroner Next Of Kin Sought For Berks County Man: Coroner
Next Of Kin Sought For Berks County Man: Coroner The next of kin for a man recently found dead is being searched for by the Berks County Coroners Office according to a release on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Theodore Burkhart, 71, of the 1200 block of Perkiomen Avenue in Reading was found dead in his residence, the coroner said. Any friends or family call the Berks County Coroner’s Office at 610-478-3280 with any information.
Family Of Trucker Struck Dead On I-78 Sues Driver Of Hit-And-Run Vehicle: Court Documents Family Of Trucker Struck Dead On I-78 Sues Driver Of Hit-And-Run Vehicle: Court Documents
Jymel Smith's Family Sues Akhmadkhon Ubaykhonov: Lawsuit The family of a Florida truck driver who was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Berks County filed a lawsuit against the driver, according to the court document, which was filed Friday, Nov. 1. Jymel Dejuan Smith's family filed a lawsuit against Akhmadkhon Vokhidk Ubaykhonov, a Philadelphia man who was driving the tractor-trailer that struck and killed Smith, the lawsuit obtained by Daily Voice states. Smith had pulled his tractor-trailer over on Interstate 78 West near mile marker 41.5 in Greenwich Township at 4:54 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 13, according to previous reporting by Daily Voice.…
Voter Registration Forms Under Investigation In PA Tied To Arizona Company: Authorities Voter Registration Forms Under Investigation In PA Tied To Arizona Company: Authorities
Voter Registration Forms Under Investigation In PA Tied To Arizona Company: Authorities Some suspicious voter registration forms that are under investigation in Pennsylvania have been tied to an Arizona company, authorities said. About 30 irregular forms that were turned over to Monroe County District Attorney Mike Mancuso to investigate turned out to be fraudulent, according to a post on the district attorney's Facebook page.   Posted by Monroe County Office of the District Attorney on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 Several of the voter registration applications and mail ballot request forms were determined to be fraudulent because they weren't authorized by…
'Suspicious' Voter Registration Forms In Berks County Under Investigation: DA 'Suspicious' Voter Registration Forms In Berks County Under Investigation: DA
'Suspicious' Voter Registration Forms In Berks County Under Investigation: DA Some suspicious voter registration forms in Berks County are under investigation, according to District Attorney John Adams. "I want to be clear, these are voter registration forms — people's applications to vote," Adams said in a phone call with Daily Voice on Friday, Nov. 11. "These are not ballots." Adams confirmed that his office is investigating the suspicious forms, but he couldn't confirm the number or other details of the case. The Berks County Board of Elections referred about 1,300 suspicious voter registration forms to the district attorney's office on Thursday, Oct. 31, a …
Berks County Boy Injured By Float In Halloween Parade: Community Comes To The Rescue Berks County Boy Injured By Float In Halloween Parade: Community Comes To The Rescue
Berks County Boy Injured By Float In Halloween Parade: Community Comes To The Rescue A Berks County boy was tragically injured after he was run over by a float at a local Halloween parade, according to a community member trying to raise money for the family. Nico Rizzo, 8, of Boyertown, was on a float with his football team in the Boyertown Halloween Parade on Saturday, Oct. 19, a GoFundMe campaign started by Abby Mackey, his friend's mother, states. "As Nico went to step back onto the trailer, his foot slipped and got caught under the wheel," Mackey said on the campaign page. "He quickly became trapped under the wheels of his float's trailer." Members of the communit…
Berks Man Attempts To Kidnap Girl In Reading Alleyway: Report Berks Man Attempts To Kidnap Girl In Reading Alleyway: Report
Berks Man Attempts To Kidnap Girl In Reading Alleyway: Report A Berks County man attempted to kidnap a girl from an alleyway in Reading on Friday, Oct. 11, authorities said. Liam Wilkinson, 24, of Blandon, had posed as a teen boy on social media to lure the girl into an alley in the 600 block of Ritter Street, WFMZ 69 News reported on Wednesday, Oct. 23. Once she was in the alley, Wilkinson attempted to get her to climb into his vehicle. When she refused and tried to leave, Wilkinson chased her down and held a knife to her throat, WFMZ said. She managed to free herself and get away, and Wilkinson took her phone, which she dropped as she struggled…
Fire Companies From 4 PA Counties Respond To Massive Barn, House Fire Fire Companies From 4 PA Counties Respond To Massive Barn, House Fire
Fire Companies From 4 PA Counties Respond To Massive Barn, House Fire Fire companies from four Pennsylvania counties battled a blaze at a barn and house fire late Friday night, Oct. 18 into Saturday morning, officials with Elverson-Honey Brook Area EMS announced.  The fire broke out in the 100 block of Isabella Road in West Nantmeal Township around 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, EHBEMS detailed in a release. The Twin Valley Fire Department was the first crew called to the scene of the fire originally reported to 911 as "a large fire in the middle of a field," but soon "Additional callers reported a possible house was on fire with a barn as an exposure and th…
Berks Mom Who Googled 'Methods Of Killing' Same Day She Hanged Her Kids Gets 2 Life Sentences Berks Mom Who Googled 'Methods Of Killing' Same Day She Hanged Her Kids Gets 2 Life Sentences
Berks Mom Who Googled 'Methods Of Killing' Same Day She Hanged Her Kids Gets 2 Life Sentences A Reading mom who Googled "methods of killing" before hanging her two children in her basement has been sentenced to life in prison, the Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams announced on Thursday, Oct. 17.  Lisa Snyder, 41, was found guilty of the following on Tuesday, Sept. 24; 2 counts of First-Degree Murder, 2 counts of Endangering the Welfare of Children, and Tampering with Evidence, the Berks County DA explained in the release. The charges stem from an investigation into the Sept. 2019 death of her 8-year-old son, 4-year-old daughter, and the family…
PA Man Who Executed His Wife Gets 50 Years In Prison: DA PA Man Who Executed His Wife Gets 50 Years In Prison: DA
PA Man Who Executed His Wife Gets 50 Years In Prison: DA A Berks County man who was charged for the execution-style murder of his estranged wife was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison, authorities said. Ignacio Peralta-Agramonte, 50, of Leesport, will serve up to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to Third-Degree Murder on Thursday, Oct. 10, according to the Berks County District Attorney's Office. Peralta-Agramonte encountered his estranged wife, Librad Reyes De Peralta, at the intersection of Route 61 and Snyder Road in Ontelaunee Township on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, the district attorney's office said. That's when he shot her. A Norther…
Active 3-Alarm Barn Fire In Berks County: Authorities (DEVELOPING) Active 3-Alarm Barn Fire In Berks County: Authorities (DEVELOPING)
Active 3-Alarm Barn Fire In Berks County: Authorities (Developing) Fire departments are on scene at a three-alarm barn fire in Berks County on Monday afternoon, Oct. 14, authorities told Daily Voice.  First responders from Berks and Lancaster counties are responding to a three-alarm fire in a barn at 137 Goose Lane in Spring Township, a representative with the Spring Township Volunteer Fire Department confirmed.  The representative was not at liberty to provide further details because crews were still on the scene fighting the blaze. The fire was reported at 10:27 a.m. and was quickly upgraded to two alarms, according to radio broadcasts. A thir…
Foster Homes Needed For 30 Animals Seized From Berks County Home Foster Homes Needed For 30 Animals Seized From Berks County Home
Foster Homes Needed For 30 Animals Seized From Berks County Home Rescue officials are desperate for help after 30 animals were seized from a home in Berks County. The Department of Animal Protection from the Animal Rescue League of Berks County was performing a wellness check when they removed 22 dogs, three cats, five snakes, and two geckos were removed from a home in Womelsdorf on Wednesday, Oct. 9. All appear to be in good condition, and will soon need fosters or adopters, as the ARL said its facility was at capacity for cats and dogs. “While the ARL is fully equipped with the skilled personnel, facilities, and industry expertise to respond to c…
BREAKING: Man Killed GF's 3-Year-Old Son, Berks DA Announces BREAKING: Man Killed GF's 3-Year-Old Son, Berks DA Announces
Breaking: Man Killed GF's 3-Year-Old Son, Berks DA Announces A Lycoming County man has been arrested and charged with murder in the 2021 death of his girlfriend's 3-year-old son, authorities in Berks County announced on Thursday, Oct. 10. Elijah Matias, 23, of Cogan Station, is believed to have caused the boy's multiple internal and external injuries in various stages of healing found in an autopsy in January 2021, the DA's office said. The cause of death was determined to have been blunt force trauma resulting in lacerations to the victim’s liver, mesentery, and pancreas. Based upon the findings of Forensic Pathologist Dr. Neil Hoffman, the chi…
New Rankings: Best Berks County Public High Schools New Rankings: Best Berks County Public High Schools
New Rankings: Best Berks County Public High Schools Niche has released its list of the best public high schools in America for 2025. One Berks County school, Wyomissing Area High School, was ranked 55th in the state of Pennsylvania and number one in Berks County. Here are the top 10 best high schools in Berks County, according to Niche. 10. Fleetwood HS.  9. Governor Mifflin HS.  8. Boyertown Area HS.  7. Daniel Boone Area HS.  6. Schuylkill Valley HS.  5. Kutztown Area HS.  4. Twin Valley HS.  3. Exeter Township HS.  2. Wilson HS.  1. Wyomissing Area HS. Niche says the latest rankings are based…
Drunk Woman Jumps Barefoot On Table At Berks Restaurant While Fleeing Police Drunk Woman Jumps Barefoot On Table At Berks Restaurant While Fleeing Police
Drunk Woman Jumps Barefoot On Table At Berks Restaurant While Fleeing Police A drunk woman caused a disturbance at a Berks County restaurant as she jumped barefoot onto a table while evading police, according to authorities. Alexa Peters, 29, of Honey Brook, was charged after she refused commands to stop from police during a disturbance in Morgantown on Sunday, Oct. 6, the Caernarvon Township Police Department said. Police were initially called to Lowes, located at 340 Crossings Boulevard, for a woman causing a disturbance in the area, according to police. Peters was reported to have stolen a drink, threw her jacket in an employee's face, and cursed at people. An o…
Berks County Man Dead After Fall From Tree Stand: Coroner Berks County Man Dead After Fall From Tree Stand: Coroner
Berks County Man Dead After Fall From Tree Stand: Coroner A Berks County man died while attempting to remove a tree limb under his tree stand, according to authorities. Gregory McCoy, 62, of Oley Township, was pronounced dead at 9:34 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7, according to the Berks County Coroner's Office.  Police were called to a wooded area near the 200 block of Geiger Road at around 8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7 and found McCoy hanging upside down from the tree, Amity Police Chief Jeffrey Smith said. Police believe McCoy had been cutting a limb below the tree stand when he fell, according to Chief Smith. One of his legs got caught between a…
Car Sliced In Half At Lancaster, Berks County Line: Fire Officials (PHOTOS) Car Sliced In Half At Lancaster, Berks County Line: Fire Officials (PHOTOS)
Car Sliced In Half At Lancaster, Berks County Line: Fire Officials (Photos) A car was found sliced in half on Route 222, Adamstown firefighters announced on Monday, Oct. 7. While heading to a training in Berks County, volunteers with the Adamstown Fire Company volunteers were called to a single vehicle accident on Rt 222. The crash was in the northbound lanes between the Exit: I-76 Turnpike/ PA Route 272 - Denver/PA Turnpike and Exit: PA 272 South/PA 568 East - Adamstown/Knauers around 7:30 p.m., according to PennDOT's 511PA. "Crews arrived to find a vehicle that had struck the guardrail and split in half," officials with the fire company wrote in a Facebook…
Berks County Woman Shot By Husband While Reading Bible: Affidavit Berks County Woman Shot By Husband While Reading Bible: Affidavit
Berks County Woman Shot By Husband While Reading Bible: Affidavit An 84-year-old Bethel woman was shot in the head as she was reading the Bible, according to court documents obtained by Daily Voice on Tuesday, Oct. 8. The woman was shot by her husband, Howard "Philip" Boltz, as she was sitting at their dinner at their dining room table at 9:10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, as detailed in the affidavit of probable cause.  Boltz, 82, told his wife, "I can't stand it no more. You are cutting me down," as he placed a .22 caliber rifle's barrel against her head, according to the document. The rifle was still covered with a cloth Boltz used to protect it while i…
Man, 82, Shoots Wife In Head With .22 Caliber Rifle: Berks County DA Man, 82, Shoots Wife In Head With .22 Caliber Rifle: Berks County DA
Man, 82, Shoots Wife In Head With .22 Caliber Rifle: Berks County DA An 82-year-old Berks County man was arrested after shooting his wife in the head with a .22 caliber rifle, the Berks County District Attorney's Office said. Howard “Philip” Boltz, of Bethel, called police to report that he had just shot his wife in their home on Airport Road at 9:10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, according to the district attorney's office. Police found an 84-year-old woman in the residence with a gunshot wound to her head, the district attorney's office said. She was taken to Penn State Hershey Medical Center in stable condition. Boltz was arrested and charged with Criminal Atte…
Another Fentanyl, Meth Dealer Arrested In Ongoing Berks County Undercover Operation: DA Another Fentanyl, Meth Dealer Arrested In Ongoing Berks County Undercover Operation: DA
Another Fentanyl, Meth Dealer Arrested In Ongoing Berks County Undercover Operation: DA A 39-year-old man has been arrested in part of an ongoing investigation of the Berks County District Attorney's Drug Task Force, authorities said. Fidel Yamil Ruiz, of Temple, was arrested for possessing and dealing methamphetamine and fentanyl at his home on 12th Avenue on Friday, Oct. 4, the Berks County District Attorney's Office announced. He was transported to the Berks County Central Processing Center for arraignment. This arrest was made as part of Operation Trapped, in which 11 pounds of methamphetamine, eight pounds of fentanyl, multiple loaded firearms, and more were seized …