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Bethlehem Police Department

Passenger From Allentown Dies In Hospital After Bethlehem Crash: Police Passenger From Allentown Dies In Hospital After Bethlehem Crash: Police
Passenger From Allentown Dies In Hospital After Bethlehem Crash: Police The passenger for a vehicle involved in a crash died in the hospital, the Bethlehem Police Department announced on Monday, Oct. 14. Ezequiel Hernandez-Cartagena, 20, of Allentown, has been identified as the passenger killed in the single-vehicle crash, according to the Lehigh County Coroner's Office. Officers responded to the report of a single-vehicle crash with injuries in the 700 block of Central Boulevard at 6:53 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13, police said. When they arrived, officers found a vehicle severely damaged from striking a utility pole, but no one could be found in or around it,…
Teen Charged With Homicide In Bethlehem: Authorities (UPDATE) Teen Charged With Homicide In Bethlehem: Authorities (UPDATE)
Teen Charged With Homicide In Bethlehem: Authorities (Update) A 30-year-old man was shot dead in Bethlehem, authorities told Daily Voice on Saturday, Sept. 28.  Altaron Amir Robinson, of Allentown, was shot in the 1900 block of Butztown Road, Bethlehem at 9:29 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26, the Lehigh County Coroner detailed.  The shooting was near Governor Wolf Elementary School which closed Friday while police investigated the shooting. Robinson was pronounced dead at St. Luke's University Hospital in Bethlehem at 3:22 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27, Coroner Daniel Buglio explained.  The cause of death was a gunshot(s) wo…
Bethlehem Police Officer Sexually Assaulted Student At School, Authorities Say Bethlehem Police Officer Sexually Assaulted Student At School, Authorities Say
Bethlehem Police Officer Sexually Assaulted Student At School, Authorities Say A now-former Bethlehem school resource officer is accused of sexually assaulting a student at East Hills Middle School, authorities said in a release.  BPD said they were informed of a "possible inappropriate relationship" between Officer Costas Alestas and a 14-year-old EHMS student on May 1. Alestas was placed on administrative leave and his phone was seized as evidence, police said.  Investigation revealed that Alestas had been texting the victim, "includ(ing) conversations about engaging in sexual acts," according to police.  Authorities said Alestas went on to assault t…
Woman 'Seriously Injured' By Gunfire In Bethlehem, Police Say Woman 'Seriously Injured' By Gunfire In Bethlehem, Police Say
Woman 'Seriously Injured' By Gunfire In Bethlehem, Police Say Police are investigating after a woman was shot in Bethlehem on Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 28, authorities said in a release.  Authorities received multiple calls about gunfire on the 400 block of Cherokee Street around 3:15 p.m., the department said.  The victim, believed to be in her 20s, had been taken to an area hospital in a personal car before police arrived, according to officials. She was shot at least once in the body and remains hospitalized with "serious injuries," police said.  No arrests were made at the scene and police are asking anyone with information to call…
Teen Caught Breaking Into Car Was Armed With Stolen Gun: Bethlehem PD Teen Caught Breaking Into Car Was Armed With Stolen Gun: Bethlehem PD
Teen Caught Breaking Into Car Was Armed With Stolen Gun: Bethlehem PD A 17-year-old who smashed the back window of a Bethlehem resident's car Tuesday morning was armed, according to city police.  Authorities said they were called to the 1300 block of East 5th Street just after midnight on Dec. 19 for an attempted vehicle burglary.  The victim said their car window had been shattered, triggering the alarm. Police searched the neighborhood and spotted a teen running near Edwards and Deschler streets, about a block north of the victim's driveway.  Officers said they saw the 17-year-old ditch a handgun from his waistband before they took him into …
Lehigh Valley Woman Killed In Bethlehem Crash: Coroner (UPDATED) Lehigh Valley Woman Killed In Bethlehem Crash: Coroner (UPDATED)
Lehigh Valley Woman Killed In Bethlehem Crash: Coroner (Updated) (Note: This story has been updated with new information from the Lehigh County Coroner's Office.) A passenger was killed when two cars collided in Bethlehem on Sunday evening, Dec. 17, officials say.  Nora H. Coronado, 62, was riding along near the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Eaton Avenue when her car was struck by another vehicle around 4 p.m., according to the Lehigh County Coroner's Office.  Coronado, of Easton, was taken to the Emergency Department at St. Luke's University Hospital where she died around 4:40 p.m., the Coroner said.  Her cause of death was blunt fo…
Barricaded Suspect Found Hiding In Closet After 9-Hour Standoff: Bethlehem PD Barricaded Suspect Found Hiding In Closet After 9-Hour Standoff: Bethlehem PD
Barricaded Suspect Found Hiding In Closet After 9-Hour Standoff: Bethlehem PD Bethlehem police arrested a wanted man following a nine-hour barricade at an 11th Avenue home on Wednesday, Oct. 25.  Brian George Lichtenwalner, 31, was taken into custody on multiple bench warrants out of Monroe County, authorities said.  Lichtenwalner had been sought on charges related to disarming a law enforcement officer, possessing drugs in a prison, and various DUI offenses when Bethlehem police learned he was in the city on Wednesday morning.  Authorities surrounded the residence around 10 a.m. but could not convince Lichtenwalner to come out or speak with them, BPD said.  By ar…
Victim Shot In Botched Bethlehem Robbery: Police Victim Shot In Botched Bethlehem Robbery: Police
Victim Shot In Botched Bethlehem Robbery: Police One person is hospitalized and another in police custody after an attempted robbery ended in gunfire late on Friday, Sept. 8, Bethlehem police say.  Elijah Watkins, 19, is charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, robbery, and related counts, city police said.  Investigators say Watkins walked up to a vehicle on the 200 block of East Ettwein Street and tried to rob the victim at gunpoint around 11:40 p.m. He then opened fire, hitting the victim in the arm and leg before fleeing on foot, they claimed.  Police reached the victim within three minutes of the 911 call, t…
Bethlehem Doctor Charged With Child Sex Abuse Bethlehem Doctor Charged With Child Sex Abuse
Bethlehem Doctor Charged With Child Sex Abuse A Bethlehem chiropractor is charged with sexually abusing a child, following a joint investigation by multiple agencies, authorities say.  An arrest warrant for Dr. Philip O'Brien of Allentown was issued on Friday, June 16, said Bethlehem city and Bethlehem Township police in a release.  Court records show he had not yet been arraigned as of Tuesday, June 20, but the department is "aware of his whereabouts and (we) anticipate this happening in the near future," police wrote.  Investigators claim O'Brien "produced child sexual exploitation material" of a girl "whose identity …
Bethlehem Police Seek Hit-And-Run Suspect Bethlehem Police Seek Hit-And-Run Suspect
Bethlehem Police Seek Hit-And-Run Suspect Police in Bethlehem are on the search for a suspect vehicle related to a hit-and-run investigation, the department says.  The truck is described as a black Dodge Ram with an extended cab, model year 1994 to 2001, authorities said. It "appears" to be lifted, riding on a set of after-market wheels and all-terrain tires, investigators added.  Bethlehem Police are asking for our community’s help in identifying the pictured driver involved in a hit-and-run crash.... Posted by Bethlehem Police Department, Bethlehem, PA on Thursday, March 23, 2023 Detectives believe the truck was involved in …
Coroner IDs Bethlehem Crash Victim Coroner IDs Bethlehem Crash Victim
Coroner IDs Bethlehem Crash Victim Officials have identified the man killed in a single-vehicle crash in Bethlehem over the weekend.  Joseph G. Rodriguez, 32, of Bethlehem, was driving north on Route 412 near Commerce Center Boulevard on Saturday, Feb. 18, said Coroner Daniel A. Buglio in a statement.  Just before 10 p.m., Rodriguez's car veered off the road, hitting several trees before coming to a rest, the coroner said. He was rushed to St. Luke's University Hospital on Ostrum Street when he was pronounced dead minutes later, officials wrote.  Rodriguez's cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries, a…
Bethlehem Parents Charged In Toddler's OD Death: Reports Bethlehem Parents Charged In Toddler's OD Death: Reports
Bethlehem Parents Charged In Toddler's OD Death: Reports Two parents whose toddler son died of a fentanyl overdose in Bethlehem last summer now face criminal charges, reports LehighValleyLive.com.  Nicole Stauffer, 45, of Bethlehem, and Christian Brewster, 25, of New York, are charged with involuntary manslaughter and felony child endangerment, according to filings in Northampton County court.  Stauffer, Brewster, and their 2-year-old son were lounging in their shared bedroom on July 5, 2022, when Stauffer and the child fell asleep, LVL wrote. The mother woke up but eventually realized her son was unresponsive and that his lips had turn…
Hot Cops Doing CPR Leave Bethlehem Ladies Breathless Hot Cops Doing CPR Leave Bethlehem Ladies Breathless
Hot Cops Doing CPR Leave Bethlehem Ladies Breathless A photo of two Bethlehem police officers in CPR training is leaving ladies breathless. Comments have flooded the post, with many Facebook users saying they needed mouth to mouth resuscitation by the life-saving duo from the Bethlehem Police Department.  A big thank you to City of Bethlehem EMS for re-certifying our officers in first aid and CPR! Posted by Bethlehem Police Department, Bethlehem, PA on Friday, January 13, 2023 "I'm out of breathe[sic]," one said. "Send one of them please." "Good to know, but if I need it let it be a good looking cop," another said. "How do I apply for …
Racial Attack Leaves 22-Year-Old Victim With Swollen Lip: Bethlehem PD Racial Attack Leaves 22-Year-Old Victim With Swollen Lip: Bethlehem PD
Racial Attack Leaves 22-Year-Old Victim With Swollen Lip: Bethlehem PD Police in Bethlehem are investigating after two men called a 22-year-old victim a racial slur and then attacked him, they said. The victim was walking near  S. New and Morton streets around 3 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 when one male called out to him "using an offensive and malicious statement concerning the victim’s race," police said. The victim was then confronted by him and another male, before being struck in the face causing a gash and swelling to his lip, police said. Following the assault, the victim went to a friend’s home nearby and called police. The suspects left the area …
Teen Charged With Terroristic Threats In Lehigh Valley High School Evacuation: UPDATE Teen Charged With Terroristic Threats In Lehigh Valley High School Evacuation: UPDATE
Teen Charged With Terroristic Threats In Lehigh Valley High School Evacuation: Update UPDATE: A teen has been charged with terroristic threats after allegedly causing the evacuation of a Lehigh Valley high school early on Monday, Oct. 24, authorities announced. The 17-year-old — whose name was not released — was identified as the source of the threat that came into Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts, requiring a full evacuation around 8:20 a.m., Bethlehem Police said. The threat was ultimately determined not to be credible, and students and staff have returned to the building on E. 3rd St. in Bethlehem to resume classes. The teen has been charged with terrorist…
Bethlehem Shooting Suspect Arrested In Montco: Police Bethlehem Shooting Suspect Arrested In Montco: Police
Bethlehem Shooting Suspect Arrested In Montco: Police A Montgomery County man was charged in connection with a shooting in the Lehigh Valley, authorities have announced.  Christopher Rodriguez is in Bethlehem police custody, the department announced in a Facebook post on Friday, Oct. 14.  Officials in Montgomery County were investigating Rodriguez, "who was threatening harm to his significant other and her family," Bethlehem police said. The investigators eventually "overheard" Rodriguez admit to shooting a friend in Bethlehem early in the morning on Friday, Oct. 7.  When arrested, Rodriguez had a handgun that matched the calib…
Scammer Clones Bethlehem Police Phone Number To Defraud Resident Of More Than $11K Scammer Clones Bethlehem Police Phone Number To Defraud Resident Of More Than $11K
Scammer Clones Bethlehem Police Phone Number To Defraud Resident Of More Than $11K A scammer cloning the phone number of the Bethlehem Police Department defrauded a local resident of more than $11,000, authorities said. A Lehigh Valley resident received a call from the Bethlehem Police non-emergency line (610-865-7187) on Friday, Aug. 26 stating that a family member was in trouble and needed money, the department said in a release. The resident was ultimately scammed out of more than $11,000, police said. “This is a common fraud scheme in which the victim is convinced that a family member has been in an accident or arrested and needs money immediately to avoid serving t…
Threat By Ex-Student Prompts Increased Security Presence At Lehigh University Threat By Ex-Student Prompts Increased Security Presence At Lehigh University
Threat By Ex-Student Prompts Increased Security Presence At Lehigh University A threat made by a former student prompted an increased security presence at Lehigh University, authorities said. University police officers were notified around 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28 about the threat, which was directed at a group of current students, the school announced just before noon Monday, Aug. 29. Muhamad Diop was later identified as the former student who made the threat, authorities said. He was in New York City, but police had no idea where he was as of Monday morning.  Now, they're asking for the public's help in locating him. "There is no evidence the individua…
Motorcyclist, 44, Killed In Bethlehem Crash: Authorities Motorcyclist, 44, Killed In Bethlehem Crash: Authorities
Motorcyclist, 44, Killed In Bethlehem Crash: Authorities A motorcyclist was killed in a weekend crash in Bethlehem, authorities said. Scott Bitting, 44, was riding a motorcycle that was struck by a vehicle on West Union Boulevard at Eaton Avenue in Bethlehem around midnight on Sunday, July 17, according to the Lehigh County Coroner's Office. Bitting was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital - Bethlehem, where he was pronounced dead at 1:02 a.m., officials said. He died of multiple blunt force trauma injuries and his manner of death was determined to be an accident. The coroner's office is still looking for Bitting's next of kin and is asking for th…
Northampton County Dump Truck Driver Dies Days After Crash That Also Killed Passenger Northampton County Dump Truck Driver Dies Days After Crash That Also Killed Passenger
Northampton County Dump Truck Driver Dies Days After Crash That Also Killed Passenger A Northampton County dump truck driver was pronounced dead at the hospital several days after a crash that also killed his passenger, authorities announced. Bobby Johnson, 66, was driving a dump truck that collided with another vehicle and hit a traffic sign support post near East 4th Street and Emery Street in Bethlehem shortly before 1:20 p.m. on Thursday, June 9, authorities said. Johnson, of Hellertown, was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem and pronounced dead just after 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15. Meanwhile, front seat passenger David Polczer, 57, of Bethlehem, died from…
Lehigh Valley Man, 57, Killed In Dump Truck Crash Lehigh Valley Man, 57, Killed In Dump Truck Crash
Lehigh Valley Man, 57, Killed In Dump Truck Crash A 57-year-old Lehigh Valley man was killed in a crash involving a dump truck, authorities confirmed. The dump truck collided with another vehicle and hit a traffic sign support post near East 4th Street and Emery Street in Bethlehem just before 1:20 p.m. on Thursday, June 9, authorities said. Front seat passenger David Polczer, 57, of Bethlehem, died from blunt force trauma at St. Luke’s Hospital about an hour after the crash, according to a release from the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office. Meanwhile, the area was shut down for several hours, causing major delays, DailyVoice.com reported. …
SEEN HIM? Man Wanted For Lehigh Valley Aggravated Assault, Police Say SEEN HIM? Man Wanted For Lehigh Valley Aggravated Assault, Police Say
Seen HIM? Man Wanted For Lehigh Valley Aggravated Assault, Police Say Seen him? Police are seeking the public’s help locating a man wanted for aggravated assault in the Lehigh Valley. Hasson Deese, pictured above, is wanted on aggravated assault charges following an incident that occurred on the 600 block of High Street in Bethlehem on Friday, March 16, Bethlehem Police said in a release on Tuesday, March 29. Additional details about the incident were not released. ---Attempt to Locate Wanted Person--- 2022-011037 - Aggravated Assault The City of Bethlehem Police Department is... Posted by Bethlehem Police Department, Bethlehem, PA on Tuesday, March 2…
92-Year-Old Man Dies Weeks After Bethlehem Crash, Coroner Says 92-Year-Old Man Dies Weeks After Bethlehem Crash, Coroner Says
92-Year-Old Man Dies Weeks After Bethlehem Crash, Coroner Says A 92-year-old man has died three weeks after sustaining injuries in a car crash in Bethlehem, authorities said. William G. Flagmeier, of Bethlehem, was pronounced dead at 11:13 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 3 at the nursing facility where he was staying, according to the Lehigh County Coroner's Office. His cause of death was determined to be complications from blunt force injuries as a result of a crash on Jan. 13, the coroner's office said. Flagmeier was driving a car that struck another vehicle and a parked vehicle near Eighth Avenue and Martin Court in Bethlehem, authorities said. The crash r…
Police Seek ID For Suspect In String Of Lehigh Valley Package Thefts Police Seek ID For Suspect In String Of Lehigh Valley Package Thefts
Police Seek ID For Suspect In String Of Lehigh Valley Package Thefts Police are seeking the public’s help identifying a man caught on surveillance footage in a string of Lehigh Valley package thefts. The man — pictured above — was seen on surveillance footage stealing packages in Bethlehem, local police said Wednesday. The man arrived and fled in a white Nissan, police said. Scroll down to view more photos of the suspect and vehicle. ---Attempt to Identify--- 2022-003475 Package Thefts The City of Bethlehem Police Department is looking to identify the... Posted by Bethlehem Police Department, Bethlehem, PA on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 Anyone with i…
Police Seek ID For Truck Suspected In 4 Lehigh Valley Hospital Van Catalytic Converter Thefts Police Seek ID For Truck Suspected In 4 Lehigh Valley Hospital Van Catalytic Converter Thefts
Police Seek ID For Truck Suspected In 4 Lehigh Valley Hospital Van Catalytic Converter Thefts Police are seeking the public’s help identifying the owner of a truck involved in a string of catalytic converter thefts from medical vehicles at Lehigh Valley Hospital. The truck pictured above was involved in four catalytic converter thefts from transport vans at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Muhlenberg on Jan. 15, Bethlehem Police said Wednesday. “This included vans used for the transportation of hospital employees, as well as visitors and patients from the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation facility,” police said. The vehicle appears to be a Ford truck with a utility body. It has distinctive whi…
Pedestrian Struck, Killed By Car In Bethlehem, Police Say Pedestrian Struck, Killed By Car In Bethlehem, Police Say
Pedestrian Struck, Killed By Car In Bethlehem, Police Say A pedestrian was killed after being struck by a car in Bethlehem Tuesday night, authorities said. Lisa Byrd, 48, was rushed to an area hospital after the incident in the 1400 block of Stefko Boulevard around 8:30 p.m., according to the Bethlehem Police Department and LehighValleyLive. She was pronounced dead at an area hospital, police said. The driver was cooperating with police, the news outlet says. The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is urged to contact the police department at bethlehempolice@bethlehem-pa.gov or the tip line at 610-691-6660.
Bethlehem Police Seek ID For Pair Seen Abandoning Stolen Car After Botched ATM Theft Bethlehem Police Seek ID For Pair Seen Abandoning Stolen Car After Botched ATM Theft
Bethlehem Police Seek ID For Pair Seen Abandoning Stolen Car After Botched ATM Theft Bethlehem Police are seeking the public’s help identifying two people caught on surveillance footage attempting to steal an ATM and abandoning a stolen car early Thursday morning. The suspects — pictured above — attempted to break into a drive-up ATM on the east side of Bank of America on Butztown Road just after 6:20 a.m., Bethlehem Police said. The suspects failed and ran from the scene, abandoning a vehicle in the process, police said. The abandoned vehicle was later found to be stolen from an apartment complex on Chester Road, authorities said. -Attempt to Identify - 2021-048137…
Bethlehem Police Seek ID For Masked Grocery Store Robber Bethlehem Police Seek ID For Masked Grocery Store Robber
Bethlehem Police Seek ID For Masked Grocery Store Robber Bethlehem Police are seeking the public’s help identifying a masked suspect in a grocery store robbery. The suspect — pictured above — was seen entering Sim’s Market at 609 W. Broad St. and confronting an employee last Saturday, Oct. 30, Bethlehem Police said in a Wednesday release. The suspect demanded cash from the register and fled in a dark-colored vehicle, according to police. Anyone with information about the suspect’s identity is asked to call the Bethlehem Police Department at 610-865-7000 or send an email to bethlehempolice@bethlehem-pa.gov.
35-Year-Old Lehigh Valley Dad Stabbed Dead On Ride Home From Casino 35-Year-Old Lehigh Valley Dad Stabbed Dead On Ride Home From Casino
35-Year-Old Lehigh Valley Dad Stabbed Dead On Ride Home From Casino Support is surging for the family of a 35-year-old Lehigh Valley dad who was stabbed to death by another man on their way home from Wind Creek Bethlehem casino on Friday. Nearly $2,000 had been raised on a GoFundMe page for the five children of Elson Aviles as of Monday afternoon.  Aviles was remembered on the fundraiser as a "loving, loyal person and a true stand-up family man."  Jose Luis Leon, 30, is facing charges of criminal homicide, possessing instruments of crime, simple possession, and two counts of aggravated assault for the killing of Aviles, of Bethlehem, according to…
2 Men Arrested After Raid Of Allentown Home Finds Fentanyl, Cocaine, Guns, Police Say 2 Men Arrested After Raid Of Allentown Home Finds Fentanyl, Cocaine, Guns, Police Say
2 Men Arrested After Raid Of Allentown Home Finds Fentanyl, Cocaine, Guns, Police Say Two men were arrested after a raid on an Allentown home turned up drugs, loaded guns, and a large sum of cash, authorities said. As part of an ongoing drug investigation by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the Bethlehem Police Department, and the Allentown Police Department, a search warrant was served at a home on Greenleaf Street, local police said. The warrant seized $11, 937 in cash, 508 grams of fentanyl, 12 grams brown tar heroin, 34 grams cocaine, 4.1 grams marijuana, and three loaded handguns, including one "ghost gun," Bethlehem police said. Jorge Sanchez and…
Bethlehem Police Officer Matthew Ragusa Who Died By Suicide Gave Others Hope Bethlehem Police Officer Matthew Ragusa Who Died By Suicide Gave Others Hope
Bethlehem Police Officer Matthew Ragusa Who Died By Suicide Gave Others Hope The Lehigh Valley community is mourning the loss of a Bethlehem police officer who died by suicide on July 4. Matthew Ragusa was "a beckon of light to countless citizens who needed hope in their darkest hour," wrote Robert Corsi. Corsi organized a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses and other needs for his wife Stephanie, and three sons, Xavier, 13, Braxton, 10, and Lex, 6. The campaign had raised more than $33,000 as of Thursday evening. Matthew RagusaGoFundMe photo Prior to joining the Bethlehem Police Department in 2015, Ragusa served as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Cor…