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Public Safety

PA Fire Captain Charged With Endangerment, Accused Of Faking University Of Maryland Training PA Fire Captain Charged With Endangerment, Accused Of Faking University Of Maryland Training
PA Fire Captain Charged With Endangerment, Accused Of Faking University Of Maryland Training A former fire captain with the Paxtang Fire Company is facing charges of forgery, reckless endangerment, and driving without a license, police announced on Thursday, Dec. 5. Steven Bartholomew, 55, allegedly created seven fraudulent training certificates from the University of Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, presenting them as proof of advanced firefighting training, according to Swatara Township Police. Bartholomew used these falsified documents, along with self-reported experience, to secure his appointment as fire captain earlier this year. Authorities say Bartholomew drove fire appa…
PA Grandmother Feared Fallen Down 30-Foot Sinkhole While Searching For Cat: State Police PA Grandmother Feared Fallen Down 30-Foot Sinkhole While Searching For Cat: State Police
PA Grandmother Feared Fallen Down 30-Foot Sinkhole While Searching For Cat: State Police A massive search effort is underway for a 64-year-old grandmother who may have fallen into a 30-foot sinkhole while looking for her missing cat in Unity Township, Pennsylvania, authorities said on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Elizabeth Pollard disappeared on Monday afternoon while out with her 5-year-old granddaughter searching for her cat, Pepper, Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Stephen Limani said at a press conference. The young girl was discovered safe around 2:50 a.m. Tuesday in her grandmother’s vehicle, which was parked near a large sinkhole behind Monday’s Union Bar and Grille, according to…
Four Children With Armed Man Barricaded In West Philadelphia Home: Police Four Children With Armed Man Barricaded In West Philadelphia Home: Police
Four Children With Armed Man Barricaded In West Philadelphia Home: Police An armed man with possible active warrants has barricaded himself inside a West Philadelphia residence with four children, police announced on Saturday, Dec. 2. Officers were called to a domestic incident at a home on the 200 block of Sickels Way at 5:28 p.m., according to a preliminary release by Officer Tanya Little, of the Philadelphia Police Department's Office of Public Affairs. Upon arrival, officers discovered the man had barricaded himself inside the property with four juveniles, authorities said. The situation was officially declared a barricade at 5:41 p.m. by 19th District police…
Ex-Boyfriend Sought In Murder Of PA Mom Found In Shallow Grave: US Marshals Ex-Boyfriend Sought In Murder Of PA Mom Found In Shallow Grave: US Marshals
Ex-Boyfriend Sought In Murder Of PA Mom Found In Shallow Grave: US Marshals A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of a Philadelphia man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend, a young mother whose body was discovered in a shallow grave last month, authorities announced on Monday, Dec. 2. Geovanni Otero, 29, is wanted for the murder of 29-year-old Melody Rivera, police said. Rivera, a devoted mom, was found buried in the 900 block of Tustin Avenue in the Fox Chase neighborhood on Nov. 7, days after she was reported missing, as Daily Voice previously reported.  The pair was last seen together on Oct. 31 near the 900 block of Sanger…
Missing Endangered Person Alert Issued: PA State Police Missing Endangered Person Alert Issued: PA State Police
Missing Endangered Person Alert Issued: PA State Police A 58-year-old York County man is missing and possibly in danger, Pennsylvania State Police say. Richard Rinehart was last seen on Manchester Street in Shrewsbury Township at 6:40 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, Pennsylvania State Police announced.  He is believed to be driving a white 2009 Lincoln MKX with Pennsylvania plates LPM7493. Rinehart may be confused and at special risk of harm, authorities noted.  Rinehart is described as 5’7” tall, weighing 155 pounds, with balding gray hair and green eyes. He was last seen wearing sweatpants, a black puffy coat, and a ball cap, police …
I-80 Road Rage Shooter With PA Plates Sought In NJ I-80 Road Rage Shooter With PA Plates Sought In NJ
I-80 Road Rage Shooter With PA Plates Sought In NJ New Jersey State Police are investigating a road rage shooting on Route 80 this week. The incident occurred on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, around 6:18 a.m., when the driver of a silver minivan with a Pennsylvania license plate pulled alongside a blue Subaru Outback and fired at least one shot, striking the rear driver’s side window, authorities said. It happened near Exit 47B in Parsippany. No injuries were reported, but police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or its aftermath to contact the NJSP Troop “B” Totowa Station Detective Bureau at 973-785-9412. Anonymous tips are w…
Philadelphia Officer Struck By Suspect In Stolen Car: Police Philadelphia Officer Struck By Suspect In Stolen Car: Police
Philadelphia Officer Struck By Suspect In Stolen Car: Police A Philadelphia police officer was injured after being struck by a driver in a stolen car during a Tuesday night incident in Feltonville, police announced at a press conference. The officer, whose name has not been released, was hospitalized in stable condition following the collision at Front Street and Hunting Park Avenue at approximately 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26, police said. According to Chief Inspector Scott Small, two officers on patrol spotted a white Honda that had been reported stolen in an armed carjacking on Sunday. They followed the vehicle as it became stuck in traffic at t…
PA Man Killed In Broad-Daylight Shooting, Suspect Arrested: Police PA Man Killed In Broad-Daylight Shooting, Suspect Arrested: Police
PA Man Killed In Broad-Daylight Shooting, Suspect Arrested: Police A man was fatally shot in a vehicle in Northeast Philadelphia on Friday, Nov. 22, police announced. Officers from the 15th District responded to reports of a person with a gun near the intersection of 5100 Frankford Avenue and Pratt Street at 3:08 p.m., according to investigators. When police and SEPTA officers arrived, they found Moneer Farhat suffering from a gunshot wound to the head in a crashed vehicle, authorities said. He was rushed to Temple University Hospital in critical condition but was pronounced dead at 6:12 p.m., officials said. While on the scene, 39-year-old Sherwayne …
Norristown Police Chief Placed On Administrative Leave Effective Immediately Norristown Police Chief Placed On Administrative Leave Effective Immediately
Norristown Police Chief Placed On Administrative Leave Effective Immediately Norristown Police Chief Jacqueline Bailey-Davis has been placed on administrative leave, municipal officials announced Monday, Nov. 25. Municipal Administrator Leonard Lightner released a statement emphasizing the gravity of the decision, while maintaining the confidentiality of personnel matters. “This decision was made after careful consideration and is not taken lightly,” Lightner said. “The Municipality recognizes the complexities and challenges associated with leadership in public service and remains committed to ensuring transparency and accountability.” Though no specific detail…
Family Feud: Son Stabs Father, Dad Shoots Girlfriend, PA State Police Say Family Feud: Son Stabs Father, Dad Shoots Girlfriend, PA State Police Say
Family Feud: Son Stabs Father, Dad Shoots Girlfriend, PA State Police Say A family fight turned violent in Loyalsock Township, leaving three people injured in a chaotic sequence of events involving a stabbing and a shooting, Pennsylvania State Police announced on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. The altercation erupted on Grampian Boulevard when a son allegedly stabbed his father during a heated argument around 10 a.m., according to investigators. In response, the father fired a gun. The bullet passed through the son’s girlfriend before hitting the son, police said. Despite the dramatic nature of the incident, no fatalities were reported. All three individuals suffered n…
Man Shot On SEPTA Bus In North Philadelphia After Harassing Passengers: Police Man Shot On SEPTA Bus In North Philadelphia After Harassing Passengers: Police
Man Shot On SEPTA Bus In North Philadelphia After Harassing Passengers: Police A man was injured in a shooting aboard a SEPTA bus in North Philadelphia, authorities said on Saturday, Nov. 23. The incident occurred on Friday, Nov. 22, at approximately 10:30 p.m. when a 24-year-old male boarded a bus near 33rd Street and began harassing passengers and the driver, Philadelphia police said in a release. The driver stopped the vehicle on the 1600 block of Dauphin Street and called police, investigators said. As the man continued to harass others on board, another passenger pulled a firearm and shot him in the foot, police said. The victim was transported to a local hosp…
Man Shot Outside Longhorn Steakhouse, SEPTA Bus Struck: Philly Police (VIDEO) Man Shot Outside Longhorn Steakhouse, SEPTA Bus Struck: Philly Police (VIDEO)
Man Shot Outside Longhorn Steakhouse, SEPTA Bus Struck: Philly Police (Video) A 21-year-old man was shot multiple times outside Longhorn Steakhouse on City Line Avenue before crashing his vehicle into a SEPTA bus, Philadelphia police announced Friday, Nov. 22. The shooting occurred on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, at 10:32 p.m., in the 4000 block of City Line Avenue in the 19th District, according to the release. The victim was inside a vehicle at City Avenue and Presidential Boulevard when three unknown males exited another vehicle and opened fire, police said. Attempting to flee, the victim crashed into a SEPTA bus before abandoning the car and running to the Longhorn…
Flags At Half-Staff After Pittsburgh Fire Chief Dies In Line Of Duty Flags At Half-Staff After Pittsburgh Fire Chief Dies In Line Of Duty
Flags At Half-Staff After Pittsburgh Fire Chief Dies In Line Of Duty Governor Josh Shapiro has ordered all U.S. and Commonwealth flags in Allegheny County to be flown at half-staff in honor of Pittsburgh Fire Battalion Chief John P. Walsh, who died while responding to a fire Wednesday night, Nov. 20, 2024. Walsh, 60, collapsed at the scene of a house fire on the 700 block of Wilkinsburg Avenue in the East Hills neighborhood around 9 p.m., according to Pittsburgh Public Safety. He was rushed to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. “Chief Walsh tragically passed away while in command of a structure fire last night. His unwavering passion…
Live Grenade Removed By Bomb Squad From PA Home: Police Live Grenade Removed By Bomb Squad From PA Home: Police
Live Grenade Removed By Bomb Squad From PA Home: Police A live grenade was removed from a Montgomery County home by the county sheriff's bomb squad on Sunday, Nov. 17, according to police. The grenade was found by a resident of the 2500 block of Line Lexington Road in Hatfield Township while they were using a metal detector at Greenlane Park, the Hatfield Police Department said in a news release. The resident was unsure if it was a live grenade and took it home, according to police. After getting the grenade home, the resident called police. Officers and firefighters with the Colmar Fire Department responded at 3:10 p.m., police said. Line…
2 Adults Stabbed At Philly Middle School: Police 2 Adults Stabbed At Philly Middle School: Police
2 Adults Stabbed At Philly Middle School: Police Two adults were stabbed at a Philadelphia middle school on Tuesday, Nov. 19, according to police. Officers responded for a person with a weapon at Castor Garden Middle School, 1800 Cottman Avenue, at 12:11 p.m., the Philadelphia Police Department said in a news release. A 63-year-old woman was stabbed on the left side of her body, and a 31-year-old woman was stabbed in the right arm, according to police.  The 63-year-old woman was taken to the hospital, police said. Her condition is unknown. The 31-year-old woman refused treatment. A weapon was recovered, according to police. Daily …
Pottstown Police Officer Shot While Responding to Domestic Call: DA Pottstown Police Officer Shot While Responding to Domestic Call: DA
Pottstown Police Officer Shot While Responding to Domestic Call: DA A Pottstown police officer was shot while responding to a domestic disturbance on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele announced. UPDATE: Arrest Made, Details Released In Pottstown Officer-Involved Shooting Officers were dispatched to a domestic disturbance at 269 Chestnut Street in Pottstown at 4:35 p.m., Steele said. Upon arrival, they found William Ciccoli Jr. and a woman engaged in an argument at their residence. As officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, Ciccoli became agitated and tried to remove one of the officer’s firearms from …
Maryland Man Arrest Made For Wild Philly Car Meetup: Police Maryland Man Arrest Made For Wild Philly Car Meetup: Police
Maryland Man Arrest Made For Wild Philly Car Meetup: Police Yet another arrest has been made relating to the wild Philadelphia car meetups that took place in September, according to police. Juawarn Williams, 21, of Rosedale, Maryland, was arrested on Thursday, Nov. 7 at his residence, the Philadelphia Police Department said. Williams was charged with: Causing or Risking Catastrophe. RIOT. REAP. Criminal Conspiracy. PIC. Fleeing Police Officer. Criminal Mischief. Disorderly Conduct-Hazard. Philadelphia police officers responded to multiple locations throughout the city for illegal car meetups with crowds ranging in size from 50 to more than 200 veh…
Repeat Flash Who Exposed Himself To Yet Another Child Gets, Sentenced: Lehigh County  DA Repeat Flash Who Exposed Himself To Yet Another Child Gets, Sentenced: Lehigh County  DA
Repeat Flash Who Exposed Himself To Yet Another Child Gets, Sentenced: Lehigh County DA A 63-year-old man has been sentenced after exposing himself to a young girl on a public street — again, the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office announced on Friday, Nov. 8. Blaine Alan Arner, of Tamaqua, was ordered to serve seven-and-a-half to 15 years in prison after a hearing held Thursday, Nov. 7, according to District Attorney's Office. Arner must also serve 15 years of probation and register for life as a sexually violent predator, the district attorney's office said. The incident happened when Arner exposed himself to a 9-year-old girl who was walking her dogs with three other …
Screaming Woman Points Gun At Customers In PA Guitar Store: Police (VIDEO) Screaming Woman Points Gun At Customers In PA Guitar Store: Police (VIDEO)
Screaming Woman Points Gun At Customers In PA Guitar Store: Police (Video) An emotionally disturbed woman was arrested without incident after pointing a gun and screaming at several customers in a Montgomery County guitar store, according to police. The woman pointed her gun at the heads of multiple customers while screaming incoherently at the Guitar Center in the Metroplex Shopping Center, 2620 Chemical Road, the Plymouth Township Police Department said. Some customers managed to flee from the store while others were hiding within, according to police. Officers arrived on scene and were immediately confronted by the woman as she exited the store with gun in han…
Series of Suspected Arsons Across Williamsport Under Investigation Series of Suspected Arsons Across Williamsport Under Investigation
Series of Suspected Arsons Across Williamsport Under Investigation The Williamsport Bureau of Police and the Williamsport Bureau of Fire launched a joint investigation on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, following a series of suspected arsons across multiple locations in the city. Authorities reported four incidents, each involving intentional fires or vandalism, throughout the day. The first incident unfolded at 5:00 a.m. at the Pajama Factory’s parking lot on 1307 Park Ave., where officers and firefighters responded to several vandalized vehicles, including one set ablaze. At 6:20 a.m., emergency responders were dispatched to the 170 Rose St. area for multiple small…
PA Daughters Mourning Mom Believed Murdered By Estranged Husband PA Daughters Mourning Mom Believed Murdered By Estranged Husband
PA Daughters Mourning Mom Believed Murdered By Estranged Husband Two daughters are in mourning after their reportedly missing mom was found murdered in the garage of the family home and their estranged step-dad was named a "person of interest" by the Philadelphia Police Department. Miguel Aguilar, 34, of Philadelphia, has been identified as a "person of interest" in the death of Ivelisse Lugo, 51, of the 5900 block of Elsinore Street, according to the Philadelphia Police. Lugo had been reported as missing at 8:15 a.m., PPD detailed in a release on Saturday, Oct. 26.  She was thought to be "in the company of her estranged husband, who owns…
'Extreme Staffing Shortage' At PD Requires Help From PA State Troopers 'Extreme Staffing Shortage' At PD Requires Help From PA State Troopers
'Extreme Staffing Shortage' At PD Requires Help From PA State Troopers A Delaware County police department with a severe staffing shortage will soon receive help from state police troopers, the Pennsylvania State Police said. Troopers will be providing overnight patrol and investigatory coverage for Collingdale Borough beginning Thursday, Oct. 31, according to a news release. That coverage will be ongoing until further notice. State police will cover the borough from 12 a.m. to 8 a.m., the news release states. The Collingdale Police Department is experiencing an extreme staffing shortage with their officers unable to "safely and adequately meet the full-time …
Garbage Truck Fire Shuts Down Northampton Roadway: Police Garbage Truck Fire Shuts Down Northampton Roadway: Police
Garbage Truck Fire Shuts Down Northampton Roadway: Police A garbage truck fire shut down a Northampton roadway on Monday, Oct. 28, police said. The 1000 block of Cressman Street in Plainfield Township was shut down so the Plainfield Township Fire Department could fight the blaze, according to the Slate Belt Regional Police Department.  Fire crews extinguished the blaze quickly, police said. However, police are still asking drivers to avoid the area as crews continue to clean up garbage from the roadway. No injuries were reported, according to police.
Overdosed PA Mom Smothers Infant Son To Death: Affidavit Overdosed PA Mom Smothers Infant Son To Death: Affidavit
Overdosed PA Mom Smothers Infant Son To Death: Affidavit A 3-month-old boy suffocated by his mom while she was passed out after ingesting crack cocaine, Lancaster police detailed in court documents obtained by Daily Voice on Tuesday, Oct. 22. Luz L. Saez, 32, of the  500 block of Lime Street in Lancaster, smoked the crack to “stay awake”, according to an affidavit of probable cause, but grandma found the infant under his mom on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. The infant's death was later ruled an accident from asphyxia due to co-sleeping, according to the coroner. A crack pipe and crack cocaine were found by investigators searching Saez’s bedro…
Second Murder-Suicide In PA In 12 Hours: DA Second Murder-Suicide In PA In 12 Hours: DA
Second Murder-Suicide In PA In 12 Hours: DA A second murder-suicide in less than 12 hours, the Chester County District Attorney's Office announced on Friday, Oct. 25.  A father and son were found dead in East Goshen Township around 10:34 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, as detailed in the release.  The Westtown East Goshen Regional Police Department and the Chester County Detectives are investigating this murder-suicide that did not involve any firearms, the DA explained. There is no threat to the public or "There is no threat to the public," the DA said.  The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information ab…
GIANT-Brand Frozen Waffles Recalled For Possible Listeria Contamination GIANT-Brand Frozen Waffles Recalled For Possible Listeria Contamination
Giant-brand Frozen Waffles Recalled For Possible Listeria Contamination GIANT recalled its store-brand frozen waffles due to the possibility of Listeria contamination. The grocery chain, which is headquartered in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, announced the following recalls on Friday, Oct. 18: Giant-brand Blueberry Waffles, 12.3 OZ, UPC: 068826707394, Codes: Best by 11/8/24-8/30/25. Giant-brand Buttermilk Waffles, 12.3 OZ, UPC: 068826707396, Codes: Best by 12/11/24-9/9/25. Giant-brand Chocolate Chip Waffles, 12.3 OZ, UPC: 068826707398, Codes: Best By 12/16/24-7/27/25. Giant-brand Chocolate Chip Waffles, 29.6 OZ, UPC: 068826715002, Codes: Best By 11/11…
Medic Stabbed Twice, In Critical Condition: Philly Police Medic Stabbed Twice, In Critical Condition: Philly Police
Medic Stabbed Twice, In Critical Condition: Philly Police A Philadelphia medic is in critical condition after being stabbed twice at on Thursday morning, Oct. 17, police announced. The stabbing happened at North 22nd and Diamond streets, with the male medic stabbed once in his chest and once in his hand at 6:28 a.m., according to the Philadelphia Police Department. He was transported to Temple University Hospital in critical, but stable condition, police explained. A suspect is in custody, according to police. The Central Detective Division is conducting an ongoing investigation. Daily Voice reached out to the Philadelphia Police Department for …
Manhunt For Rapist In Attack Next To Sleeping Child In Lancaster Ends In Arrest: DA Manhunt For Rapist In Attack Next To Sleeping Child In Lancaster Ends In Arrest: DA
Manhunt For Rapist In Attack Next To Sleeping Child In Lancaster Ends In Arrest: DA A rape at knifepoint that happened next to a sleeping child in Lancaster County has led to the arrest of a Chester County man, Lancaster County District Attorney Heather Adam's office announced on Tuesday, Oct. 15. Efrain Mateo, 49, of the 3500 block of Blue Rock Road in Manor Township, was arrested in Chester County and accused of the assault on Friday, Oct. 11, the DA explained.  The victim had an active PFA against Mateo when he entered her home in the early morning hours of Thursday, Oct. 3, authorities said. It was not immediately clear exactly where in Chester County he was …
21-Year-Old Shoots Himself Inside AutoZone: Allentown Police 21-Year-Old Shoots Himself Inside AutoZone: Allentown Police
21-Year-Old Shoots Himself Inside AutoZone: Allentown Police A 21-year-old man accidentally shot himself with a handgun while inside an Allentown AutoZone store, according to police. Officers responded to the store located at 2919 Lehigh Street after receiving a report of a shot fired inside the building on Wednesday, Oct. 16, the Allentown Police Department said. When the officers arrived on scene they learned that the man had accidentally shot himself, according to police. The man was taken to a local hospital by Allentown EMS with non-life-threatening injuries. He is expected to survive, police said. This was an isolated incident and there is no…
Felon Attempts To Kidnap Girl At PA Sheetz, Police Say Felon Attempts To Kidnap Girl At PA Sheetz, Police Say
Felon Attempts To Kidnap Girl At PA Sheetz, Police Say A convicted felon has been held without bail after attempting to kidnap a girl at a Pennsylvania Sheetz, police announced on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Jared Michael Sweigard, 42, of Enola, was arrested on Sunday, Oct. 13, after multiple kidnapping attempts, according to police and court documents. The first incident happened at the Sheetz Convenience Store and Gas Station located at 1158 River Road in Marietta, according to the police. When officers arrived to the report of a  "suspicious person" and people told them that a man in his 40s attempted to enter their vehicle while they were ins…
Levittown Mom Of Three Identified As Train Operator Killed By Fallen Tree, Family Plans Lawsuit Levittown Mom Of Three Identified As Train Operator Killed By Fallen Tree, Family Plans Lawsuit
Levittown Mom Of Three Identified As Train Operator Killed By Fallen Tree, Family Plans Lawsuit The family of the New Jersey Transit train operator killed by a fallen tree is planning to sue several organizations for negligence, an attorney said. Jessica Haley of Levittown, Pennsylvania, was identified as the person who died in the crash, according to a news release from the Anapol Weiss law firm on Thursday, Oct. 15. The single mother of three boys was 41 years old. Haley was operating a River LINE train heading north from Trenton at around 6 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 14. The light rail train struck a tree that had fallen on the tracks south of the Roebling station in Mansfield …