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Driver Killed After 10-Mile Pursuit With PSP Identified By Coroner
Officials have released the 19-year-old man killed in a pursuit that ended in a crash with Pennsylvania State Troopers Thursday, June 6.
Troopers were attempting to stop Matthew Stepp, of Lehighton, in a 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 for code violations around 6:24 p.m. Thursday, Trooper Anthony Petroski III said.
Stepp failed to stop, though, initiating a 10-mile pursuit, during which Stepp "committed numerous vehicle code violations," Petroski said. He ultimately lost control, left the roadway and struck a tree near Hazelwood Road and Laural Lane, Towamensing Township, according to Petr…
Arson: PA Freight Company Employee Starts 3 Fires Causing Shutdown, Report Says
An employee at a Pennsylvania freight company allegedly started three separate fires at his workplace, causing serious damage and a temporary closure of the business, WFMZ reports.
Workers at Estes Express Lines in Mahoning Township told police they saw Anthony Dick, 39, dousing a fire after leaving the bathroom on Wednesday, Aug. 24, the outlet reports.
Other workers reportedly saw Dick, of Lehighton, extinguishing a blaze in two other areas of the building, totaling three fires in the same day.
Five trailers and other parts of the building were damaged in the fire. Dick was charged with …
Ex-Pennsylvania Police Chief Learns His Fate For Repeatedly Raping Child
A former police chief in eastern Pennsylvania was sentenced Friday, July 15 to 16 to 32 years in prison followed by three years of probation for repeatedly raping a child, WFMZ reports.
Former Weissport Police Chief Brent Getz, of Lehighton, was convicted in March 2019 on charges of child rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, aggravated indecent assault of a child, and other related offenses, according to Attorney General Josh Shapiro.
Getz’s co-defendant, Gregory Wagner, pleaded guilty to child rape and sexual exploitation of children in Nov. 2020 and agreed to testif…
Beloved Lehigh Valley Dad Of 2 Dies Suddenly On 36th Birthday
Beloved Lehigh Valley father of two Michael E. Taschler, Jr. died unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 20, what would’ve marked his 36th birthday.
Born in Lehighton, Michael worked at Blue Ridge Pressure Casting Co., his obituary says.
Michael was known for his love of sports, especially basketball, wrestling, and football, his memorial says.
Above all, Michael is remembered for embracing his role as a loving father to his son and daughter, Jaida Rose and Jordan Taschler.
Meanwhile, more than $500 had been raised as of Wednesday on a GoFundMe for the family’s final expenses.
“I ask that in …
Couple Fired Shots At Bethlehem Sports Bar, Threatened Customers With Gun: Police
Two people who fired shots inside and out of a Bethlehem bar were in police custody as of Saturday, April 9, authorities announced.
Brian, 36, and Judith Saffarally, 35, both of N. 2nd Street in Lehighton, discharged the weapon around 11 p.m. at Big Woodys during a fight on Easton Avenue, Bethlehem police said.
Brian fired a shot, hitting the front window of the restaurant, and threatened customers inside, while Judith fired a shot inside, and threatened customers, police said.
The Saffarallys were found in the parking lot when officers arrived. The gun was recovered at the scene by p…
