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West Reading, PA

Hit-Run Suspect Wanted By West Reading Police Hit-Run Suspect Wanted By West Reading Police
Hit-Run Suspect Wanted By West Reading Police Authorities in West Reading are looking for a driver accused of a hit-and-run.  Police said the pictured car left the scene of a crash near South 3rd Avenue and Franklin Street around 7:30 p.m. on March 29.  The silver SUV fled north on South 3rd Avenue and then east on Penn Avenue, according to investigators.  Anyone with information is asked to call West Reading Borough Police Department at 610-373-0111 or submit an anonymous tip via Crimewatch. 
House Votes For 'Taylor Swift Era' In Pennsylvania In 2023 House Votes For 'Taylor Swift Era' In Pennsylvania In 2023
House Votes For 'Taylor Swift Era' In Pennsylvania In 2023 It's official — 2023 is the era of Taylor Swift.  That's according to a recently passed resolution from the Pennsylvania state House of Representatives, which lauds the Berks County native as having "transcended the role of pop star." The resolution cleared the House by three votes on Wednesday, Dec. 13, the singer's 34th birthday.  The resolution "celebrat(es) Ms. Swift's recent selection as TIME Magazine's 2023 Person of the Year" and recognizes "her positive impact on Pennsylvania's economy, voter registration numbers, consumer protections, and pro-labor practic…
From Dish Boy To Restaurant Owner: PA Taco Shop Makes Yelp List Of 100 Best In America From Dish Boy To Restaurant Owner: PA Taco Shop Makes Yelp List Of 100 Best In America
From Dish Boy To Restaurant Owner: PA Taco Shop Makes Yelp List Of 100 Best In America A Pennsylvania taco shop made Yelp's list of 100 best in the U.S.  Yelp has released its list of "Top 100 US Taco Spots 2023," and according to the rundown, one West Reading is a must-try. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Comālli (@taqueriacomalli) Comalli Taqueria came in at No. 88. Comalli's owner Erik Arizmendi worked in the industry for nearly two decades, working his way up from a dishwasher who dreamed of owning his own place, the website says. He later realized his passion for Mexican fare. "During the early stages of co…
RM Palmer Failed To Evacuate Employees Before Explosion, OSHA Claims (UPDATED) RM Palmer Failed To Evacuate Employees Before Explosion, OSHA Claims (UPDATED)
RM Palmer Failed To Evacuate Employees Before Explosion, Osha Claims (Updated) Note: This article has been updated with a response from RM Palmer.  Candy company RM Palmer failed to evacuate employees after some reported smelling natural gas before the deadly West Reading explosion in March, according to federal regulators.  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said in a new report last week that the manufacturer "did not remove workers" from the plant "despite workers' concerns about what (was) later determined was a natural gas leak." The blast, which killed seven employees and laid waste to an entire borough block on March 24, was cause…
RM Palmer Factory Explosion Caused By Gas Leak From Cracked Pipe: NTSB RM Palmer Factory Explosion Caused By Gas Leak From Cracked Pipe: NTSB
RM Palmer Factory Explosion Caused By Gas Leak From Cracked Pipe: NTSB The deadly explosion at the RM Palmer chocolate factory in West Reading was the result of a fracture in an old natural gas pipe, according to a new report from the National Transportation Safety Board.  The blast, which killed seven employees and laid waste to an entire borough block on March 24, was caused by natural gas "leaking from a DuPont Aldyl A service tee that was installed in 1982," NTSB said.  "UGI exposed and retired the service line that was connected to this service tee in 2021 when they relocated the natural gas meter from the basement to the exterior of Building 2," investi…
NTSB Report Details Preliminary Findings In Deadly RM Palmer Explosion NTSB Report Details Preliminary Findings In Deadly RM Palmer Explosion
NTSB Report Details Preliminary Findings In Deadly RM Palmer Explosion Moments before the fiery explosion that killed seven people and injured nearly a dozen more at RM Palmer chocolate factory, workers smelled a peculiar scent: Rotten eggs. That odor was natural gas, according to the National Transportation Safety Board's newly-released findings on the West Reading explosion. As local authorities shifted their focus to cleanup management and community leadership, federal officials have continued to investigate the scene. The blast site, securing evidence, and interviewing witnesses, were all part and parcel of the NTSB report, released Tuesday, May 2. …
Central PA Mom ID'd As RM Palmer Company HR Director Killed In Chocolate Factory Explosion Central PA Mom ID'd As RM Palmer Company HR Director Killed In Chocolate Factory Explosion
Central PA Mom ID'd As RM Palmer Company HR Director Killed In Chocolate Factory Explosion A 49-year-old Ephrata mom has been identified as one of the victims of the RM Palmer Company Chocolate Factory explosion, according to the Berks County Coroner's office. Amy Futer Sandoe, is believed to have died "instantly" as she was leaving the office, according to her family, although the coroner has yet to confirm this. She had been with the company since August 2019 in the Human Resources Department and she had become the director of the department in January 2022, according to her LinkedIn. Prior to coming onboard at RM Palmer Company she was the Human Resources Manager for Dairy F…
West Reading Explosion: Death Toll Rises As Street Closures Announced West Reading Explosion: Death Toll Rises As Street Closures Announced
West Reading Explosion: Death Toll Rises As Street Closures Announced As investigators work to uncover the cause of the deadly explosion at a chocolate factory that rocked West Reading on Friday, authorities are shutting down affected streets until further notice.  RM Palmer chocolate factory on South 2nd Avenue erupted in a fiery blast at around 5 p.m. on March 24, Daily Voice reported. At a press conference late on Sunday, March 26, West Reading Police Chief Wayne Holben announced that two more victims had been located, bringing the death toll to seven.  One person was found alive in the rubble on Friday night, while at least ten victims were hosp…
Five Dead, At Least Three Missing In RM Palmer Chocolate Factory Explosion (UPDATE) Five Dead, At Least Three Missing In RM Palmer Chocolate Factory Explosion (UPDATE)
Five Dead, At Least Three Missing In RM Palmer Chocolate Factory Explosion (Update) Authorities confirmed five people dead with at least three more unaccounted for in the fiery explosion at West Reading's RM Palmer chocolate factory Friday, March 24. One person was found alive in the rubble on Friday night, officials said at a press conference Sunday morning, March 26. Two more people were found dead on Sunday morning, March 26, police said. Residents reported hearing the explosion around 5 p.m., bringing dozens of fire companies to the scene. At least ten victims were hospitalized at Reading Hospital, a spokesperson tells the New York Times. Videos circulating on social…
Four Pounds Of Meth, Fentanyl, Stolen Gun Seized In Berks County Busts: PD Four Pounds Of Meth, Fentanyl, Stolen Gun Seized In Berks County Busts: PD
Four Pounds Of Meth, Fentanyl, Stolen Gun Seized In Berks County Busts: PD An investigation by local and state law enforcement led to one arrest and the seizure of several pounds of drugs, cash, and stolen gun, authorities in Berks County said. Viccasey Garcia, 35, of West Reading was arrested on Thursday, Sept. 8 after the Reading Police Department, Berks County District Attorney Drug Task Force and Pennsylvania State Police found the items during a search of two homes linked to him, they said. The warrants were served at a house on N 6th Avenue in West Reading and the other on the 1800 block of Scindo Court in Muhlenberg Township, authorities said. The followin…
Driver Who Gunned Down Berks Security Guard Portrayed In Newly-Released Composite Sketch Driver Who Gunned Down Berks Security Guard Portrayed In Newly-Released Composite Sketch
Driver Who Gunned Down Berks Security Guard Portrayed In Newly-Released Composite Sketch Authorities have released a composite sketch of a person of interest sought in the deadly shooting of a security guard and his colleague in Berks County, WFMZ reports. Troy A. Rickenbach, 37, of West Reading, and his 43-year-old co-worker were told to keep an eye on vehicles that were parked in the old quarry area on the 200 block of Quarry Road in New Morgan Borough, Pennsylvania State Police said. Troy A. RickenbachGoogle Maps (Satellite View) The pair were approaching a suspicious vehicle when the driver opened fire just after midnight, police said. Rickenbach died, while the other g…
Security Guard Killed, Colleague Wounded In Berks County Shooting: PD Security Guard Killed, Colleague Wounded In Berks County Shooting: PD
Security Guard Killed, Colleague Wounded In Berks County Shooting: PD A security guard was killed and his colleague was wounded when shots rang out while they were on the lookout for catalytic converter thieves late Saturday, Aug. 6 in Berks County, authorities said. Troy A. Rickenbach, 37, of West Reading, and his 43-year-old co-worker were told to keep an eye on vehicles that were parked in the old quarry area on the 200 block of Quarry Road in New Morgan Borough, Pennsylvania State Police said. The pair were approaching a suspicious vehicle when the driver opened fire just after midnight, police said. Rickenbach died, while the other guard …
Man Punches Two, Points Gun Inside Crowded PA Bar, Police Say Man Punches Two, Points Gun Inside Crowded PA Bar, Police Say
Man Punches Two, Points Gun Inside Crowded PA Bar, Police Say A 33-year-old man is facing charges after punching two people and pointing a gun inside a crowded Berks County bar, authorities said. Police were called to an unidentified bar on the 200 block of Chestnut Street in West Reading around 2:45 a.m. Monday, July 11. An employee told officers that Luis A. Morales, of Pottstown, was asked to leave the bar and conceal his firearm elsewhere. He was escorted out of the bar but stayed behind the building, the worker claimed. Morales approached a woman he knew, grabbed her, and made a comment about her coming with him while lifting his shirt, pol…
PA Man Who Assaulted Pregnant Woman Picks Up, Throws Officer Onto Ground: Authorities PA Man Who Assaulted Pregnant Woman Picks Up, Throws Officer Onto Ground: Authorities
PA Man Who Assaulted Pregnant Woman Picks Up, Throws Officer Onto Ground: Authorities A 36-year-old Berks County man knocked a pregnant woman to the ground and punched her in the head before throwing a police officer trying to arrest him over his shoulder and throwing him to the ground, breaking his elbow, authorities said. The victim — who was six months pregnant — and Karay Prinice Hudson had gotten into a fight when he knocked her to the ground sometime before 9 p.m. on the 400 block of South 3rd Avenue on May 1, West Reading police said. The woman fell to her rear and caught her fall with her elbows, but Hudson then struck her several times in the head with a closed fist…
Woman Who Threatened To Kill Victim 2X Sought By Police In Berks: Authorities Woman Who Threatened To Kill Victim 2X Sought By Police In Berks: Authorities
Woman Who Threatened To Kill Victim 2X Sought By Police In Berks: Authorities A 34-year-old woman arrested in a domestic dispute is being sought by police for threatening to kill a victim in a separate Berks County incident, police said. West Reading police responded to a business on South 3rd Avenue around 3:30 a.m. on Feb. 6, where a victim said Melissa Milagros Rodriguez threatened them multiple times over text, the department said. Rodriguez was not at the scene when the officer arrived.  On Jan. 12, police were called to the same location for a domestic incident, where Rodriguez slapped and showed the victim a box cutter, West Reading police said. She…
Ex-Berks County Councilman Sentenced In 2nd Drug Store Robbery Case Ex-Berks County Councilman Sentenced In 2nd Drug Store Robbery Case
Ex-Berks County Councilman Sentenced In 2nd Drug Store Robbery Case An ex-councilman in Berks County who is already in prison, will face additional time behind bars after being sentenced for his involvement in a second drug store robbery. Kirk Mullen, 37, was sentenced to six to 20 years in state prison on Monday following his conviction of robbery and attempted delivery of a controlled substance, specifically opioids, according to the Berks County District Attorney's Office. The former West Reading councilman was arrested in Sept. 2020 after he taped a threatening note to the front door of The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy in Shillington, DA John T. Adams said.…
KNOW ANYTHING? West Reading Police Seek Info In Shooting KNOW ANYTHING? West Reading Police Seek Info In Shooting
Know Anything? West Reading Police Seek Info In Shooting West Reading police are investigating after a man was injured in a shooting early Friday morning, authorities said. Officers were on patrol around 3 a.m. in the area of S. 3rd Street and Chestnut Street when they were approached driver with a gunshot wound, West Reading police said. The man appeared to have a shoulder injury, and was treated on scene by officers and EMS, police said. Since the injury was minor, the victim was released from an area hospital, authorities said. Police believe the shooting took place on the Penn Street Bridge. The victim is not being cooperative with the inv…
These Celebrities Call Southeastern Pennsylvania Home These Celebrities Call Southeastern Pennsylvania Home
These Celebrities Call Southeastern Pennsylvania Home Some actors, athletes, musicians, and television personalities call or at one point have called Southeastern Pennsylvania home. Maybe you saw them at the grocery store -- or are still hoping to. Either way, here's your common thread with the rich and famous. Taylor Swift (Singer/Songwriter): West Reading and Wyomissing, PA Yolanda Hadid (Television Personality/Former Model - "RHOBH," Mother to models Gigi, Bella, and Anwar Hadid): New Hope, PA View this post on Instagram A post shared by YOLANDA (@yolanda.hadid) Pink (Singer/Songwriter): …
U.S News Releases Latest 'Best Hospitals In PA' Rankings U.S News Releases Latest 'Best Hospitals In PA' Rankings
U.S News Releases Latest 'Best Hospitals In PA' Rankings The "U.S. News & World Report" has released its latest hospital rankings. The website considered more than 4,500 medical centers nationwide and honed in on 15 specialties, and 17 procedures and conditions. "The Best Hospitals procedure and condition ratings focus on specific and more commonly required individual procedures and conditions, such as hip replacement and heart failure, rather than on broader specialties like orthopedics and cardiology," U.S. News explains.  "The goal is to evaluate how well hospitals perform in each procedure or condition – and not just with the most d…
Best Burger Spots In Lehigh Valley Best Burger Spots In Lehigh Valley
Best Burger Spots In Lehigh Valley A great burger doesn't have to be fancy. All you need is a juicy patty, maybe some cheese and a bun.  But if you're looking for some variety, you've come to the right place. Here are some of the best burger joints in the Lehigh Valley — each one uniquely delicious. The sampling of spots below were top-rated on several user-generated review sites, featured in local publications and recommended by Daily Voice readers. NORTHAMPTON View this post on Instagram A post shared by Two Rivers Brewing Company (@tworiversbrewing) Two Rivers Brewing …
Water Authority Worker, 38, Dies In Wyomissing Trench Collapse Water Authority Worker, 38, Dies In Wyomissing Trench Collapse
Water Authority Worker, 38, Dies In Wyomissing Trench Collapse Support is surging for the wife of a water authority worker killed in a Berks County trench collapse earlier this week. Western Berks Water Authority employee Cody Gipprich, 38, of Shillington, was doing routine work in a constructed pit with a colleague on Cambridge Avenue near Meadow Lane around 8:30 a.m. in Wyomissing on Wednesday, WFMZ reports. At some point, a pipe or valve failed, causing high-pressure water to shoot out on Gipprich, the outlet reports. Gipprich's coworkers and bystanders rushed to help him before crews pulled his body from the narrow pit, approximately 8 feet deep,…
Community Rallies For Reading Wife, 2 Children After Dad's Sudden Death Community Rallies For Reading Wife, 2 Children After Dad's Sudden Death
Community Rallies For Reading Wife, 2 Children After Dad's Sudden Death A Berks County woman is turning to the community for support after her husband and children's father died suddenly. Darya A. Gardecki of Reading started a GoFundMe page asking for donations to help support burial and medical bills following the death of her 42-year-old husband, Nicholas A. Gardecki on April 10. The GoFundMe page has received over $4,400 in funds as of Friday evening. Born in Reading, Gardecki owned and operated his own business, Berks Custom Remodeling and Restoration up until death, according to his obituary. Gardecki was remembered as "an advocate for justice,…
West Reading PD Deny Claims Of Active Shooter On Reading Hospital Campus West Reading PD Deny Claims Of Active Shooter On Reading Hospital Campus
West Reading PD Deny Claims Of Active Shooter On Reading Hospital Campus West Reading police have denied claims that reported there was an active shooter on the Reading Hospital campus Monday evening. Police were dispatched to the Reading Hospital doctor's office building on South Seventh Avenue for a report of someone who had been shot, West Reading police said. The victim -- who was shot in a hotel parking lot in Spring Township --was mistakenly taken to the Doctor's Office building when they should have been taken to the emergency department, police said. Police confirm there was no shooting on the hospital campus, nor was anyone in danger. A second shootin…