Originally published in the Philadelphia Daily News on Thursday November 12, 2009
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
A police canine with only a few months on the job in New Castle County, Del., is being lauded as a hero after being wounded yesterday in the line of duty.
Diablo, a Belgian Malinois trained as a narcotics and patrol dog, was shot at the Chateau Orleans apartments in Wilmington shortly before 1 a.m.
Police responded to the apartments in search of a man who allegedly had made several threats against an ex-girlfriend, said Cpl. Trinidad Navarro, a police spokesman.
The suspect fired at Diablo and at officers, and Diablo was struck in the left hind leg and left shoulder, Navarro said.
Even after getting shot, Diablo locked his jaws on the suspect to help subdue the suspect, Navarro said.
The suspect, identified as Eric Weit, 34, of Wilmington, fired a weapon several times but no officers were injured, Navarro said.
Once Weit was subdued, Diablo was called back to his handler and collapsed.
"The handler picked up Diablo and rushed him to a local animal hospital, where he was stabilized," Navarro said.
He then was transferred with a police escort to the University of Pennsylvania's veterinary hospital for surgery, Navarro added.
David Holt, a surgeon familiar with Diablo's case, said the surgery was to repair a tibia shattered by the bullet.
"He was quite lucky in the way that neither of the bullets penetrated" vital organs, Holt said.
After Diablo's surgery last night, doctors were optimistic about his recovery.
During surgery, they inserted a metal plate in his leg because he lost a lot of bone, said Dr. Elaine Holmes.
Holmes said Diablo's chances of healing were good but could not say if he would return to duty.
"We believe that [Diablo's] actions may have saved the lives of these officers," Navarro said.
Weit faces charges of felony assault, recklessly endangering another person, weapons offenses and related charges, police said.
He was in surgery last night at Christiana Hospital, but no information was available on his condition.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Teen held in attack on school policeman
Originally published in the Philadelphia Daily News on Friday October 30, 2009.
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
A 17-year-old Frankford High School student was arrested and charged with assault and related offenses yesterday morning after a scuffle with a school district police officer who was trying to question him for alleged truancy, police said.
The incident began about 9:45 a.m. on Oakland Street near Fillmore in Northeast Philadelphia, about a block from the school, said James Golden, chief safety executive for the district.
"The young man ran back into Frankford High School and the officers gave chase," Golden said.
The student punched one of the officers in the face and both officers then subdued the youth until Philadelphia police arrived, Golden said.
Officers took the teen to Aria Health, Frankford campus, where he was evaluated for lip lacerations and a bloody nose, Golden said.
The student and the officer did not require treatment, Golden said.
Besides the assault charge, "the young man will face disciplinary action within the district," said Vincent Thompson, a district spokesman.
"It's a serious offense which could result in expulsion," he said.
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
A 17-year-old Frankford High School student was arrested and charged with assault and related offenses yesterday morning after a scuffle with a school district police officer who was trying to question him for alleged truancy, police said.
The incident began about 9:45 a.m. on Oakland Street near Fillmore in Northeast Philadelphia, about a block from the school, said James Golden, chief safety executive for the district.
"The young man ran back into Frankford High School and the officers gave chase," Golden said.
The student punched one of the officers in the face and both officers then subdued the youth until Philadelphia police arrived, Golden said.
Officers took the teen to Aria Health, Frankford campus, where he was evaluated for lip lacerations and a bloody nose, Golden said.
The student and the officer did not require treatment, Golden said.
Besides the assault charge, "the young man will face disciplinary action within the district," said Vincent Thompson, a district spokesman.
"It's a serious offense which could result in expulsion," he said.
Neighbors hold vigil for girl who died of abuse
Originally published in the Philadelphia Daily News on Saturday October 24, 2009
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
Neighbors on the Feltonville block where Charlenni Ferreira lived said yesterday that they planned to keep a constant vigil in remembrance of the girl until Oct. 30, which would have been her 11th birthday.
"We wanted to do that for two reasons: One, so that we won't forget and then by next week it will be old news, but two, because it adds to the tragedy even more that this poor little girl was only a week away from her 11th birthday," said Charles Bednarczyk, 53, who lived a few houses down from Ferreira, on C Street near Louden.
Ferriera, a fifth-grader at Feltonville Intermediate School, died Wednesday of a lung infection caused by a lack of medical care, hours after she was found unconscious in her home where she lived with her father and stepmother, police said.
On Thursday, the District Attorney's Office approved charges of murder, endangering the welfare of a child and related offenses against the little girl's father, Domingo "Anibal" Ferreira, 53, and stepmother, Margarita Garabito, 43.
Police said that Charlenni allegedly suffered serious physical and sexual abuse and called it "one of the worst cases" they had ever seen.
CBS3 reported that five weeks before she died, Charlenni was examined by a school nurse who noted on Sept. 15 that she "had a gait that was unsteady," and that she had six unexcused absences during the last school year due to "parental neglect/noncompliance. "
School district officials could not comment but instead released a written statement that partly read: "The district is unable to comment any further on this case due to the ongoing investigation and the privacy rights of the student and her family. "
"I always thought that something might have been wrong," Bednarczyk said, "because I would see her sitting outside of her house and she would always appear sort of frozen.
"But as soon as she would be allowed to go down the street and play with her friends, it was almost like she blossomed.
People congregating on the block yesterday were still shocked by the tragic end to Charlenni's short life.
"How can you live in these houses next door and not hear anything? The walls are so thin," said Christian Robinson, a neighbor.
"She was a sweet little girl, never disrespected anybody. I don't understand it," said Tauz Marion, 13, a neighbor.
"She liked Hannah Montana just like me," said Charlenni's friend and classmate Merlanny Durah, 10, as her dad dropped her off to place flowers at the growing memorial for Charlenni.
"Sometimes she would talk to me and just cry."
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
Neighbors on the Feltonville block where Charlenni Ferreira lived said yesterday that they planned to keep a constant vigil in remembrance of the girl until Oct. 30, which would have been her 11th birthday.
"We wanted to do that for two reasons: One, so that we won't forget and then by next week it will be old news, but two, because it adds to the tragedy even more that this poor little girl was only a week away from her 11th birthday," said Charles Bednarczyk, 53, who lived a few houses down from Ferreira, on C Street near Louden.
Ferriera, a fifth-grader at Feltonville Intermediate School, died Wednesday of a lung infection caused by a lack of medical care, hours after she was found unconscious in her home where she lived with her father and stepmother, police said.
On Thursday, the District Attorney's Office approved charges of murder, endangering the welfare of a child and related offenses against the little girl's father, Domingo "Anibal" Ferreira, 53, and stepmother, Margarita Garabito, 43.
Police said that Charlenni allegedly suffered serious physical and sexual abuse and called it "one of the worst cases" they had ever seen.
CBS3 reported that five weeks before she died, Charlenni was examined by a school nurse who noted on Sept. 15 that she "had a gait that was unsteady," and that she had six unexcused absences during the last school year due to "parental neglect/noncompliance. "
School district officials could not comment but instead released a written statement that partly read: "The district is unable to comment any further on this case due to the ongoing investigation and the privacy rights of the student and her family. "
"I always thought that something might have been wrong," Bednarczyk said, "because I would see her sitting outside of her house and she would always appear sort of frozen.
"But as soon as she would be allowed to go down the street and play with her friends, it was almost like she blossomed.
People congregating on the block yesterday were still shocked by the tragic end to Charlenni's short life.
"How can you live in these houses next door and not hear anything? The walls are so thin," said Christian Robinson, a neighbor.
"She was a sweet little girl, never disrespected anybody. I don't understand it," said Tauz Marion, 13, a neighbor.
"She liked Hannah Montana just like me," said Charlenni's friend and classmate Merlanny Durah, 10, as her dad dropped her off to place flowers at the growing memorial for Charlenni.
"Sometimes she would talk to me and just cry."
Protesters, but no incidents, greet anti-Islamist at Temple
Originally published in the Philadelphia Daily News on October 21, 2009
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
Amid a firestorm of contention, several hundred people heard Geert Wilders, a controversial Dutch parliamentarian, speak last night at Temple University.
During his approximately 30-minute speech, Wilders called the Quran "an evil book" and said that the United States was facing Islamization.
A question-and-answer session was cut short, and Wilders was escorted out of the lecture hall after some students began shouting insults at him.
Before the speech, held in Anderson Hall, more than 50 protesters had denounced the appearance of Wilders at the school.
Members of All Sides, an organization that seeks to promote peace between Israel and Palestinians, held pink pom-poms and shouted, "Hey Hey, HO, HO, this racist bull----'s got to go." Standing next to them with signs decrying Wilders' views were members of the Student Senate, Democratic Socialists and the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance.
"Wilders speaks out about free speech while at the same time banning the Quran," said Megan Chialastri, vice president of All Sides.
"Banned books are not free speech and there is no way around that," Chialastri said.
"This is hate speech at its core," said Monira Gamal-Eldin, president of the Muslim Students Association.
Inside the auditorium, after going through rigorous security checks, students assembled to hear the Dutch politician speak.
Brittany Walsh, president of the student group Purpose, which had invited Wilders, introduced his 17-minute short film, Fitna - Arabic for disagreement and division among people - in which passages from the Quran are juxtaposed with newspaper clippings and video showing or describing violent acts by Muslims.
Wilders, 46, emerged after the film, flanked by a security detail which he said made him feel as if he was not free but which has been necessary because of numerous threats on his life.
Before he was escorted out, the last student allowed to address Wilders said: "Clearly fascism wasn't defeated, because if it was, a genocide-loving racist clown like you still wouldn't have anything to say. "
As the audience filed out of the auditorium, two Temple students offered their reactions to Wild-ers' visit.
"I'm proud," said Jonas Skovdal. "I think it's a big win for humanity that people stood up to him in there. "
"It was a good experience," said Brian Wisnieski. "What he said was definitely negative, but it was a good experience that he came. "
The event was funded by the California-based David Horowitz Freedom Center, a foundation that promotes conservative scholarship.
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
Amid a firestorm of contention, several hundred people heard Geert Wilders, a controversial Dutch parliamentarian, speak last night at Temple University.
During his approximately 30-minute speech, Wilders called the Quran "an evil book" and said that the United States was facing Islamization.
A question-and-answer session was cut short, and Wilders was escorted out of the lecture hall after some students began shouting insults at him.
Before the speech, held in Anderson Hall, more than 50 protesters had denounced the appearance of Wilders at the school.
Members of All Sides, an organization that seeks to promote peace between Israel and Palestinians, held pink pom-poms and shouted, "Hey Hey, HO, HO, this racist bull----'s got to go." Standing next to them with signs decrying Wilders' views were members of the Student Senate, Democratic Socialists and the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance.
"Wilders speaks out about free speech while at the same time banning the Quran," said Megan Chialastri, vice president of All Sides.
"Banned books are not free speech and there is no way around that," Chialastri said.
"This is hate speech at its core," said Monira Gamal-Eldin, president of the Muslim Students Association.
Inside the auditorium, after going through rigorous security checks, students assembled to hear the Dutch politician speak.
Brittany Walsh, president of the student group Purpose, which had invited Wilders, introduced his 17-minute short film, Fitna - Arabic for disagreement and division among people - in which passages from the Quran are juxtaposed with newspaper clippings and video showing or describing violent acts by Muslims.
Wilders, 46, emerged after the film, flanked by a security detail which he said made him feel as if he was not free but which has been necessary because of numerous threats on his life.
Before he was escorted out, the last student allowed to address Wilders said: "Clearly fascism wasn't defeated, because if it was, a genocide-loving racist clown like you still wouldn't have anything to say. "
As the audience filed out of the auditorium, two Temple students offered their reactions to Wild-ers' visit.
"I'm proud," said Jonas Skovdal. "I think it's a big win for humanity that people stood up to him in there. "
"It was a good experience," said Brian Wisnieski. "What he said was definitely negative, but it was a good experience that he came. "
The event was funded by the California-based David Horowitz Freedom Center, a foundation that promotes conservative scholarship.
4 stores accused of selling counterfeit bags shut down
Originally published in the Philadelphia Daily News on October 3, 2009
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
Prada and Gucci and Coach, oh, my!
Too bad they were fake.
Investigators yesterday removed trash bag after trash bag filled with faux designer accessories from four South Street stores raided for allegedly selling counterfeit goods, police said.
The stores - VV Gift Shop, Discovers Handbags, the Number One Harvest Handbags and Lucky Stone Jewelry, Handbags, and Accessories - were raided about noon after a two-month investigation by a local private firm in conjunction with Philadelphia police.
Three shop owners or managers were arrested and charged, police said, with trademark counterfeiting, deceptive business practices, conspiracy and related offenses: Liu Xin, 32, of Voorhees, N.J., at Lucky Stone; Yi Li, 43, of 5th Street near Fairhill in East Oak Lane, at Number One Harvest; Ping Zhenh, 45, of Arch Street near 9th in Chinatown, at Discovers Handbags.
No arrest were made at VV Gift Shop, which did not open for business yesterday, police said.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections shut down the stores and posted cease-work signs in the windows as investigators were taking inventory of the counterfeit goods.
Stumar Investigations, a private-investigations firm based in Norristown, began looking into whether stores on South Street were selling the counterfeit goods about two months ago, said Stuart Drobny, company president.
The investigation included making undercover purchases, working with companies to verify that the goods were fake, and working with the Philadelphia Police Department's Major Crimes Unit, Drobny said.
Counterfeit umbrellas, scarves, jewelry, wallets and shoes were also seized, Drobny said.
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
Prada and Gucci and Coach, oh, my!
Too bad they were fake.
Investigators yesterday removed trash bag after trash bag filled with faux designer accessories from four South Street stores raided for allegedly selling counterfeit goods, police said.
The stores - VV Gift Shop, Discovers Handbags, the Number One Harvest Handbags and Lucky Stone Jewelry, Handbags, and Accessories - were raided about noon after a two-month investigation by a local private firm in conjunction with Philadelphia police.
Three shop owners or managers were arrested and charged, police said, with trademark counterfeiting, deceptive business practices, conspiracy and related offenses: Liu Xin, 32, of Voorhees, N.J., at Lucky Stone; Yi Li, 43, of 5th Street near Fairhill in East Oak Lane, at Number One Harvest; Ping Zhenh, 45, of Arch Street near 9th in Chinatown, at Discovers Handbags.
No arrest were made at VV Gift Shop, which did not open for business yesterday, police said.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections shut down the stores and posted cease-work signs in the windows as investigators were taking inventory of the counterfeit goods.
Stumar Investigations, a private-investigations firm based in Norristown, began looking into whether stores on South Street were selling the counterfeit goods about two months ago, said Stuart Drobny, company president.
The investigation included making undercover purchases, working with companies to verify that the goods were fake, and working with the Philadelphia Police Department's Major Crimes Unit, Drobny said.
Counterfeit umbrellas, scarves, jewelry, wallets and shoes were also seized, Drobny said.
Think a gun protects you in a fight? Think again
Originally publised in the Philadelphia Daily News on October 2, 2009.
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
If you have a gun during a fight, think twice about the protection it might offer.
Epidemiologists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine yesterday announced the findings of a study about whether guns are protective or perilous during an assault.
It found that those possessing a gun in an assault situation were 4 1/2 times more likely to be shot than those not possessing one, according to the study's author, Charles C. Branas, associate professor of epidemiology.
It was released online this month in the American Journal of Public Health and will be printed in the November issue.
"It's a big question that has been asked for years," Branas said of the reason behind the study.
"One that is a very U.S.-oriented question but that also has applications outside the U.S.," Branas said.
Branas said that along with a team of about a dozen people, including colleagues, members of the Philadelphia Police Department and the city Medical Examiner's Office, he conducted a case control study, or an approximation of an experiment.
From 2003 to 2006, the police notified Branas and his team about all shootings that occurred in the city, he said.
"We would then get the data and pass it along to a survey-research firm to find an individual who had not been shot and ask them what they were doing and where they were at the time of the shooting," Branas said.
On average, they found that guns did not protect those who possessed them from being shot in an assault, he said.
"This study was an excellent way to approximate this experiment and begin to get an idea of how it works," Branas said.
He and his team hypothesized reasons as to why guns didn't protect individuals from being shot in an assault, including feeling falsely empowered and overreacting, possibly instigating something with someone, or entering a dangerous situation that one might normally avoid.
"I don't think this study is the end," Branas said. "I think it should help begin to raise awareness about gun possession and begin to question whether an individual is absolutely safe in possession of a firearm or whether it's promoting a false sense of security."
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
If you have a gun during a fight, think twice about the protection it might offer.
Epidemiologists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine yesterday announced the findings of a study about whether guns are protective or perilous during an assault.
It found that those possessing a gun in an assault situation were 4 1/2 times more likely to be shot than those not possessing one, according to the study's author, Charles C. Branas, associate professor of epidemiology.
It was released online this month in the American Journal of Public Health and will be printed in the November issue.
"It's a big question that has been asked for years," Branas said of the reason behind the study.
"One that is a very U.S.-oriented question but that also has applications outside the U.S.," Branas said.
Branas said that along with a team of about a dozen people, including colleagues, members of the Philadelphia Police Department and the city Medical Examiner's Office, he conducted a case control study, or an approximation of an experiment.
From 2003 to 2006, the police notified Branas and his team about all shootings that occurred in the city, he said.
"We would then get the data and pass it along to a survey-research firm to find an individual who had not been shot and ask them what they were doing and where they were at the time of the shooting," Branas said.
On average, they found that guns did not protect those who possessed them from being shot in an assault, he said.
"This study was an excellent way to approximate this experiment and begin to get an idea of how it works," Branas said.
He and his team hypothesized reasons as to why guns didn't protect individuals from being shot in an assault, including feeling falsely empowered and overreacting, possibly instigating something with someone, or entering a dangerous situation that one might normally avoid.
"I don't think this study is the end," Branas said. "I think it should help begin to raise awareness about gun possession and begin to question whether an individual is absolutely safe in possession of a firearm or whether it's promoting a false sense of security."
Computer snafu riles bank patrons
Originally published in the Philadelphia Daily News on October 2, 2009
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
A computer glitch that has disrupted TD Bank's Web site and delayed transactions from being posted to accounts has angered bank customers.
They have flooded the bank's toll-free customer-service number, and much of the day yesterday they were not connected to a bank employee but were instructed by phone message to call back later.
"We became aware of the problem Monday and are working to update customer accounts as fast as we can," said Jennifer Carlson, a company spokeswoman.
The glitch occurred after a systems conversion over the weekend to merge Commerce Bank and TD Banknorth systems, said Rebecca Acevedo, a company spokeswoman.
TD Banknorth merged with Commerce in March 2008.
Yesterday, customers took to the popular social-networking sites Facebook and Twitter to post and tweet their fury away.
"NOT A FAN of TDBANK!!! What is happening to this bank!!!???" a Facebook user wrote on a so-called "fan page" for TD Bank.
"It's time we started to complain," the user added. "They say they are reorganizing, well in the process you are losing customers!!! What use to be a wonderful bank has now become the worst!!!! " On Twitter, many users kept their messages characteristically short.
Hendy11 wrote, "TD Bank is dead to me. "
Bub19406 tweeted, "I hate you so much TD Bank. "
Carlson said that the bank hopes to resolve the issues by today.
Also, she noted, "Anybody that incurs any fees or penalties as a result of the glitch will be reimbursed."
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
A computer glitch that has disrupted TD Bank's Web site and delayed transactions from being posted to accounts has angered bank customers.
They have flooded the bank's toll-free customer-service number, and much of the day yesterday they were not connected to a bank employee but were instructed by phone message to call back later.
"We became aware of the problem Monday and are working to update customer accounts as fast as we can," said Jennifer Carlson, a company spokeswoman.
The glitch occurred after a systems conversion over the weekend to merge Commerce Bank and TD Banknorth systems, said Rebecca Acevedo, a company spokeswoman.
TD Banknorth merged with Commerce in March 2008.
Yesterday, customers took to the popular social-networking sites Facebook and Twitter to post and tweet their fury away.
"NOT A FAN of TDBANK!!! What is happening to this bank!!!???" a Facebook user wrote on a so-called "fan page" for TD Bank.
"It's time we started to complain," the user added. "They say they are reorganizing, well in the process you are losing customers!!! What use to be a wonderful bank has now become the worst!!!! " On Twitter, many users kept their messages characteristically short.
Hendy11 wrote, "TD Bank is dead to me. "
Bub19406 tweeted, "I hate you so much TD Bank. "
Carlson said that the bank hopes to resolve the issues by today.
Also, she noted, "Anybody that incurs any fees or penalties as a result of the glitch will be reimbursed."
5 arrested in drug raid in SW Phila.
Originally Published in the Philadelphia Daily News Thursday October 1, 2009.
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
Five men were arrested yesterday on drug offenses, including one who was charged in connection with the robbery of a deliveryman at an Upper Darby pharmacy, Philadelphia police said.
Antonio Martin, 30, of Lindbergh Boulevard near 80th Street; Curtis Brown 29, of Millick Street near Elmwood Avenue; Jamar Johnson, 25, of Windsor Avenue near 58th Street; John Curley, 40, of Osage Avenue near 46th Street; and Salim Shabazz, 39, of Whitby Avenue near 57th Street, were charged with possession with intent to deliver, conspiracy, assault and related charges.
Acting on a tip, police set up surveillance Friday on a house on Buist Avenue near 75th Street in Southwest Philadelphia and executed a warrant shortly after 5 p.m., said Capt. Debra Frazier of the Narcotics Field Unit.
All five suspects were arrested in the house and officers seized about $35,000 worth of drugs, including marijuana, codeine syrup and prescription pills, Frazier said. Police also found about $3,900 in cash and eight counterfeit $10 bills, he said.
The pills were stolen earlier that day from a delivery truck destined for the Upper Darby Pharmacy on Long Lane, said Upper Darby Superintendent Mi-chael Chitwood. Shabazz allegedly was involved in the truck robbery and faces additional charges, Chitwood said.
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
Five men were arrested yesterday on drug offenses, including one who was charged in connection with the robbery of a deliveryman at an Upper Darby pharmacy, Philadelphia police said.
Antonio Martin, 30, of Lindbergh Boulevard near 80th Street; Curtis Brown 29, of Millick Street near Elmwood Avenue; Jamar Johnson, 25, of Windsor Avenue near 58th Street; John Curley, 40, of Osage Avenue near 46th Street; and Salim Shabazz, 39, of Whitby Avenue near 57th Street, were charged with possession with intent to deliver, conspiracy, assault and related charges.
Acting on a tip, police set up surveillance Friday on a house on Buist Avenue near 75th Street in Southwest Philadelphia and executed a warrant shortly after 5 p.m., said Capt. Debra Frazier of the Narcotics Field Unit.
All five suspects were arrested in the house and officers seized about $35,000 worth of drugs, including marijuana, codeine syrup and prescription pills, Frazier said. Police also found about $3,900 in cash and eight counterfeit $10 bills, he said.
The pills were stolen earlier that day from a delivery truck destined for the Upper Darby Pharmacy on Long Lane, said Upper Darby Superintendent Mi-chael Chitwood. Shabazz allegedly was involved in the truck robbery and faces additional charges, Chitwood said.
Suspect in vehicular homicide turns self in
Originally Published in the Philadelphia Daily News Saturday September 26
A North Philadelphia man turned himself in to police yesterday afternoon to face additional charges for allegedly intentionally hitting a pregnant woman with his car outside a South Philadelphia bar last Saturday, police said.
The victim, Kamilah El-Amin, 22, died Monday.
Duane Crump, 23, of Judson Way near 23rd and Oxford streets, surrendered at the Criminal Justice Center, 13th and Filbert Streets, with his attorney Louis Savino, Homicide Capt. James Clark said.
Last Saturday, Crump was driving near 22nd and Titan streets in Point Breeze about 2 a.m. when he got into an argument with El-Amin and three of her friends as they were leaving the 22nd Street Cafe, Clark said.
"From that he took his vehicle and directed it at them," Clark said, adding that Crump also hit one of El-Amin's friends, then backed up to hit them again.
Clark said several patrons from the bar had tried to help El-Amin, who was trapped under Crump's car after he fled from his vehicle.
He was captured nearby, and charged with aggravated assault, and driving under the influence. He was later released after posting bail, Clark said.
A murder charge was added after El-Amin, of 21st Street near Reed, died at Crozer Chester Medical Center, in Upland, Delaware County, police said.
El-Amin's friend is in stable condition at the same hospital.
Clark said that Crump and El-Amin may have known each other but that the motive for the attack remained unclear.
"This was very much an intentional act, but as far as the reason why we're not sure," Clark said.
He said police also were investigating a claim by El-Amin's mother that her daughter had been shot at on Sept. 11.
Police have no evidence connecting the incidents, Clark said.
A North Philadelphia man turned himself in to police yesterday afternoon to face additional charges for allegedly intentionally hitting a pregnant woman with his car outside a South Philadelphia bar last Saturday, police said.
The victim, Kamilah El-Amin, 22, died Monday.
Duane Crump, 23, of Judson Way near 23rd and Oxford streets, surrendered at the Criminal Justice Center, 13th and Filbert Streets, with his attorney Louis Savino, Homicide Capt. James Clark said.
Last Saturday, Crump was driving near 22nd and Titan streets in Point Breeze about 2 a.m. when he got into an argument with El-Amin and three of her friends as they were leaving the 22nd Street Cafe, Clark said.
"From that he took his vehicle and directed it at them," Clark said, adding that Crump also hit one of El-Amin's friends, then backed up to hit them again.
Clark said several patrons from the bar had tried to help El-Amin, who was trapped under Crump's car after he fled from his vehicle.
He was captured nearby, and charged with aggravated assault, and driving under the influence. He was later released after posting bail, Clark said.
A murder charge was added after El-Amin, of 21st Street near Reed, died at Crozer Chester Medical Center, in Upland, Delaware County, police said.
El-Amin's friend is in stable condition at the same hospital.
Clark said that Crump and El-Amin may have known each other but that the motive for the attack remained unclear.
"This was very much an intentional act, but as far as the reason why we're not sure," Clark said.
He said police also were investigating a claim by El-Amin's mother that her daughter had been shot at on Sept. 11.
Police have no evidence connecting the incidents, Clark said.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Update on Neighbors Welcome Home GI Brothers from Iraq
http://christineolley.blogspot.com/2009/09/neighbors-welcome-gi-brothers-home-from.html
A rep from Tony Luke's emailed me and asked for the brother's contact information because they are going to send the soldiers a care package of Tony Luke's goodies! Because that's what Brian Thomas missed most while he was overseas serving his country.
A rep from Tony Luke's emailed me and asked for the brother's contact information because they are going to send the soldiers a care package of Tony Luke's goodies! Because that's what Brian Thomas missed most while he was overseas serving his country.
400 march here for health reform
By CHRISTINE OLLEY Philadelphia Daily News
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
Eric Aycox wasn't feeling well on Nov. 18, 2006, but he didn't have health insurance so he went to an emergency room, where he was sent home with a prescription for codeine and an antibiotic.
But he didn't have money to fill the prescriptions, and he later died of a bacterial infection that morphed into menigitis. He was only 44.
Yesterday, his mother, Joan Kos-loff, and his father, Frank Aycox, gathered with members of Healthcare for America Now, the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, the Service Employees International Union, and the United Food and Commerical Workers, Local 1776, to protest and demand that Cigna Insurance Co. stop blocking health-care reform.
Yesterday's local protest was one of about 95 nationwide gatherings for a national day of action dubbed "Big Insurance: Sick of It."
About 400 supporters of health-care reform gathered yesterday at City Hall, some with signs reading, "Healthcare for all is a basic human right" and "Insure people, not profits," for a rally before marching to Cigna's Center City headquarters at 16th and Chestnut streets.
"I had put all this behind me," Kosloff said. "But I just decided, I'm going to come out because he" - Kosloff's son - "was a victim to not having health care."
"This is what not having national health care is. When you're not working and you're down and out and you can't afford health care and you get sick, you could die," Kosloff said.
Others shared Kosloff's viewpoint.
Stacie Ritter, a mother of twin girls who were diagnosed with childhood cancer, said she supports health-insurance reform because she doesn't want her girls to grow up being told they aren't worthy of obtaining health insurance. "I have to live in fear of denials of care for my children," Ritter said.
"Ive been living in fear . . . fear that they would lose their battle to the disease, fear of relapse, and fear of more denials from my insurance companies," Ritter told the crowd.
"The kind of health-care system we have in America today is inhumane and insane," said Carol Stein, a teacher at Community College of Philadelphia.
"Only part of our population is covered. It's a tragic situation."
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
Eric Aycox wasn't feeling well on Nov. 18, 2006, but he didn't have health insurance so he went to an emergency room, where he was sent home with a prescription for codeine and an antibiotic.
But he didn't have money to fill the prescriptions, and he later died of a bacterial infection that morphed into menigitis. He was only 44.
Yesterday, his mother, Joan Kos-loff, and his father, Frank Aycox, gathered with members of Healthcare for America Now, the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, the Service Employees International Union, and the United Food and Commerical Workers, Local 1776, to protest and demand that Cigna Insurance Co. stop blocking health-care reform.
Yesterday's local protest was one of about 95 nationwide gatherings for a national day of action dubbed "Big Insurance: Sick of It."
About 400 supporters of health-care reform gathered yesterday at City Hall, some with signs reading, "Healthcare for all is a basic human right" and "Insure people, not profits," for a rally before marching to Cigna's Center City headquarters at 16th and Chestnut streets.
"I had put all this behind me," Kosloff said. "But I just decided, I'm going to come out because he" - Kosloff's son - "was a victim to not having health care."
"This is what not having national health care is. When you're not working and you're down and out and you can't afford health care and you get sick, you could die," Kosloff said.
Others shared Kosloff's viewpoint.
Stacie Ritter, a mother of twin girls who were diagnosed with childhood cancer, said she supports health-insurance reform because she doesn't want her girls to grow up being told they aren't worthy of obtaining health insurance. "I have to live in fear of denials of care for my children," Ritter said.
"Ive been living in fear . . . fear that they would lose their battle to the disease, fear of relapse, and fear of more denials from my insurance companies," Ritter told the crowd.
"The kind of health-care system we have in America today is inhumane and insane," said Carol Stein, a teacher at Community College of Philadelphia.
"Only part of our population is covered. It's a tragic situation."
5-week-old baby hospitalized with broken ribs, femur
By CHRISTINE OLLEY Philadelphia Daily News
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
A 5-week-old baby was hospitalized yesterday morning with numerous injuries, leaving police with a host of unanswered questions and neighbors hoping for the infant's recovery.
The baby was listed in critical condition at St. Christopher's Hospital with cracked ribs, facial bruises and a broken right femur, police said.
The baby was breathing with the help of a respirator, said police spokesman Lt. Frank Vanore.
The drama unfolded in Wissinoming shortly before noon, when paramedics were called to a home on Ditman Street near Devereaux Avenue.
Neighbors said that when medics carried the baby out of the house, they thought the worst.
"I thought the baby was dead," said a neighbor last night, who asked not to be identified.
"I felt like it was one of mine," said another, Ruth Duprey.
Neighbors said that the infant's name is Jaden and that he has a 2-year-old sister named Madison, but they knew little about the parents, who moved to the neighborhood about two months ago.
"It's just kind of shocking," said Duprey's son Cristian Chacon, 24. "I mean, I personally don't know what's the truth and what's not. I'm just hoping that the baby pulls through."
"It just ruined my whole day," neighbor Jean Kee said, with a pained expression on her face.
Her daughter Brittany Kee, a new mother, agreed.
"How could anyone hurt an infant? It's just cruel."
Special Victims Unit detectives questioned the baby's parents last night, but Vanore said they didn't expect to charge anyone until an investigation was complete.
A DHS spokeswoman confirmed that social workers were dispatched to the hospital and the home last night and were investigating
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
A 5-week-old baby was hospitalized yesterday morning with numerous injuries, leaving police with a host of unanswered questions and neighbors hoping for the infant's recovery.
The baby was listed in critical condition at St. Christopher's Hospital with cracked ribs, facial bruises and a broken right femur, police said.
The baby was breathing with the help of a respirator, said police spokesman Lt. Frank Vanore.
The drama unfolded in Wissinoming shortly before noon, when paramedics were called to a home on Ditman Street near Devereaux Avenue.
Neighbors said that when medics carried the baby out of the house, they thought the worst.
"I thought the baby was dead," said a neighbor last night, who asked not to be identified.
"I felt like it was one of mine," said another, Ruth Duprey.
Neighbors said that the infant's name is Jaden and that he has a 2-year-old sister named Madison, but they knew little about the parents, who moved to the neighborhood about two months ago.
"It's just kind of shocking," said Duprey's son Cristian Chacon, 24. "I mean, I personally don't know what's the truth and what's not. I'm just hoping that the baby pulls through."
"It just ruined my whole day," neighbor Jean Kee said, with a pained expression on her face.
Her daughter Brittany Kee, a new mother, agreed.
"How could anyone hurt an infant? It's just cruel."
Special Victims Unit detectives questioned the baby's parents last night, but Vanore said they didn't expect to charge anyone until an investigation was complete.
A DHS spokeswoman confirmed that social workers were dispatched to the hospital and the home last night and were investigating
Friday, September 18, 2009
Neighbors welcome GI brothers home from Iraq
By CHRISTINE OLLEY Philadelphia Daily News
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
Joanne Thomas was expecting her two sons home from Iraq about 6:30 last night, but when she came back to her South Philadelphia home about 3, her neighbors grabbed her shopping bags and said, "Go hug your sons."
"I was shocked, I just cried," Thomas said.
Thomas' sons Daniel, 35, and Brian, 31, were stationed with the Army's 56th Stryker Brigade in Iraq for nine months.
"I was just glad they came home with ten fingers and ten toes," said the Thomases' father, Daniel Thomas Sr. "They came home whole and I'm glad they're home safe.
Daniel and Brian were welcomed back in style to their parents' home on Durfor Street near 4th in South Philadelphia with music, food and lots of hugs from family and friends.
"Iraq was hot and dry, it just sucked. It was like being in prison," Brian Thomas said.
"It feels great to be home," Daniel Thomas Jr. said, standing under a "Welcome Home" banner with the sons' names.
"The neighbors planned the whole thing," Joanne said with a smile.
"We didn't even know about it until they put a letter in our mailbox," she added.
Joanne said support from her neighbors was one of the many things that helped her get through the stress of having two sons stationed overseas.
When Daniel called home asking for more movies - because they had watched SpongeBob SquarePants and the Simpsons movie so many times they knew every word - the neighbors rallied with Joanne to collect DVDs to send to her sons and their comrades.
"We ended up sending about 150 DVDs over and not one of them was the same," Joanne said. "The neighbors are great."
Both Daniel Jr. and Brian are taking some time off to catch up with family and plan their next career moves.
Daniel Jr. is heading to Kosovo in March with the National Guard and Brian plans to stay with the Army but is still deciding in what capacity, he said.
For now, both brothers are soaking up the comforts of home they missed while they were away.
"Tony Luke's and Wawa," Brian said.
"The Philly cheesesteak and the women," Daniel Jr. said with a smile. "Definitely the women."
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
Joanne Thomas was expecting her two sons home from Iraq about 6:30 last night, but when she came back to her South Philadelphia home about 3, her neighbors grabbed her shopping bags and said, "Go hug your sons."
"I was shocked, I just cried," Thomas said.
Thomas' sons Daniel, 35, and Brian, 31, were stationed with the Army's 56th Stryker Brigade in Iraq for nine months.
"I was just glad they came home with ten fingers and ten toes," said the Thomases' father, Daniel Thomas Sr. "They came home whole and I'm glad they're home safe.
Daniel and Brian were welcomed back in style to their parents' home on Durfor Street near 4th in South Philadelphia with music, food and lots of hugs from family and friends.
"Iraq was hot and dry, it just sucked. It was like being in prison," Brian Thomas said.
"It feels great to be home," Daniel Thomas Jr. said, standing under a "Welcome Home" banner with the sons' names.
"The neighbors planned the whole thing," Joanne said with a smile.
"We didn't even know about it until they put a letter in our mailbox," she added.
Joanne said support from her neighbors was one of the many things that helped her get through the stress of having two sons stationed overseas.
When Daniel called home asking for more movies - because they had watched SpongeBob SquarePants and the Simpsons movie so many times they knew every word - the neighbors rallied with Joanne to collect DVDs to send to her sons and their comrades.
"We ended up sending about 150 DVDs over and not one of them was the same," Joanne said. "The neighbors are great."
Both Daniel Jr. and Brian are taking some time off to catch up with family and plan their next career moves.
Daniel Jr. is heading to Kosovo in March with the National Guard and Brian plans to stay with the Army but is still deciding in what capacity, he said.
For now, both brothers are soaking up the comforts of home they missed while they were away.
"Tony Luke's and Wawa," Brian said.
"The Philly cheesesteak and the women," Daniel Jr. said with a smile. "Definitely the women."
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Drawn by Obama's proximity, activists spar on health care, abortion & other issues
By CHRISTINE OLLEY Philadelphia Daily News
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
EACH CORNER of the intersection of 12th and Arch streets seemed to represent a different issue yesterday as President Obama arrived in Philadelphia for a closed-door fundraiser in the Pennsylvania Convention Center to benefit Democratic Sen. Arlen Specter.
There were the anti-abortion activists, those who were for or against a public-health-care option, those calling attention to increased rights for disabled persons, and those who just watched it all unfold.
Carrying signs bearing such messages as "Healthcare for All? Hell yes," "Dump Benedict Arlen" and "Stop the Spending," dozens of passionate citizens hit the streets of Philadelphia to voice their views on a wide spectrum of topics.
"There shouldn't be so much emphasis on materialism, when the basics aren't even being taken care of," said Shawn Reid, 36, of Chinatown, regarding health care, a major issue among those gathered for the president's arrival.
"Everybody should be able to go to the hospital and get taken care of, period," Reid said.
"I'm here to show support for the president and for what he's trying to do," added Wayne Waters, 58, of Mount Airy.
"We should have a public option for health insurance and we should have competition to bring the costs down, because anybody can lose their job and lose their health insurance," Waters said.
Betty Schieber, 71, of Bucks County, was there to protest Arlen Specter's recent switch from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party.
Holding the "Dump Benedict Arlen" sign, Schieber said, "I think he's a traitor. A lot of people worked hard and spent a lot of money to get him elected to the Republican Party and when he couldn't win the primary, he thought the other party would be dumb enough to put up with him.
"But I think he's in a for a real surprise because the Democrats aren't that dumb."
Said Craig Cody, 48, of Exton, "I'm against this drastic shift towards socialism.
"Everything from the government controlling banks to health care, it's an unbelievable attempt to destroy the country," Cody said.
The group near Cody shouted at those across the street who were for a public-health-care option, "You lie!" and "Congressman Joe Wilson for president!"
Christine Major, 19, an anti-abortion activist, joined citizens outside the Convention Center to weigh in on Obama's pro-choice values.
"I pray he repents for allowing the murder of those who God loves the most," Major said.
The crowds dispersed shortly after Obama left, about 6:20 p.m., and police reported no incidents or arrests.
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
EACH CORNER of the intersection of 12th and Arch streets seemed to represent a different issue yesterday as President Obama arrived in Philadelphia for a closed-door fundraiser in the Pennsylvania Convention Center to benefit Democratic Sen. Arlen Specter.
There were the anti-abortion activists, those who were for or against a public-health-care option, those calling attention to increased rights for disabled persons, and those who just watched it all unfold.
Carrying signs bearing such messages as "Healthcare for All? Hell yes," "Dump Benedict Arlen" and "Stop the Spending," dozens of passionate citizens hit the streets of Philadelphia to voice their views on a wide spectrum of topics.
"There shouldn't be so much emphasis on materialism, when the basics aren't even being taken care of," said Shawn Reid, 36, of Chinatown, regarding health care, a major issue among those gathered for the president's arrival.
"Everybody should be able to go to the hospital and get taken care of, period," Reid said.
"I'm here to show support for the president and for what he's trying to do," added Wayne Waters, 58, of Mount Airy.
"We should have a public option for health insurance and we should have competition to bring the costs down, because anybody can lose their job and lose their health insurance," Waters said.
Betty Schieber, 71, of Bucks County, was there to protest Arlen Specter's recent switch from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party.
Holding the "Dump Benedict Arlen" sign, Schieber said, "I think he's a traitor. A lot of people worked hard and spent a lot of money to get him elected to the Republican Party and when he couldn't win the primary, he thought the other party would be dumb enough to put up with him.
"But I think he's in a for a real surprise because the Democrats aren't that dumb."
Said Craig Cody, 48, of Exton, "I'm against this drastic shift towards socialism.
"Everything from the government controlling banks to health care, it's an unbelievable attempt to destroy the country," Cody said.
The group near Cody shouted at those across the street who were for a public-health-care option, "You lie!" and "Congressman Joe Wilson for president!"
Christine Major, 19, an anti-abortion activist, joined citizens outside the Convention Center to weigh in on Obama's pro-choice values.
"I pray he repents for allowing the murder of those who God loves the most," Major said.
The crowds dispersed shortly after Obama left, about 6:20 p.m., and police reported no incidents or arrests.
Tex. firm searches Schuylkill for missing woman
By CHRISTINE OLLEY Philadelphia Daily News
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
For 21 days now, Toni Lee Sharpless' family has been living in hell.
"We're beside ourselves," said Peter Knebel, Sharpless' stepfather.
She was last reported seen about 3 a.m. Aug. 23 driving her black Pontiac Grand Prix after a night out with a girlfriend at a club in King of Prussia, then at a party in Gladwyne, police said.
Yesterday, Lower Merion police and Texas EquuSearch, a nonprofit search-and-recovery firm that Knebel contacted, used special equipment to search for Sharpless' car in the Schuylkill near Flat Rock Park in Gladwyne.
"There's a public dock down that way where a car could possibly be driven into the water," said G.W. Williams, a police corporal with West Brandywine Township, where Sharpless lives.
Williams said the organization brought a piece of equipment called a side-scan sonar that generates an image similar to a black-and-white photograph.
"They found several cars in the river, some of which have been identified as not being hers, and some of which are still being checked," Williams said.
Knebel said that "every day gets more and more agonizing and, realistically, we're convinced she's dead."
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
For 21 days now, Toni Lee Sharpless' family has been living in hell.
"We're beside ourselves," said Peter Knebel, Sharpless' stepfather.
She was last reported seen about 3 a.m. Aug. 23 driving her black Pontiac Grand Prix after a night out with a girlfriend at a club in King of Prussia, then at a party in Gladwyne, police said.
Yesterday, Lower Merion police and Texas EquuSearch, a nonprofit search-and-recovery firm that Knebel contacted, used special equipment to search for Sharpless' car in the Schuylkill near Flat Rock Park in Gladwyne.
"There's a public dock down that way where a car could possibly be driven into the water," said G.W. Williams, a police corporal with West Brandywine Township, where Sharpless lives.
Williams said the organization brought a piece of equipment called a side-scan sonar that generates an image similar to a black-and-white photograph.
"They found several cars in the river, some of which have been identified as not being hers, and some of which are still being checked," Williams said.
Knebel said that "every day gets more and more agonizing and, realistically, we're convinced she's dead."
At rally, Cos speaks to the wonderfulness of education
By CHRISTINE OLLEY Philadelphia Daily News
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
BILL COSBY lent his voice and legend yesterday to the kickoff of a grassroots campaign in Olney called Mission: Education.
"We have to make sure that our children develop a love for education," Cosby said to a crowd that slowly gathered as he began speaking.
Mission: Education, organized by the Father's Day Rally Committee and the Philadelphia Education Fund, is an awareness campaign designed to unite the community in one common goal - the importance of educating every child.
"We're asking those of you responsible for the child to make sure that the child gets to the school, eats properly and does his or her homework," Cosby said at the rally, held at Broad and Chew Streets, in Olney.
"We raised the children so that they would go on and be higher and better," Cosby said. "That's what we're raising them for, we're not raising them to go out on the street corner and hang out with the Bloods and the Crips.
"We have to give our children love."
Information was available yesterday about vocational schooling, graduation action plans and college-access programs.
"A child needs to be educated," said Bilal Qayyum, the president of the Father's Day Rally Committee, an organization designed to promote positive interaction among individuals that leads to resolving problems confronting African-American communities.
The Philadelphia Education Fund is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of public education for underserved youth throughout the Philadelphia region, according to its Web site.
Qayyum said that raising the expectations for children's educational performance while increasing access to resources can help cut the dropout rate, reduce crime and give kids a chance to succeed.
Yesterday's rally was one of many planned before the end of the year, Qayyum said.
Plans have not been solidified for the next event, but Qayyum said that it would be in October, in West Philadelphia.
Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller, also in attendance, said that education dictates how you're going to live.
"There's a whole group of jobs you can get when you get A's, there's a whole group of jobs you can get when you get B's, C's, and D's," she said.
"Then there's no jobs because you don't have any education.
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
BILL COSBY lent his voice and legend yesterday to the kickoff of a grassroots campaign in Olney called Mission: Education.
"We have to make sure that our children develop a love for education," Cosby said to a crowd that slowly gathered as he began speaking.
Mission: Education, organized by the Father's Day Rally Committee and the Philadelphia Education Fund, is an awareness campaign designed to unite the community in one common goal - the importance of educating every child.
"We're asking those of you responsible for the child to make sure that the child gets to the school, eats properly and does his or her homework," Cosby said at the rally, held at Broad and Chew Streets, in Olney.
"We raised the children so that they would go on and be higher and better," Cosby said. "That's what we're raising them for, we're not raising them to go out on the street corner and hang out with the Bloods and the Crips.
"We have to give our children love."
Information was available yesterday about vocational schooling, graduation action plans and college-access programs.
"A child needs to be educated," said Bilal Qayyum, the president of the Father's Day Rally Committee, an organization designed to promote positive interaction among individuals that leads to resolving problems confronting African-American communities.
The Philadelphia Education Fund is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of public education for underserved youth throughout the Philadelphia region, according to its Web site.
Qayyum said that raising the expectations for children's educational performance while increasing access to resources can help cut the dropout rate, reduce crime and give kids a chance to succeed.
Yesterday's rally was one of many planned before the end of the year, Qayyum said.
Plans have not been solidified for the next event, but Qayyum said that it would be in October, in West Philadelphia.
Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller, also in attendance, said that education dictates how you're going to live.
"There's a whole group of jobs you can get when you get A's, there's a whole group of jobs you can get when you get B's, C's, and D's," she said.
"Then there's no jobs because you don't have any education.
Suspect arrested in slaying of PHA worker
By CHRISTINE OLLEY Philadelphia Daily News
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
When Rachel Barnes got the news that police had arrested a suspect in the fatal shooting of her Uncle Rodney, she dropped to her knees and began to cry.
"It's been very hard, but we've just been taking it one day at a time," Barnes, 30, said.
Jamaal Simmons, 26, of Philadelphia, was arrested in Whitehall, N.Y., at about 2 a.m. yesterday and will be brought back to Philadelphia to face charges in the slaying of Rodney Barnes, 46, a carpenter for the Philadelphia Housing Authority, police said.
Barnes was shot in the head July 25 while working at the Raymond Rosen Manor housing project at 24th and Norris Streets, in North Philadelphia, and died Aug. 5.
Police suggested after the crime that the shooting may have been a case of mistaken identity.
On Sunday, police obtained an arrest warrant for Simmons after they came to believe that he was involved in the slaying, said Lt. Frank Vanore, a Philadelphia police spokesman.
Yesterday's arrest began to unfold when police in Whitehall stopped a 2003 blue Chrysler Town and Country minivan driven by Kaream Bundy, 32, of Philadelphia, who was pulled over for speeding, said patrolman Desmond Lyons.
Whitehall Officer Daniel Price asked Bundy for his license, and he said he didn't have it, Lyons said.
Price asked Simmons, who was in the passenger seat, for his license and he gave it to the officer, Lyons said."Standard procedure when that happens is to ask the passenger if they have a license so that they can take the car," Lyons said.
Price ran both names through the national crime database, which found warrants for both - Simmons in the July slaying and Bundy for a parole violation, Lyons said, adding that both were arrested without incident and charged with being fugitives from justice.
Simmons and Bundy are awaiting extradition to Philadelphia, Lyons said.
"The news today was great; it was just a huge sigh of relief," Rachel Barnes said.
"My uncle was like a father to all of us; anything you needed from him you would get it. We're just dealing with it and coping the best way we can."
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
When Rachel Barnes got the news that police had arrested a suspect in the fatal shooting of her Uncle Rodney, she dropped to her knees and began to cry.
"It's been very hard, but we've just been taking it one day at a time," Barnes, 30, said.
Jamaal Simmons, 26, of Philadelphia, was arrested in Whitehall, N.Y., at about 2 a.m. yesterday and will be brought back to Philadelphia to face charges in the slaying of Rodney Barnes, 46, a carpenter for the Philadelphia Housing Authority, police said.
Barnes was shot in the head July 25 while working at the Raymond Rosen Manor housing project at 24th and Norris Streets, in North Philadelphia, and died Aug. 5.
Police suggested after the crime that the shooting may have been a case of mistaken identity.
On Sunday, police obtained an arrest warrant for Simmons after they came to believe that he was involved in the slaying, said Lt. Frank Vanore, a Philadelphia police spokesman.
Yesterday's arrest began to unfold when police in Whitehall stopped a 2003 blue Chrysler Town and Country minivan driven by Kaream Bundy, 32, of Philadelphia, who was pulled over for speeding, said patrolman Desmond Lyons.
Whitehall Officer Daniel Price asked Bundy for his license, and he said he didn't have it, Lyons said.
Price asked Simmons, who was in the passenger seat, for his license and he gave it to the officer, Lyons said."Standard procedure when that happens is to ask the passenger if they have a license so that they can take the car," Lyons said.
Price ran both names through the national crime database, which found warrants for both - Simmons in the July slaying and Bundy for a parole violation, Lyons said, adding that both were arrested without incident and charged with being fugitives from justice.
Simmons and Bundy are awaiting extradition to Philadelphia, Lyons said.
"The news today was great; it was just a huge sigh of relief," Rachel Barnes said.
"My uncle was like a father to all of us; anything you needed from him you would get it. We're just dealing with it and coping the best way we can."
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Feds seize financial data from 2 charter schools
By CHRISTINE OLLEY Philadelphia Daily News
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
Financial records were seized from two Philadelphia charter schools yesterday morning, the latest in a string of investigations into possible financial mismanagement at city charters.
Federal agents retrieved records from the Community Academy of Philadelphia Charter School, on Erie Avenue near J street in Juniata, and from Fairhill Community High School, on 4th Street near Somerset, in Fairhill, said Michael Mustokoff, an attorney representing both schools.
Mustokoff said that he was told two weeks ago by the School District of Philadelphia that both schools' records would be picked up yesterday for review.
"The records were on-site and available," Mustokoff said.
"We were surprised by the unnecessary appearance of FBI agents to retrieve the very same records that were awaiting inspection."
Special Agent Frank Burton, of the FBI, said he could neither confirm nor deny the agency's involvement in yesterday's events.
Community Academy of Philadelphia was the first charter school to open in Philadelphia in 1997, according to the Web site of One Bright Ray Inc., the organization that runs both schools.
In recent months, several Philadelphia-area charter schools have come under investigation for fiscal wrongdoing.
Last month, two leaders of the Philadelphia Academy Charter School pleaded guilty in federal court to stealing funds from the school. In May, Brien N. Gardiner, founder of the school, committed suicide.
Allegations of financial mismanagement have also been leveled at New Media Technology Charter School, with campuses in the city's Germantown and Stenton neighborhoods, and Germantown Settlement Charter School, which closed in June.
It was unclear whether yesterday's events were related to the other investigations.
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
Financial records were seized from two Philadelphia charter schools yesterday morning, the latest in a string of investigations into possible financial mismanagement at city charters.
Federal agents retrieved records from the Community Academy of Philadelphia Charter School, on Erie Avenue near J street in Juniata, and from Fairhill Community High School, on 4th Street near Somerset, in Fairhill, said Michael Mustokoff, an attorney representing both schools.
Mustokoff said that he was told two weeks ago by the School District of Philadelphia that both schools' records would be picked up yesterday for review.
"The records were on-site and available," Mustokoff said.
"We were surprised by the unnecessary appearance of FBI agents to retrieve the very same records that were awaiting inspection."
Special Agent Frank Burton, of the FBI, said he could neither confirm nor deny the agency's involvement in yesterday's events.
Community Academy of Philadelphia was the first charter school to open in Philadelphia in 1997, according to the Web site of One Bright Ray Inc., the organization that runs both schools.
In recent months, several Philadelphia-area charter schools have come under investigation for fiscal wrongdoing.
Last month, two leaders of the Philadelphia Academy Charter School pleaded guilty in federal court to stealing funds from the school. In May, Brien N. Gardiner, founder of the school, committed suicide.
Allegations of financial mismanagement have also been leveled at New Media Technology Charter School, with campuses in the city's Germantown and Stenton neighborhoods, and Germantown Settlement Charter School, which closed in June.
It was unclear whether yesterday's events were related to the other investigations.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Girl lost in river
By CHRISTINE OLLEY Philadelphia Daily News
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
TRAGEDY STRUCK in Southwest Philadelphia last night when a 9-year-old girl playing with friends was pushed into the Schuylkill, police said.
According to Lt. John Walker, of Southwest Detectives, the girl was playing with a group of friends at about 8 p.m. on the riverbank near 56th Street and Harley Drive, behind the Bartram Village housing project. She was holding onto the dock when a boy jokingly pushed her in, Walker said.
“The currents were so fast that she panicked because she couldn’t swim,” Walker said.
Two of the girl’s friends tried to grab her but were unable to hold on, Walker said.
The children ran up the street, where they flagged down two highway patrol officers, who initiated a search.
“We were in the water by about 8 o’clock, and have been searching for about two hours and have not been able to locate the child,” Walker said at about 10 p.m.“It was probably just a hot day and they wanted to go down to the water and play, not realizing the true dangers of the water,” he said.
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
TRAGEDY STRUCK in Southwest Philadelphia last night when a 9-year-old girl playing with friends was pushed into the Schuylkill, police said.
According to Lt. John Walker, of Southwest Detectives, the girl was playing with a group of friends at about 8 p.m. on the riverbank near 56th Street and Harley Drive, behind the Bartram Village housing project. She was holding onto the dock when a boy jokingly pushed her in, Walker said.
“The currents were so fast that she panicked because she couldn’t swim,” Walker said.
Two of the girl’s friends tried to grab her but were unable to hold on, Walker said.
The children ran up the street, where they flagged down two highway patrol officers, who initiated a search.
“We were in the water by about 8 o’clock, and have been searching for about two hours and have not been able to locate the child,” Walker said at about 10 p.m.“It was probably just a hot day and they wanted to go down to the water and play, not realizing the true dangers of the water,” he said.
Fires puzzle, scare N. Philly neighbors
By CHRISTINE OLLEY Philadelphia Daily News
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
Residents of a North Philadelphia neighborhood were on edge yesterday after the latest in a series of fires on their block of N. College Avenue since June 24.
On that date, a fire broke out at a property on N. College Avenue near 23rd at 12:30 a.m.
Executive Chief Daniel Williams said that the fire marshal ruled that yesterday's first fire was intentionally set. He declined to comment on the causes of the other fires, citing an ongoing investigation.
The other fires were set on July 28 at 3 p.m. at 2339 N. College; on July 30 at 2:31 p.m. at 2301 N. College; last Wednesday at 1:36 p.m. at 2325 N. College; and yesterday at 12:19 a.m. and 7:59 a.m. at 2339 N. College, fire officials said.
"When the first fire started, we just wrote it off," said Darren Grant, a resident of the block. "No one thought anything of it."
"But now, it's gotten out of hand," Grant said. "It's nerve-racking because you can't sleep at night."
Residents wonder about developers possibly eyeing their block.
"I've gotten letters from as far as California from people asking me if I would consider selling my house," said a woman named Yvonne, who asked that her last name not be used.
Also, residents became suspicious in May when strangers came into the neighborhood, asking residents about who owned certain houses and if they would consider selling them.
"We're not sure, it's just a theory," Yvonne said. "It's just mysterious."
After yesterday's fire, the fire department called the city's Department of Licenses and Inspections to secure any properties on the block that were open to trespassing, according to Williams.
"From time to time we get these types of scenarios where you may have a certain amount of fires on a certain stretch of a block or in a specific geographical area," Williams said.
"The fire marshal keeps an eye on it and when it gets to a point where it needs to be looked at, the arson task force will investigate," Williams said.
"It's very scary because you don't know where it's going to happen next," said Doreen Greenidge, who lives on the block.
"Usually I can just go to bed, but now I have to have one ear up and one ear down," Greenidge said.
Leon McDowell agreed. "Someone's starting these fires," said McDowell, who lives with four young sons next door to one of the affected properties.
"The neighbors are fed up," McDowell said. "We want some answers."
Jerome Murray, College Avenue's block captain, hopes that the case is solved soon and that the fires stop before the neighbors' worst fears come true.
"The ultimate fear is that the whole block will go up," Murray said.
"People's lives are at stake."
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
Residents of a North Philadelphia neighborhood were on edge yesterday after the latest in a series of fires on their block of N. College Avenue since June 24.
On that date, a fire broke out at a property on N. College Avenue near 23rd at 12:30 a.m.
Executive Chief Daniel Williams said that the fire marshal ruled that yesterday's first fire was intentionally set. He declined to comment on the causes of the other fires, citing an ongoing investigation.
The other fires were set on July 28 at 3 p.m. at 2339 N. College; on July 30 at 2:31 p.m. at 2301 N. College; last Wednesday at 1:36 p.m. at 2325 N. College; and yesterday at 12:19 a.m. and 7:59 a.m. at 2339 N. College, fire officials said.
"When the first fire started, we just wrote it off," said Darren Grant, a resident of the block. "No one thought anything of it."
"But now, it's gotten out of hand," Grant said. "It's nerve-racking because you can't sleep at night."
Residents wonder about developers possibly eyeing their block.
"I've gotten letters from as far as California from people asking me if I would consider selling my house," said a woman named Yvonne, who asked that her last name not be used.
Also, residents became suspicious in May when strangers came into the neighborhood, asking residents about who owned certain houses and if they would consider selling them.
"We're not sure, it's just a theory," Yvonne said. "It's just mysterious."
After yesterday's fire, the fire department called the city's Department of Licenses and Inspections to secure any properties on the block that were open to trespassing, according to Williams.
"From time to time we get these types of scenarios where you may have a certain amount of fires on a certain stretch of a block or in a specific geographical area," Williams said.
"The fire marshal keeps an eye on it and when it gets to a point where it needs to be looked at, the arson task force will investigate," Williams said.
"It's very scary because you don't know where it's going to happen next," said Doreen Greenidge, who lives on the block.
"Usually I can just go to bed, but now I have to have one ear up and one ear down," Greenidge said.
Leon McDowell agreed. "Someone's starting these fires," said McDowell, who lives with four young sons next door to one of the affected properties.
"The neighbors are fed up," McDowell said. "We want some answers."
Jerome Murray, College Avenue's block captain, hopes that the case is solved soon and that the fires stop before the neighbors' worst fears come true.
"The ultimate fear is that the whole block will go up," Murray said.
"People's lives are at stake."
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Teen fires at police, then flees
By CHRISTINE OLLEYPhiladelphia Daily News
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
A teenage boy eluded capture last night after he exchanged gunfire with police in North Philadelphia, police said.
The youth, about 16, was observed "acting suspiciously" by two police officers about 8:20 p.m. near 12th and Huntingdon streets, said Chief Inspector Scott Small.
When officers tried to approach him, he ran off and one officer chased him, Small said.
The suspect stopped in a vacant lot on Hazzard Street near 12th, turned around and pulled out a handgun and fired at least once at the officer, who was not hit, Small said.
"The officer returned fire and the suspect then fled through a rear alley and he escaped police," Small said.
Police were unclear whether the youth was struck but Small said investigators were checking area hospitals.
Investigators recovered the teen's weapon - a .40-caliber Glock semiautomatic - in the lot, police said.
As police searched for the teen hours after the incident, cops were relieved that the officer was not injured.
"We're dealing with suspects out here with guns and some of them won't hesitate to fire them at police like they did in this particular instance," Small said.
"We're very fortunate that the officer did not get struck by gunfire."
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
A teenage boy eluded capture last night after he exchanged gunfire with police in North Philadelphia, police said.
The youth, about 16, was observed "acting suspiciously" by two police officers about 8:20 p.m. near 12th and Huntingdon streets, said Chief Inspector Scott Small.
When officers tried to approach him, he ran off and one officer chased him, Small said.
The suspect stopped in a vacant lot on Hazzard Street near 12th, turned around and pulled out a handgun and fired at least once at the officer, who was not hit, Small said.
"The officer returned fire and the suspect then fled through a rear alley and he escaped police," Small said.
Police were unclear whether the youth was struck but Small said investigators were checking area hospitals.
Investigators recovered the teen's weapon - a .40-caliber Glock semiautomatic - in the lot, police said.
As police searched for the teen hours after the incident, cops were relieved that the officer was not injured.
"We're dealing with suspects out here with guns and some of them won't hesitate to fire them at police like they did in this particular instance," Small said.
"We're very fortunate that the officer did not get struck by gunfire."
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Norristown teen arrested in Schuylkill bike trail confrontation
By CHRISTINE OLLEY Philadelphia Daily News
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
Montgomery County officials yesterday announced the arrest of a 17-year-old Norristown boy in connection with a July 22 confrontation on the Schuylkill River Bike Trail in Plymouth Township that ended in gunfire.
When police searched the juvenile's home Friday, they also found what District Attorney Risa Ferman called a bicycle "chop shop."
Ferman said the boy was somehow obtaining bicycles, deconstructing them and using the parts to build other bikes for resale.
Cops are investigating whether the bikes were stolen, Ferman said.
Police have not determined whether several assaults along the trail are related to the "chop shop," she added.
For the incident on the bike trail, the boy was adjudicated delinquent for simple assault at a court hearing on Monday and was held pending a disposition hearing, Ferman said.
Yesterday's announcement stemmed from last Wednesday's incident in which Joseph James DePaul Jr., 27, attempted to enter the trail but the 17-year-old and a 15-year-old boy, who were not identified, blocked his entry.
DePaul was able to go around the boys but they followed him and a confrontation followed, Ferman said.
"The 17-year-old actually kicked him, kicking him in the ribs and almost knocking him off the bike causing him to ride into the fence," Ferman said.
"That encounter ultimately led [DePaul]to pull out a firearm and fire shots towards the 17-year-old," Ferman said.
DePaul felt he was firing in self-defense, Ferman said, but he was charged with attempted murder, manslaughter and assault.
DePaul was arrested the day of the incident.
Ferman said yesterday that DePaul, who is scheduled to appear in court today for a preliminary hearing, will not be facing such serious charges.
However, "there is an aspect of his conduct that needs to be examined and we have to decide what the appropriate resolution will be," Ferman said.
The bike trail has seen increasing trouble recently.
On June 3, a woman riding the trail was punched in the face and more recently, Ferman herself encountered kids who were acting in what she characterized as a "very territorial way."
Police have stepped up patrols on the trail, Ferman said.
"People using the trail, whether they're walking or running or bike riding shouldn't have to be worried about thugs who are just trying to mark their territory," she said.
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
Montgomery County officials yesterday announced the arrest of a 17-year-old Norristown boy in connection with a July 22 confrontation on the Schuylkill River Bike Trail in Plymouth Township that ended in gunfire.
When police searched the juvenile's home Friday, they also found what District Attorney Risa Ferman called a bicycle "chop shop."
Ferman said the boy was somehow obtaining bicycles, deconstructing them and using the parts to build other bikes for resale.
Cops are investigating whether the bikes were stolen, Ferman said.
Police have not determined whether several assaults along the trail are related to the "chop shop," she added.
For the incident on the bike trail, the boy was adjudicated delinquent for simple assault at a court hearing on Monday and was held pending a disposition hearing, Ferman said.
Yesterday's announcement stemmed from last Wednesday's incident in which Joseph James DePaul Jr., 27, attempted to enter the trail but the 17-year-old and a 15-year-old boy, who were not identified, blocked his entry.
DePaul was able to go around the boys but they followed him and a confrontation followed, Ferman said.
"The 17-year-old actually kicked him, kicking him in the ribs and almost knocking him off the bike causing him to ride into the fence," Ferman said.
"That encounter ultimately led [DePaul]to pull out a firearm and fire shots towards the 17-year-old," Ferman said.
DePaul felt he was firing in self-defense, Ferman said, but he was charged with attempted murder, manslaughter and assault.
DePaul was arrested the day of the incident.
Ferman said yesterday that DePaul, who is scheduled to appear in court today for a preliminary hearing, will not be facing such serious charges.
However, "there is an aspect of his conduct that needs to be examined and we have to decide what the appropriate resolution will be," Ferman said.
The bike trail has seen increasing trouble recently.
On June 3, a woman riding the trail was punched in the face and more recently, Ferman herself encountered kids who were acting in what she characterized as a "very territorial way."
Police have stepped up patrols on the trail, Ferman said.
"People using the trail, whether they're walking or running or bike riding shouldn't have to be worried about thugs who are just trying to mark their territory," she said.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Man nabbed in 220G jewelry-store heist
By CHRISTINE OLLEYPhiladelphia Daily News
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
Police yesterday announced the arrest of a Strawberry Mansion man charged in connection with a robbery last month that netted about $220,000 worth of watches from an upscale Center City men's store.
Nathaniel Williams, 19, of Page Street near 31st, was arrested near his home Wednesday night at 31st and Berks streets, police said.
He was charged with robbery, conspiracy and related offenses for allegedly being one of the four men who robbed Govberg's Jewelry Store inside Boyd's on Chestnut Street near 18th, police said.
The armed robbers entered the store about 2:15 p.m. on June 4, said Lt. Richard Brown, of Central Detectives.
Lt. Frank Vanore, a police spokesman, said that Williams and another man subdued a security guard and several store employees with pepper spray while the other two smashed display cases and swiped high-end watches.
"It was well-executed," Brown said of the robbery. "From the time they entered the store to the time they left took all of about 30 seconds."
Cops said the thieves escaped by driving a getaway car through the parking lot on Chestnut to Ranstead Street.
Those who were hit with pepper spray didn't require hospitalization, and no one else was injured during the crime, police said.
Store surveillance video helped police track down Williams, Vanore said.
Asked if Williams was helping police to find the other suspects, Vanore said only that "the investigation is ongoing." *
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
Police yesterday announced the arrest of a Strawberry Mansion man charged in connection with a robbery last month that netted about $220,000 worth of watches from an upscale Center City men's store.
Nathaniel Williams, 19, of Page Street near 31st, was arrested near his home Wednesday night at 31st and Berks streets, police said.
He was charged with robbery, conspiracy and related offenses for allegedly being one of the four men who robbed Govberg's Jewelry Store inside Boyd's on Chestnut Street near 18th, police said.
The armed robbers entered the store about 2:15 p.m. on June 4, said Lt. Richard Brown, of Central Detectives.
Lt. Frank Vanore, a police spokesman, said that Williams and another man subdued a security guard and several store employees with pepper spray while the other two smashed display cases and swiped high-end watches.
"It was well-executed," Brown said of the robbery. "From the time they entered the store to the time they left took all of about 30 seconds."
Cops said the thieves escaped by driving a getaway car through the parking lot on Chestnut to Ranstead Street.
Those who were hit with pepper spray didn't require hospitalization, and no one else was injured during the crime, police said.
Store surveillance video helped police track down Williams, Vanore said.
Asked if Williams was helping police to find the other suspects, Vanore said only that "the investigation is ongoing." *
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Parents of tot who died in locked car sue day-care center
By CHRISTINE OLLEY Philadelphia Daily News
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
The parents of a 2-year-old boy left in the back seat of a locked car with the windows up on July 1 are suing a Bucks County day-care center and its owners entrusted with the tot's care, a lawyer said yesterday.
Daniel Weinstock, who is representing Gil and Lyudmila Slutsky, the parents of Daniel Slutsky, said they know that the lawsuit won't bring their son back but wanted to draw attention to the problem of leaving youngsters in locked cars.
"The rule should be that no child can ever be left behind in a locked car," Weinstock said.
"Lots of times it's a mom or a child-care provider who runs into the store or the house and thinks it might just be a minute, but then for whatever reason it takes longer," he said.
The complaint, filed Tuesday in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court, charges that the Slutskys' neighbor and co-owner of Fairy Tales Daycare, Rimma Shvartsman, was paid to take Daniel to the center, on Highland Avenue in Penndel, at least three times a week.
On July 1, Shvartsman did that.
But when she arrived at the center, "Shvartsman inexplicably left Daniel Slutsky alone in the back seat of her minivan, with the windows closed and the doors locked," the complaint says.
Outdoor temperatures that day exceeded 80 degrees, and after Daniel was found about 4:30 p.m. and rushed to the hospital, he was pronounced dead of hyperthermia, also known as heat stroke, authorities said.
No criminal charges were filed.
"They're devastated," Weinstock said of the Slutskys. "In addition to the obvious shock and hurt, they feel completely betrayed" because Shvartsman was a neighbor and friend. Shvartsman's attorney, Michael Mustokoff, said the incident was a tragic accident. "Mrs. Shvartsman has said and expressed her sympathy in every way she knows how," he said.
No court date has been set.
phillycom:http://www.philly.com/philly/news/51459917.html
Buzz up!
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
The parents of a 2-year-old boy left in the back seat of a locked car with the windows up on July 1 are suing a Bucks County day-care center and its owners entrusted with the tot's care, a lawyer said yesterday.
Daniel Weinstock, who is representing Gil and Lyudmila Slutsky, the parents of Daniel Slutsky, said they know that the lawsuit won't bring their son back but wanted to draw attention to the problem of leaving youngsters in locked cars.
"The rule should be that no child can ever be left behind in a locked car," Weinstock said.
"Lots of times it's a mom or a child-care provider who runs into the store or the house and thinks it might just be a minute, but then for whatever reason it takes longer," he said.
The complaint, filed Tuesday in Philadelphia Common Pleas Court, charges that the Slutskys' neighbor and co-owner of Fairy Tales Daycare, Rimma Shvartsman, was paid to take Daniel to the center, on Highland Avenue in Penndel, at least three times a week.
On July 1, Shvartsman did that.
But when she arrived at the center, "Shvartsman inexplicably left Daniel Slutsky alone in the back seat of her minivan, with the windows closed and the doors locked," the complaint says.
Outdoor temperatures that day exceeded 80 degrees, and after Daniel was found about 4:30 p.m. and rushed to the hospital, he was pronounced dead of hyperthermia, also known as heat stroke, authorities said.
No criminal charges were filed.
"They're devastated," Weinstock said of the Slutskys. "In addition to the obvious shock and hurt, they feel completely betrayed" because Shvartsman was a neighbor and friend. Shvartsman's attorney, Michael Mustokoff, said the incident was a tragic accident. "Mrs. Shvartsman has said and expressed her sympathy in every way she knows how," he said.
No court date has been set.
phillycom:http://www.philly.com/philly/news/51459917.html
Buzz up!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
For a fallen firefighter, a plaque of honor
By CHRISTINE OLLEYPhiladelphia Daily News
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
The helmet worn by Craig Vernon's firefighter grandfather has always been a fixture in his father's home.
"We're proud of where we come from," Vernon said.
"My father lost his dad when he was only 12, so his memories of his father were all those of a young child," Vernon said.
"How many 10-year-olds can boast that they spent a Saturday at dad's firehouse and after shining brass were allowed three slides down the brass pole from the dormitory upstairs?" Vernon said of his father's memories of his dad.
Vernon's grandfather, John Vernon, who died while fighting a fire in Pennypack Park, at Woodward Street and Winchester Avenue, in Northeast Philadelphia, was honored with a plaque-dedication ceremony Wednesday.
"He always looked at my grandfather with great admiration and great respect," Craig Vernon said.
Craig's father, also named John, was unable to attend the ceremony.
John Vernon Sr. was called to the scene of a brush fire at an old farm in Pennypack Park on Jan. 3, 1942.
While fighting the fire, he collapsed, and died en route to Nazareth Hospital.
He was survived by his wife, Mary, and their three children.
"Raising three children by herself was a daunting task," Craig Vernon said of his grandmother.
"I could feel the tears in my own eyes even though he was gone long before I came around," Craig Vernon said of the ceremony. "We were deeply touched and we felt deeply blessed to be a part of this."
The hero-plaque program is a joint effort between the Local 22 Philadelphia Fire Fighters Union and attorney James Binns.
Anyone interested in sponsoring a hero plaque should call Binns at 215-275-3000. *
olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
The helmet worn by Craig Vernon's firefighter grandfather has always been a fixture in his father's home.
"We're proud of where we come from," Vernon said.
"My father lost his dad when he was only 12, so his memories of his father were all those of a young child," Vernon said.
"How many 10-year-olds can boast that they spent a Saturday at dad's firehouse and after shining brass were allowed three slides down the brass pole from the dormitory upstairs?" Vernon said of his father's memories of his dad.
Vernon's grandfather, John Vernon, who died while fighting a fire in Pennypack Park, at Woodward Street and Winchester Avenue, in Northeast Philadelphia, was honored with a plaque-dedication ceremony Wednesday.
"He always looked at my grandfather with great admiration and great respect," Craig Vernon said.
Craig's father, also named John, was unable to attend the ceremony.
John Vernon Sr. was called to the scene of a brush fire at an old farm in Pennypack Park on Jan. 3, 1942.
While fighting the fire, he collapsed, and died en route to Nazareth Hospital.
He was survived by his wife, Mary, and their three children.
"Raising three children by herself was a daunting task," Craig Vernon said of his grandmother.
"I could feel the tears in my own eyes even though he was gone long before I came around," Craig Vernon said of the ceremony. "We were deeply touched and we felt deeply blessed to be a part of this."
The hero-plaque program is a joint effort between the Local 22 Philadelphia Fire Fighters Union and attorney James Binns.
Anyone interested in sponsoring a hero plaque should call Binns at 215-275-3000. *
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