Berks County DA John Adams says the man who allegedly struck and killed two volunteer firefighters on Saturday shouldn't have been behind the wheel of that, or any, car. "Two lost lives. Two first responders lost their life in the line of duty caused by an individual who never had a driver's licence, who never had respect for the law," Adams says. While he's waiting on toxicology reports, Adams believes Alexander Sepulveda Rivera was driving while under the influence when he allegedly drove into the UTV that Walnuttown Fire Chief Jeff Buck and Assistant Fire Chief Rob Shick were riding on during a search for a missing person. Both men died. Sepulveda Rivera remains in jail under $500,000 bail.
We've heard from the families and fellow firefighters of Walnuttown Fire Chief Jeff Buck and Assistant Chief Rob Shick. Both men were killed Saturday while driving a UTV along Route 222 while helping search for a missing woman. "My dad was always looking to help anybody, whether it was family member, friend or a complete stranger who was quite possibly having the worst day of their lives," said Robert Buck, son of Jeff Buck. Authorities say Alexander Sepulveda Rivera was driving without a license and they believe he was under the influence at the time of the crash.
A New Jersey man allegedly was asleep at the wheel moments before he crashed his truck into a man trying to push an SUV on Interstate 78 in Northampton County last year. Goce Josifoski remains free on $50,000 bail after being charged with numerous offenses after allegedly hitting and killing Tyler Kolaja while Kolaja was pushing his broken down car alongside I-78 in Glendon. Investigators say dashcam footage from Josifoski's tractor-trailer shows him barely avoiding a vehicle that had switched lanes to avoid Kolaja and his vehicle and then swerving into the right lane and hitting Kolaja and his SUV. The footage also allegedly shows Josifoski apparently asleep just seconds before the June 16 collision.
Pennsylvania State Police say they will be conducting a Driving Under the Influence checkpoint between Friday, April 10 and Sunday, April 12, within Lehigh County. State police say the goal is to reduce the number of alcohol and drug related fatal and serious crashes, and to reduce the number of DUI drivers on Pennsylvania’s highways.
A new community center is coming to the South Side of Bethlehem. The city, the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the River Crossing YMCA are teaming up to make it happen. Zane Smith is the 'Y' president and CEO. "We're so excited to be a part of this project. Our mission is to serve our communities with program services and membership to provide opportunities to develop spirit, mind and body," said Moore. The center will be built alongside the Bethlehem Greenway on Mechanic Street between Webster and Taylor streets. A timeline for the project has not be laid out yet.
Authorities continue to investigate a violent incident during opening day at Hersheypark. Derry Township police say they are seeking up to 30 persons of interest in connection to a large fight at the park last Friday. Officers from multiple departments were needed to restore order after the incident, which led to the arrest of two teenagers and an adult. Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact Derry Township P-D.
Some Pennsylvania Democrats are calling for President Trump to be removed from office after his threat to destroy civilization in Iran. Congresswoman Summer Lee called the threat "genocidal language" that cannot be normalized or accepted. Congressman Chris Deluzio said Trump's "threats of a war crime" merit his removal, and Congress should "return to Washington at once to put a stop to this and bring our troops home." Congresswoman Madeleine Dean said the president is "forcing the entire globe to wait and wade in his madness" and called him "unhinged and unwell." She called on Trump's cabinet to invoke the 25th amendment and for Congressional Republicans to say "enough is enough."
The recruitment window is open for folks interested in becoming an officer with the Pennsylvania State Police. Applications are being accepted through May 29th. Patrooper.com has more details.
There are now 125 state parks in Pennsylvania. And now, one of them is underground. Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resource Cindy Adams Dunn is thrilled Laurel Caverns in Fayette County has been welcomed to the family. "This is an asset that should belong to all Pennsylvanians. This is something in Pennsylvania's legacy that really does belong to all Pennsylvanians. Part of being a Pennsylvanian means understanding and having access to a place like Laurel Caverns and to be able to come here, take you kids here and really enjoy it," Adams Dunn says. Laurel Caverns includes four miles of wide cave passages that go as deep as 476 feet.
New Jersey is expanding early voting access for municipal elections in May. Governor Mikie Sherrill signed legislation that authorizes municipalities that hold nonpartisan elections in May to start early voting eight days before Election Day. That's four days longer than what was allowed. Sherrill says the state is taking every step to protect the integrity of our elections and ensure they are more accessible for New Jerseyans.
New Jersey Congressman Frank Pallone says the state should not comply with a White House demand for data regarding abortions in the state. Democratic Congressman Frank Pallone calls the demand an example of federal overreach. The order from the Trump Administration alleges New Jersey and a dozen other states violated a federal law that protects employers and insurance companies from being forced to provide abortion services if it violates their personal beliefs. The state has until May eighth to respond to a request for data as part of the investigation. Pallone says the state has no intention of complying with what he calls a rogue investigation by the federal government. New Jersey law allows for exemptions. Governor Mikie Sherrill calls the probe a fishing expedition that wastes taxpayers' money.
Pennsylvania State Police are devoting significant resources to help with security at the NFL Draft. Trooper Rocco Gagliardi says PSP will have drones, a helicopter, a boat team, and a mounted unit in operation during the event. Troopers and state wildlife officers will mainly work on securing Point State Park, while Pittsburgh police will focus on the North Shore, according to Gagliardi. Up to $700,000 visitors are expected in the city for the event April 23rd through 25th.
All-Star pitcher Zack Wheeler is set to make another rehab start for the IronPigs tonight as he continues to work his way back to the majors after thoracic outlet surgery. According to the Morning Call, Wheeler is expected to throw around 60 pitches and get through at least four innings when he takes the mound for the third time this season against the Rochester Red Wings. Wheeler worked three innings in each of his first two appearances. First pitch tonight is set for just after 6:30 at Coca-Cola Park.