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Alleged SEPTA Worker Murderer Nabbed in Honduras

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A man wanted in connection for the murder of a SEPTA trolley operator last May has returned to Philadelphia after being caught in South America.

Miguel Gonzalez, 38, was nabbed by the FBI's Fugitive Task Force in Corinto Omoa Cortes, Honduras, near the border with Guatemala on Thursday. He was brought back to Philadelphia and turned over to Philadelphia Police's Homicide Unit, accoridng to police.

Gonzalez was wanted for the May 31, 2012 murder of Aaron Hayes along the 7100 block of Elmwood Avenue in the Southwest Philadelphia section of the city.

Police say Hayes, 52, was getting into his van to head into work at SEPTA's Elmwood and Island Avenue station around 5 a.m. that Thursday when he was shot in the back of the head, neck and arm. He was taken to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and later died.

Officials have charged Gonzalez with several crimes including murder, criminal conspiracy and violation of the uniform firearms act.

His alleged co-conspirator, 56-year-old Desiree Arnett Hicks, was arrested last July and charged with Hayes' murder.



Photo Credit: Philadelphia Police

Eagles Fans Excited for 1st Preseason Game

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NBC10's Cydney Long talks to some excited Eagles fans, waiting outside Lincoln Financial Field, about the first Eagles preseason game to kick off.

Photo Credit: NBC10 Philadelphia

Gas Leak Forced Emergency Evacuations

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Dozens of people were allowed back into their homes Friday night after a gas leak and hazmat situation prompted evacuations from one Philadelphia neighborhood.

The Philadelphia Fire Department began an "emergency evacuation" of the 2000 block of W. Boston Streets in the North Philadelphia section of Philadelphia around 3 p.m. Friday, according to fire officials.

A spokesperson for the Philadelphia Gas Works says that a contractor struck a 4-inch main gas line.

Deputy Fire Chief Ernie Hargett said the gas main ruptured and released natural gas into the air. At one point, there was concern about it igniting because there is lightning in the area.

More than 50 people, 40 adults and 12 children, were told to leave their homes and were placed onto SEPTA buses until they were moved to a nearby school, fire officials said.

All residents have now been allowed to return to their homes, according to officials.

No one was injured.

 

 More stories on NBC10.com:

Philly Project to Cause Long-Term Street Closure

Men Swipe $400 Worth of Baby Formula: Police

Alleged SEPTA Worker Murderer Nabbed in Honduras

 



Photo Credit: NBC10.com

Man Beaten by Family Dollar Employees Has Charges Dropped

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After being beaten by employees of a Philly Family Dollar store, left bleeding on the sidewalk, humiliated on camera and then charged with assault and robbery, Ben Robinson says he’s finally gotten justice.

“Well I just felt that the truth prevailed,” he said. “One thing’s for sure, I don’t want it to happen to anyone else.”

The 55-year-old learned Friday that six charges levied against him – including aggravated assault – were dropped in a case Common Pleas Judge Karen Simmons called a “disgrace.”

On a rainy day in April, Robinson was shopping with a friend at the Family Dollar store at 47th Street and Girard Avenue when he was accused of shoplifting soap. He says three employees began beating him and his friend outside the store and so, he went to his car to get a tire iron for defense.

Robinson was then surrounded by the unidentified men, pushed, punched and hit in the head with the tire iron. The entire attack was caught on video by a passerby and posted to the internet.

Following the beating, the employees returned to the store and called Philadelphia Police, leaving Robinson bleeding on the sidewalk. When officers arrived, they arrested and charged Robinson, much to his dismay.

“I’m thinking I’m going to the hospital to get stitched up after getting beat up and I find out I’m being arrested,” Robinson previously told NBC10.com. “I couldn’t understand it. I’m getting arrested for getting beat up.”

When NBC10.com obtained the video and notified police, officials said they were never told about the assault of Robinson and began to re-investigate the case. Even Robinson and his legal council did not know the video existed.

However, the case continued through the Court of Common Pleas. The preliminary hearing was postponed four times -- until Friday when the evidence was heard.

“I was kinda nervous, because I couldn’t understand what the state was trying to prove,” Robinson said.

No witnesses appeared in court and Judge Simmons was able to review surveillance video from inside the store as well as the beating video from outside, according to Robinson. The judge then dismissed the charges as he wept in court.

“She said it was such a disgrace the way it was done,” he said. “She said it was a disgrace how they just left me out there.”

When the video came to light, Philadelphia Police re-opened the case to investigate the new findings. Lt. John Walker, of the Southwest Detective Division, said Friday that detectives have been trying to get in touch with Robinson to interview him, but so far have been unsuccessful.

“We are more than willing to go forward and have been trying to go forward, but we need to speak with Mr. Robinson,” he said.

Robinson says he’s still dealing with effects of the beating. He now walks with a cane and still experiences pain at times.

As for the employees, Robinson says he was told they’ve since been fired from the store.

“The store owner could have contacted me and apologized, but they didn’t,” he said.

NBC10.com contacted Family Dollar several times for comment, by phone and email, regarding the incident and never heard back.

Asked whether he would like the men involved brought up on charges, Robinson said he “wouldn’t have a problem with it.” “Maybe they need a wake up call,” he added.

Mary Maran, Robinson’s attorney, called the employees “ruffian” and is planning to pursue a legal case against them.

“Those animals left him reeling and stumbling in the street while they laughed. And they can bet I'm coming for them," she said.


Contact Vince Lattanzio at 610.668.5532, vince.lattanzio@nbcuni.com or follow @VinceLattanzio on Twitter.



Photo Credit: YouTube

Security Guard Stabbed at Target Store: Police

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Police say a security guard was stabbed at a Target store in Gloucester Township Friday.

Investigators say the guard was stabbed after catching the suspect shoplifting at the Target located at 487 Berlin-Cross Keys Road in Sicklerville, New Jersey around 4:30 p.m.

There is no word on the guard’s condition at this time.

Police are searching for the suspect.

This story is developing. Refresh for updates.
 

More stories on NBC10.com:

Philly Project to Cause Long-Term Street Closure

Men Swipe $400 Worth of Baby Formula: Police

Alleged SEPTA Worker Murderer Nabbed in Honduras



Photo Credit: AP

New Security Measures for Lincoln Financial Field

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NBC10's Cydney Long reports on the new security measures that forces fans entering Lincoln Financial Field to either bring a one gallon clear plastic ziploc bag or a clear tote bag that is no bigger than a 12-by-6-by-12-inch bag. Fans are also allowed to bring a small clutch purse that is no bigger than your hand.

Photo Credit: NBC10 Philadelphia

Countdown to Eagles Preseason Kickoff

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NBC10's John Clark reports on Chip Kelly's first official NFL game and the anticipation to run his fast-paced offense.

Photo Credit: NBC10 Philadelphia

Round of Applause for Riley Cooper?

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Philadelphia Eagles fans give their opinion on whether or not Riley Cooper will get booed or not when he gets on the green for the first time since the racial slur circulated online. NBC10's John Clark reports.

Photo Credit: AP

Iconic Philadelphia Zoo Gorilla Dies

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The Philadelphia Zoo announced Friday that one of its beloved gorillas has died.

Jabari, a 28-year-old male western lowland gorilla, died this afternoon while under anesthesia.

The Zoo’s veterinary team decided to conduct a full examination after he exhibited appetite loss and signs of mouth or throat discomfort on Thursday, according to officials.

Once under anesthesia, officials say Jabari stopped breathing and resuscitation attempts were not successful. The Zoo is currently conducting a necropsy to determine the cause of his illness and death.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by this tremendous loss,” said Dr. Andy Baker, Chief Operating Officer at the Philadelphia Zoo. “Jabari was an iconic favorite with our staff and visitors, and we expected him to be with us for many years.”

Jabari was born at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago in February 1985, and arrived in Philadelphia from the St. Louis Zoo in July 2004. Jabari lived with Honi, an 18-year-old female, and Kira, a 14-year-old female.

During his nine years in Philadelphia, Jabari was one of the zoo’s most beloved animals and the largest animal in PECO Primate Reserve. Most recently, he garnered attention for his potential to breed with Kira, and father the first gorilla born at the Zoo in many years.

The Philadelphia Zoo is home to four other western lowland gorillas. Females Kira and Honi were part of Jabari’s group. A second “bachelor group”, includes 14-year-old male, Louis, who is Jabari’s son, and 11-year-old male Kuchimba, who is Honi’s son. 

Gorillas may live as long as 50 years in zoos, with a more typical lifespan in the mid-30’s, according to officials.

The Philadelphia Zoo's Massa held the longevity record of 54 years at the time of his death in 1984. 



 



Photo Credit: Philadelphia Zoo

6-Year-Old Girl Saves Mom's Life

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Alyssa Capelli isn’t the typical 6-year-old girl.

“My daughter is a very old soul,” said Alyssa’s mother, Melinda Chiappine. “Always very intuitive and she knows exactly how you’re feeling by looking at you. A lot of children don’t have that ability.”

It’s that ability that helped save the 32-year-old Hammonton, New Jersey woman’s life. Chiappine and her daughter came back to their home Saturday morning after eating breakfast. Chiappine made a phone call shortly before 10 a.m. Suddenly, everything went black.

“I cannot tell you what happened or when I passed out,” Chiappine said. “I was completely unconscious. I felt like I was in a movie and I did not feel like myself, it was the wildest feeling."

By the time Chiappine came to about ten minutes later, she was on the floor surrounded by police officers and paramedics. They wouldn’t have been there however, if not for her daughter. After hearing her mother fall and finding her unconscious on the floor, Alyssa immediately called 911.

“According to the call, she said ‘My mom won’t wake up,’” Chiappine said. “They asked where we lived and she gave them our address. I had taught her how to do that multiple times.”

Chiappine, who is anemic, say she’s fainted before, but had never gone through anything like what she went through on Saturday.

“Nothing like that has ever happened to me before where I had collapsed and had no recollection of anything,” she said. “I didn’t understand what was going on. I didn’t even know how old I was. I didn’t know my name.”

There is one thing however, that Chiappine says she immediately remembered.

“I kept asking for my daughter,” she said. “That was the only thing I was able to get out.”

Chiappine was taken to the hospital where she underwent several blood transfusions. When she returned home on Tuesday, she asked her daughter to show her where she found her. Her daughter’s answer amazed her.

“Mom, it doesn’t matter how I found you or what happened,” Alyssa replied. “All that matters is you’re here with me now.”

“Were you scared?” Chiappine asked.

“Mommy, I couldn’t be scared,” Alyssa said. “I had to be brave.”

It wasn’t the response one would expect from a 6-year-old girl. But as Chiappine said, her daughter is an old soul. 

“That’s just something she has in her,” Chiappine said. “I can’t teach her that part.”
 



Photo Credit: Melinda Chiappine

Philly School Principal Asks for Parents' Help in Budget Crisis

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One Philadelphia school principal is taking the school budget crisis in his own hands and is asking parents to cough up more than $600 to help keep their school running. NBC10's Daralene Jones reports.

Woman Robbed By Man on Bike Describes Ordeal

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Ginny Patton, like so many people who live in Rittenhouse Square, walks everywhere and doesn’t think anything of it.

“It’s a pleasant place to be. It's not the kind of place where you're overly cautious, Patton told NBC10.

But as she walked along the 2300 block of Manning Street -- a tiny alley a few blocks from the Square -- on Wednesday around 6 p.m. a man who appears to be in his 20s rode up quickly behind her, jumped off his bike, grabbed her by the back of the neck and spun her around causing Patton to hurt her knee.

“I didn't notice him at all until I felt his hand on my neck,” said Patton.

The entire incident was captured on surveillance video. NBC10 showed Patton video of the incident for the first time of the man wearing a green shirt, biking behind her and ripping the purse off her shoulder.

“I was angry…I was angry from the beginning,” Patton said.

Patton began to scream, according to police. The suspect told her to “shut up, shut up” before ripping her purse off her shoulder, jumping back on his bike and swiftly riding away down Manning Street, according to police.

Patton walked to her home and called 911. She told police that she had $65 in cash, her driver’s license, credit cards and a pre-paid cell phone in her purse.

Police say 15 robberies have taken place in one of Philadelphia’s most upscale neighborhoods in the last month including a SEPTA bus rider whose jewelry was grabbed, a woman whose dog was stolen and a more than a dozen bikes were stolen after a charity ride.

Patton says she plans to make minor adjustments after her unfortunate attack.

“I’ll probably buy some pepper spray now (but) oh yeah I'll still be walking," she said.

Anyone who recognizes the thief or has more information on this incident is asked to contact Philadelphia Police at Dets. Gallagher or Guercio at 215-686-3093/94.
 



Photo Credit: NBC10.com

Group Plans Search for Missing Lehigh Valley Teacher

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A group of hikers from the Lehigh Valley will fly to California today join in the search for a high school teacher who has been missing for three weeks. 

Matthew Greene, 39, arrived in Mammoth Lakes on June 27 and the last time anyone heard from him was on July 16.

Greene, a math teacher with the Nazareth Area School District, is described by his family as an avid hiker, rock and ice climber.

Mammoth Lakes Police say Greene was staying at the Shady Rest Campground while his car was being repaired. His car was never picked up and he never returned to the campground, police say.
Many of his fellow teachers are leaving candles lit in their windows until he comes home and some friends are taking the 2,700-mile trip to join in the search for him.

Adam and Andrea Faller are a part of the group hoping to find the beloved teacher.

"We have some idea of where he might be, where he might have gone,” said Adam Faller.

Greene’s sister, Tiffany Minto, says the last few weeks have been agonizing not knowing where he is or what may have happened to him.

“My heart's really confused right now. It's telling me I should be hopeful…that if anyone can survive it, it would be Matt. So much time has gone by that it's hard to be hopeful."

Search efforts by experienced mountain rescue teams have turned up nothing.

Officials say the last phone call they've been able to trace to Greene's cell phone was from July 16 at 4:35 PST.

Mammoth Lakes is about a two hour drive from Yosemite National Park.

Detective Hornbeck says the community is a very safe area in terms of crime. He believes Matthew may have have gotten a ride from someone to a remote hiking area and hopes as word spreads, more tips will come in.

Minto says she is grateful for the support from her brother’s friends.

“To be honest, they're kind of like my last string of hope. And it kind of brings me a peace of mind knowing that at least they gave it their best and the best went out there looking for him,” said Minto

The family is using social media to help spread the word about his disappearance, and is posting updates on the Find Matthew Greene Facebook page.

 



Photo Credit: NBC10.com

3 Hurt in DUI Crash: Police

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Three people are in the hospital and a man is charged with DUI after a car accident in Northeast Philadelphia.

Police say a 25-year-old man was speeding on the 3200 block of Rhawn Street around midnight when he lost control and struck another vehicle.

The 25-year-old driver as well as a 50-year-old man and a 77-year-old man were all injured in the accident. They are all in stable condition.

The 25-year-old man was also charged with DUI, according to police.

Stay with NBC10.com for more details on this developing story.

Also on NBC10.com:

Car Crash Shuts Down I-76

Driver Killed in 6-Car Crash on I-295

Police Chief Allegedly Stalked, Harassed Girlfriend



Photo Credit: NBC10.com

Mix of Sun & Clouds on Saturday

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The rain is finally gone and we're in for several days of sunshine. NBC10's Michelle Grossman has the forecast.

In Case You Missed It: Yesterday's Top Stories

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Didn't have a chance to catch up on local news yesterday? Here's what you missed:

Former 3rd Grade Teacher, Parents Sentenced for Murder
A former elementary school teacher and mother is a manipulative narcissist who convinced her own father to murder her ex-husband, a judge said Thursday in sentencing the New Jersey woman and both her parents to prison in what he called "an American family tragedy."

Man Beats Wife With Frozen Ground Beef: Police
Authorities say a western Pennsylvania man beat his wife with a package of frozen ground beef, then ran away when police were called.

Mother, Kids Tied Up and Robbed by Four Armed Men
Four men, armed with handguns and hand-held radios, stormed into a Burlington County home and tied up a mother and her two kids during an afternoon robbery.

Man Passes Out With $5 Bill in Hand at Drive-Thru: Police
A man suspected of driving under the influence passed out while trying to order fast food.

Vacationing Teen Lifeguards Make the Save
Two teens trained to save lives were in the right place at the right time yesterday.

Girl, 16, Leads Police on High Speed Chase
Police say a New Jersey girl who took her parents' SUV led officers on a chase that reached 100 mph before she ran out of gas.



Photo Credit: Getty Images

Driver Killed in 6-Car Crash on I-295

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A man is dead following a crash involving six vehicles on I-295 in Camden County.

Police say a man was driving a Corvette southbound around 2:30 a.m. near Exit 31 in Tavistock, NJ when he somehow lost control of his vehicle. The driver crashed through a guard rail and crashed into cars in the northbound lanes, setting off a chain reaction.

“We slammed our breaks on and hit the back of the car,” said Damen Kelley, one of the drivers involved in the accident. “Another car came in the center lane and sideswiped us. We all ended up pushed into the median. The next thing you know everybody gets out of their car and you look to where all the smoke was and there’s just a dead body lying on the ground.”

The driver of the Corvette was killed. He has not yet been identified.  Police also say two people suffered minor injuries. The northbound lanes on I-295 were closed for several hours after the crash. They reopened around 6:45 a.m.

Stay with NBC10.com for more details on this developing story.

Also on NBC10.com:

Today in History: Saturday Edition

NJ Powerball Winner: "I Never Imagined It Would Be Me"

Man on Bike Robs Woman, 71, Near Rittenhouse Square

Iconic Philadelphia Zoo Gorilla Dies



Photo Credit: NBC10.com

1 Hurt, I-76 Shut Down After Crash

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At least one person is hurt after a car accident on I-76. Police say a car crashed in the westbound lanes near the Gladwyne exit Saturday morning.  A medical helicopter arrived at the scene shortly after to take the victim to the hospital.

Police have not yet revealed the cause of the crash.

Westbound lanes are currently closed in I-76 between the Belmont Avenue and Gladwyne exits. Eastbound lanes are currently open however.

Stay with NBC10.com for more details on this developing story.

Also on NBC10.com:

Driver Killed in 6-Car Crash on I-295

Man Meets Family 68 Years After Adoption

NJ Powerball Winner: "I Never Imagined It Would Be Me"
 



Photo Credit: NBC10.com

Veteran Kicked Off Boardwalk Because of Service Dog

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A disabled U.S. Army veteran, who served our country for 19 years, says he was kicked off the North Wildwood, New Jersey, boardwalk Thursday night, simply for having his service dog by his side.

Jared Goering served 1 tour in Iraq, 2 in Afghanistan, and spent 19 years as an active member of the Army. Jared said, "I served from 1993 to 2012." He then told NBC40 he couldn't sleep Thursday night because he felt so disrespected by a North Wildwood police officer.

Goering said, "Just like any veteran with disabilities with a service dog, to come back and be harassed and shown no respect, it upset me - it really bothered me. I was up most of the night thinking about it."

A North Wildwood police officer issued Jared and his wife a summons because he had a dog on the boardwalk.

“I expected to get more respect from him because of the jobs that we both have to do,” Goering said.

"He mockingly asked if all veterans get service dogs," said Jared’s wife, Sally Goering, “his dog is medically necessary and he is a service dog."

In 2009, Jared was serving in Afghanistan when his vehicle was blown up by IEDs, twice, within 36 hours. Now, Jared uses his 3-year-old service dog, Gator, short for Navigator, to help him walk, and to get up and down stairs.

Jared explained, "I also suffer from PTSD, severe anxiety, depression - and my dog plays a big part in my life. His main purpose is mobility but he also helps me with all my emotional problems from combat."

Jared and his wife Sally say the incident occurred on the 26th street North Wildwood boardwalk. The Goering family said, even after showing the officer the dog's service identification card, he still issued them a summons and kicked them off the boardwalk.

Sally said, "We want the public to be aware that there are different types of disabilities and

Northwood Wildwood Police say Goering notified a shift Sergeant shortly after he received the summons from the officer. The shift Sergeant then took the summons and filed for a dismissal. The incident is being investigated by the Internal Affairs supervisor, according to police.

"The City of North Wildwood and the North Wildwood Police Department have always proudly supported military veterans and continue to support all branches of the military. The Police Department is comprised of some military veterans and parents of active military who are presently serving in the armed forces. This police department looks forward to and participates in all the military special events throughout the year. The North Wildwood Police Department has always respected and appreciated the sacrifices of all those who serve our great nation," according to a statement released Saturday.

The mayor of North Wildwood says they will issue a formal apology, if appropriate, pending the outcome of the investigation.

Original story here: http://bit.ly/13qVnP6



Photo Credit: NBC40.net

Family to Walk for Man Who Was Shot 10 Times

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Dozens of people gathered in North Philadelphia Saturday afternoon to help bring justice for a victim of gun violence.

On May 28, Isiah Brown, 22, was shot and killed outside a convenience store in the Hunting Park section of the city.

Brown was walking on 6th and Bristol Street during the day when an unknown gunman opened fire. Brown was struck ten times in the torso, arms and head. He was taken to Temple University Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 2:02 p.m.

Over two months since his murder, police still haven’t made any arrests or released information on any suspects.

Friends and family held a “walk for justice” for Brown on 6th and Bristol. Members of “Mothers in Charge” as well as police officers who are investigating Brown’s murder were in attendance.

If you have any information on Brown’s death, please call Philadelphia Police.



Photo Credit: Family Photo
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