Police and security at Philadelphia’s Please Touch Museum are on the lookout for an aggressive panhandler, who approached a mom and her kids outside the family attraction and continues to be spotted in the Fairmount Park area.

"I need help. My wife was just in an accident," the suspect told NBC10's George Spencer late Friday.

Police were informed immediately that the panhandler had returned to the same area -- where he demanded cash from a Montgomery County, Pa. mom a day earlier -- but were unable to locate the suspect Friday night.

The woman, who asked not to be identified, said the same man caught on camera by NBC10 approached her and her two children Thursday outside the children’s museum located along the Avenue of the Republic in Fairmount Park.

She and her two children were about 10 feet from the museum’s front doors when the man came upon them.

“I was approached by a very irate man who was screaming and yelling that ‘My wife was in a car accident and I need $6 to get a ride to go be with her,’” she recalled.

"He was becoming increasingly loud," she said. "I was afraid, he was getting very close. And he was starting to wave his hands very close to me."

The mother asked the panhandler, who she described as 6-feet tall and fairly well dressed in a blue shirt, tan pants and jacket, to go away, but he continued to yell, she said.

Fearful, she sent her kids inside the museum as the man went on to claim he was a Temple University professor that owned a local bar, according to the woman. He then offered her $100 if she could help him, she said.

"He was specifically targeting young women with young children at a place where women take their children daily," she said.

The man eventually left as a museum staffer came out to chase after him. Back inside, security called 911.

Philadelphia Police Capt. Pasquale Agozzino, head of the 16th District, tells NBC10.com that a sergeant happened to be on patrol nearby and was at the museum within moments.

After getting a description of the man, the sergeant searched for him along nearby Parkside Avenue, but the officer was unable to locate him.

Please Touch Museum spokesperson Tory Harris said the museum always has security posted inside and outside and that they’ve contacted police about the issue.

The mother, however, said security was never outside.

The museum received reports that the man was causing trouble in the surrounding neighborhood and Fairmount Park over the past few weeks, Harris said.

But police said Thursday’s incident was the first time they learned of the panhandler.

The mother, who posted about her experience in a Facebook parenting group, said the whole experience was scary for her and the kids. She also said she’s frustrated that the museum did not warn members about the man.

“People are grabbing kids out of car seats, getting bags out of the car and this guy could be coming up,” she said. “I want other women to know and to be cautious.”

The Philadelphia Fire Department announced Friday the results of the investigation into the fire that destroyed a city block and took the lives of four children.

Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer said the cause of the blaze that tore through multiple homes on the 6500 block of Gesner Street in southwest Philly in the early morning hours of July 5 is "undetermined," according to a news release.

"Unfortunately, extensive damage to the initial area of fire destroyed the physical evidence required to determine the exact cause of this fire," Sawyer said.

The cause, which was determined by the Chief Fire Marshal, was announced the same day a wake is being held for the four children killed in the blaze.

Four-year-old twin sisters Maria Bowah and Marialla Bowah, 1-month-old Taj Jacque, and 4-year-old Patrick Sanyeah perished in the fire, which also destroyed 13 homes and 5 automobiles, and displaced 40 people, according to the Fire Department.

Five others were also hurt in the fire. They were treated at a local hospital and have since been released.

The investigation confirmed the fire originated on the porch of 6516 Gesner St.

Despite the Chief Fire Marshal declaring the cause of the fire "undetermined," there is a possiblility the investigation could continue.

"The Chief Fire Marshal's determination of cause does not preculde the opportunity to revisit the case if new evidence surfaces," Sawyer said.

Anyone who may have new information is urged to notify the Fire Marshal's Office at 215-686-1362.

The idea that all shelter dogs are bad is an idea that Chris Shaughness of the Chester County SPCA simply will not allow.

“I don’t think a lot of people realize what goes on here,” Shaughness said. “Most animals are surrendered here not because they’re bad. A lot of them are here because…of something that happened in the family.”

A move, divorce or death in the family often leads to an animal being turned over to the shelter, she said.

Another common misconception -- the CCSPCA euthanizes too many animals, Shaughness said.

But that is not the case thanks to Pennsylvania State Sen. Andy Dinniman, who brokered an agreement with the CCSPCA to improve the conditions at the shelter.

And the plan paid off.

In 2014, more cats were adopted, returned to their owner, or transferred to another agency than euthanized. This is the first time in the CCSPCA's history the live release rate for cats has been higher than the euthanasia rate, Shaughness said.

The shelter also saw success in 2013, when the live release rate for dogs increased by 20 percent, she added.

All of this is possible because of their renewed efforts to rescue animals, Shaughness said.

The all-access shelter takes in any animal with the exception of wildlife and livestock. Animals are never turned away, regardless of their health or age.

“We take in the animals who have no place to go when the other shelters close their doors,” Shaughness said.

Taking in troubled animals was made possible after the CCSPCA hired Dr. Michelle Mehalick as medical director in March and followed by the Muhly Clinic's opening in June. Since then, the shelter has been able to better treat injured animals and improve their chances of adoption. 

Before the Muhly Clinic opened, the shelter would have to send animals to other organizations to get them spayed and neutered. With the in-house surgical suite now open, the CCSPCA has spayed or neutered all animals in the shelter prior to adoption -- a first for the organization.

But physical health is only one of the challenges the shelter faces.

“These dogs are young and have a lot of energy and sitting in a kennel all day is not good for them,” Shaughness said. “We need to give them more things to do.”

That’s why the CCSPCA contracted Philly Unleashed, a dog training organization in Philadelphia. Three times a week the group goes to the shelter and works with staff and volunteers to train the dogs waiting for adoption.

“They’re working with the dogs here in the shelter to train them to give them enrichment while they’re in the shelter and to make them more adoptable,” Shaughness said. “Every animal is given a chance."

It turns out Larry Miles had two angels on the highway August 8 when a motorcycle accident severed his femoral artery and almost took his life.

Two women worked together to tie a tourniquet around his leg that doctors say prevented him from bleeding out.

Debbie Parisi, a Hospice Nurse for Samaritan Healthcare, was driving to her aunt’s house to go swimming with her children that Friday morning.

When she came upon the accident, Parisi said the first thought to cross her mind was: "Oh man, this guy's in trouble."

Blood was pouring from Miles’ leg following a collision outside a Wawa on Route 30 in Winslow Township, N.J.

Parisi pulled over, sat down next to him and asked if anybody had a shirt to make a tourniquet.

“I don’t know why but I just knew I had to stop the bleeding,” Parisi said.

Standing nearby, Maria Lopez offered her husband’s jacket.

The second woman to come to his aid, Lopez works at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital and has training to deal with emergencies, including First Aid and CPR. 

“By the time I got there, there was too much blood,” said Lopez, who was driving to the Wawa Friday morning when she saw Miles lying in the middle of the road. “Nothing was being done.”

Unable to tie the jacket tightly enough on their own, the two women used a stick to constrict the blood flow as much as possible.

Minutes later, the paramedics arrived and took Miles to Cooper Trauma Center in Camden. He remained hospitalized Friday evening, recovering from multiple surgeries to repair his severed artery.

Parisi and Lopez saw the story NBC10 published Thursday and reached out to Miles on Facebook. Parisi visited him Friday and Lopez had plans to do the same.

Doctors said they expect Miles to make a full recovery, which would not have been possible without the help of Parisi and Lopez, his two guardian angels.

“There’s good people out there that aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty, or in this case, their clothes bloody,” Miles said. “Girls rule, man!”

A water main break forced the Taney Dragons out of their dorms in Williamsport, Pa. as the team prepares for game 2 in the Little League World Series.

All the ball players were relocated to a hotel, where their parents are staying, in New Columbia -- about 20 miles south of Williamsport, said Quyen Shanahan, the mother of Taney's center fielder.

The move comes only a few hours after the team shutout South Nashville 4-0 behind the arm of pitcher, Mo'ne Davis.

The righty was on the mound for the entire game, striking out eight batters and giving up only two hits.

The Taney Dragons take the field for game 2 on Sunday at 7 p.m.

Kelly Drive will be closed until 6 p.m. today for the Bayada Youth Regatta. Kelly Drive will be detoured from the Strawberry Mansion Bridge to Fountain Green Drive.

Southbound Kelly Drive traffic will be detoured up the Strawberry Mansion ramp to Fountain Green Drive via Resevoir Drive. Northbound Kelly Drive traffic will be detoured up Fountain Green Drive along the same route.

Bayada Regatta - Philadelphia

Summer of Peace Event - Philadelphia

Tina Fey in Upper Darby - Upper Darby, Pa.

Get the full weekend events guide, including times, locations and tickets, here.

ALSO ON NBC10.COM

• WORTH THE TRIP: DAILY LOOK AT DEALS AND GIVEAWAYS
• THE SCENE: DINING, SHOPPING AND NIGHTLIFE
  
• OPEN HOUSE: YOUR REAL ESTATE, RENOVATION AND DESIGN DESTINATION
  
• 1ST LOOK: THE COUNTRY'S HOTTEST DESTINATIONS

"I want to go to there."

One of the catch phrases coined by "30 Rock" character Liz Lemon is likely to be muttered by comedy fans across the Delaware Valley Saturday night for Tina Fey's return to Delaware County.

The "Saturday Night Live" alum will appear at the Upper Darby Summer Stage at 601 N. Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill tonight at 7:30 p.m.

"Before the Emmy Award-winning actress, comedian, producer and writer became a household name, Tina Fey acted, directed, ushered and worked in the box office at Upper Darby Summer Stage," said Harry Dietzler, the theater's executive director.

Her appearance will kick-off Upper Darby Summer Stage's 40th season and serve as a fundraiser.

Ticket prices range from $40 to $100 for the event, which will include a 10th anniversary screening of "Mean Girls."

After the movie, another Summer Stage alum, TV Guide Magazine's Damian Holbrook, will lead a question-and-answer session with Fey.

Funds raised for the event will go towards the purchase of a new sound system for the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, according to Dietzler.

Fey, who grew up in Upper Darby Township and attended Upper Darby High School before she rose to fame, drew attention to her hometown earlier this year when she shared pizza from Pica's on the "Tonight Show."

Anyone interested in attending Fey's homecoming at the Upper Darby Summer Stage can purchase tickets online or by calling the box office at 610-622-1189.

Dressed head-to-toe in Taney Dragons gear, governor Tom Corbett wondered aloud about Mo’ne Davis’ future.

“She’s out there pitching and she’s doing a great job,” he said. “And I’m thinking, is she going to go into professional baseball? I don’t know. She’s playing as well as any of the kids right now.”

Corbett was in the crowd Friday afternoon for the Taney Dragons’ 4-0 win over South Nashville, their first game of the Little League World Series (see story). Davis pitched a complete-game shutout, the first girl in the Series’ history to do so.

When she heard what the governor had to say, that even he could see her playing in the major leagues, Davis was floored.

“It’s very crazy,” she said. “If I do stay into baseball, hopefully I can be a professional pitcher.”

Davis struck out eight in Friday’s effort (see Instant Replay), allowing only two hits in a game her mother LaKeisha McLean said “blew [her] away.”

Corbett agreed.

“She’s got nice delivery,” he said. “I wouldn’t want to be trying to hit her.”

Davis has become somewhat of a superstar over the past few weeks, especially here in Williamsport. Practically every morning TV show has interviewed her. ESPN’s done segments on her. Professional athletes have tweeted encouragements at her by the dozen (see story).

So far, though, she’s kept it all from affecting her on the field. And that's impressed the governor.

“It’s a lot pressure on her she seems to be handling very, very well,” Corbett said. “Very mature for her age.”

Davis, whose best sport is basketball, isn’t lacking for athletic achievement. But being on this stage, playing in front of thousands of fans -- and Corbett -- tops them all.

At least for now, she said.

“Right now, it probably ranks No. 1, because I’m at the Little League World Series and that’s a big accomplishment,” she said. “To have the governor watch me play was really cool."

A South Jersey High School band teacher was arrested after he allegedly had an ongoing sexual relationship with a female student.

Christian Reynolds, 30, of Edgewater Park, NJ is charged with exhibiting obscene material and criminal sexual contact.

Reynolds, who worked as a band teacher at Florence Memorial High School, allegedly had a relationship with the student during the 2011-12 school year when she was a junior. The girl claimed Reynolds kissed and fondled her inside the school and also had sexual contact with her on the school’s band bus on the way back from high school events.

Reynolds was taken into custody Thursday and released after posting $25,000 bail. He no longer works for the Florence Township School District.

Anyone with information on any other victims is urged to contact the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office Sexual Assault/Child Abuse Unit at (609) 265- 5879.

Philadelphia Police are investigating the suspicious death of a man in Center City.

The 65-year-old's body was found around 1:30 p.m. Friday inside the first floor of a home on Cherry and Mole Streets, police said.

Homicide detectives say there was no forced entry and deemed the man's death "suspicious."

Neighbors tell NBC10 the man was a hoarder who collected papers and old newspapers. They also described him as a kind man who "didn't socialize much."

Police have not yet revealed a cause of death or the man's identity.

Digital artist Eric Nagy merges historical Philadelphia scenes from the past with the present.

"It started out just for fun and has taken on a life of its own," said Nagy, who is a self-described history buff.

He scours the Library of Congress (LOC) for old images of Philadelphia. The LOC archives permit the public's use of images. When Nagy comes across unique photographs, he prints them out on letter-size paper and walks to the same present day locations in the city.

After lining up the old image with the current scene, Nagy uses his Nikon P510 camera to capture a new photo from the same angle and then merges the two images.

"The key is finding a really good image to work with. When I do, it just gives me goosebumps," said Nagy.

One such great image was that of two men walking along Kelly Drive in the early 1900s. Nagy described the two men as having had a hard life.

"Those guys have so much character. Neither have lived a very easy life and are kind of rough around the edges. It just speaks Philadelphia," he said.

Nagy shot a color photo that juxtaposed the same location to where the men were walking. The new merged image drew the contrast to the old image as the new one that shows current day street signage and a runner wearing shorts, a common scene along the present day Schuylkill River pathway.

Nagy calls the process "hybrid photography." He doesn't alter or enhance the photographs, but fuses the two authentic images together on his computer. Nagy shares his work through his Philadelphia Hybrid Photography Facebook page. Atop the Facebook posts, he includes historical facts about the locations. In addition to Facebook, he has a Philly hybrid photo website showcasing his work and an option for purchase.

To date, Nagy has created 130 hybrid photos, although he does not consider himself a photographer.

"I'm more of a digital artist. The last thing I call myself is a photographer. Photography is my means to build up things on my computer," Nagy said.

He was drawn into the hybrid photo project after seeing a news story nearly two years ago about a photographer who revisited scenes from World War II and started a project called "Ghosts of History." Nagy thought, 'Why not duplicate the process with scenes around Philadelphia?"

The New York City native is a graduate of the Art Institute of Philadelphia. He lived in South Philadelphia after graduation before moving to Swedesboro two years ago for the suburban life. Nagy loves Philly and says his project is a way to cultivate his admiration for the city that became his second home.

Nagy's camera retails for about $249. He says he isn't ruling out getting a better camera model "down the road," but for now the one he has works for him. It's a testament to his creativity. 

Nagy doesn't plan to quit his day job as a designer, but does plan to keep exploring this artistic and educational blast from the past. Nagy defines it as "a different take on the before and after concept. Exact same place, completely different eras."

Contact Sarah Glover at 610-668-5580, sarah.glover@nbcuni.com or follow @skyphoto on Twitter.

One perk of living in the city may be the ability to ride your bike or even walk to get around. In this respect residents of Chester County and parts of Montgomery Counties have a disadvantage because they often need to drive on the busy Route 30 bypass, and are constantly dealing with construction projects on 202 in order to get around.

Now those drivers have the option of getting from Exton to King of Prussia and eventually will be able to get all the way to Philadelphia without ever getting into a car.

It all started in 1991 when representatives from Chester, Montgomery and PennDOT came together to talk about a major trail at the site of a former railroad. More than 20 years later that vision known as The Chester Valley Trail (CVT) is a reality.

Ron Medykiewicz unloaded his vintage yellow Schwinn sport bike from the back of his mini-van.

“This is my 160th ride on this trail," Medykiewicz said.

Ron is a regular on the CVT. He starts his ride from the Exton Trailhead Park, a site that’s currently under construction.

Regional Park Superintendent for the Northern Park Region, Owen Prusack says the addition of 53 new parking spaces as well as the playground facilities and what’s considered “Phase 1A” will all be opened on September 1 if everything goes according to plan.

When complete, Phase 1A will connect the Exton Trail Park Head to Iron Lake Blvd which sits just behind the Walmart at Main Street Shopping Center in Exton.

Right now that mile stretch is fenced off with "no trespassing" signs and many are anticipating the ride.

The last phase to open before that were the 7+ miles from Route 29 all the way to Upper Merion Township towards King of Prussia which is known as Phase II.

Future Developments

To many riders, the trail may seem complete after those 15 miles are finally all connected but future developments are already in the works.

The Chester Valley Trail map shows anticipated construction that will link the trail in King of Prussia to the Schuylkill River Trail essentially connecting Chester County to Philadelphia.

Meanwhile designs are in place to extend the Schuylkill River Trail to Pottsville which will total 130 miles when completed.

Other trails like the Struble Trail in Downingtown will also be connected so people will be able to run circuits and loops instead of running from one direction and then having to turn around to run back the same way.

Besides adding more miles to the the trail, other plans are underway to enrich CVT and make it a better experience for riders as well as runners by including bathrooms, water fountains, murals and historical signs. One program is currently under review which will establish Trail Ambassadors to assist trail users and park rangers.

Park rangers patrol from 6 a.m. until just after sunset by foot, bike, and occasionally by motor vehicle.

The rangers already work with the Friends of the CVT facebook page where people are free to post any concerns that are passed along to park management.

Ron will likely be one of the first candidates to become a Trail Ambassador since he already works closely with the park and trail management as a Friend of the CVT and as a regular rider.

You won’t just find him on the trail when it’s nice and sunny, but also when it’s cold… and snowy.

Considered a commuter route, CVT is plowed during the winter so people who choose to bike to work are still able to get there.

During the summer months, the National Bike Challenge is underway and taking place along the trail as well. Vanguard and Siemens are two major corporate centers situated along CVT that are competing in the Challenge. Teams as well as individual bikers can join the challenge and log their rides until September 30.

A Break from Work

Other business parks and complexes that are nestled on either side of CVT encourage their employees to take advantage of the trail. On any given weekday you can find business casual men and women getting in some fresh air on their lunch breaks or waiting out rush hour traffic by taking a walk after they get out of work before they head to their car.

Board Secretary for the Board of the Friends of CVT, Mike Broennle says “it’s a natural magnet for some employees. Other employees though have no clue that this magnificent trail is here.”

On weekends families are walking their dogs or riding bikes together. Many stop at Target or Wegmans where they can use their facilities, fill up their water bottles or stop for a nice Sunday lunch at Wegmans’ Pub.

"It's the best thing to happen to Chester County," says Ron.

If you decide to check out the Chester Valley Trail and happen to see a yellow Schwinn feel free to say hi.

Directions to Exton Trailhead Park can be found here.

A man who was knocked unconscious after defending a group of women from catcallers was released from the hospital.

Steven Pillow, 39, who was visiting Philadelphia from Texas, was walking along 18th and Walnut Streets around 2:45 a.m. Saturday when he observed several men inside a Black Nissan pull up next to a group of women.

The men inside the Nissan began taunting and catcalling the women, according to investigators, prompting Pillow to get involved.

"The male victim took offense to something that the guys were saying to the girls and said 'hey, watch what you're saying,'" said Philadelphia Police Captain George Fuchs.

Police say one of the men inside the Nissan then got out of the car and punched Pillow once in the head. He was knocked unconscious after he fell and struck his head on the concrete

The suspect then ran back into the Nissan which fled west on Walnut. Pillow was taken to Hahnemann Hospital.

"This is a tragic, tragic story," Captain Fuchs said. "Here's a guy trying to stick up for these girls and he gets victimized."

Officials told NBC10 on Saturday that Pillow was released from the hospital. They have not yet released a description of the suspect however.

Police say the suspect's Nissan had Delaware tags. They are currently looking through surveillance video to see if they can find the license plate number. They are also speaking to a witness at Central Detectives.

If you have any information on the attack, please call Philadelphia Police.

A major construction project along the Blue Route (Interstate-476) in Delaware and Montgomery Counties has once again been rescheduled.

The project was originally set to begin on August 10 but was postponed and rescheduled for Friday. On Friday however, officials announced that the project was once again rescheduled, this time for September 5.

Officials say additional work has been added to the jobs of contractor Allan Myers that will need to be completed before equipment can be moved.

During the project, crews will repair and resurface deteriorated areas of I-476 in Haverford and Radnor Townships in Delaware County as well as in Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County. It’s one of many projects in our area funded by the state’s new transportation plan.

PennDOT crews will mill and pave I-476’s deteriorated pavements at the following locations:

• Northbound travel lanes between the Route 3 (West Chester Pike) and U.S. Route 30 (Lancaster Avenue) interchanges in Delaware County
• Northbound right lane from the Delaware County line to the Montgomery Avenue overpass, just south of the Interstate 76 Interchange in Montgomery County
• Northbound middle lane at the Montgomery Avenue overpass in Montgomery County
• Southbound right lane from the County Line Road overpass to the Route 30 (Lancaster Avenue) Interchange in Delaware County
• Southbound middle and right lanes from just south of the Marple Road overpass to the Route 3 (West Chester Pike) Interchange in Delaware County
• Southbound middle lane at Marple Road in Delaware County
• Southbound acceleration lane and right lane from the Interstate 76 East on-ramp to the Delaware County line

Construction on those sections is expected to be completed between September and October. Drivers will face weeknight lane closures from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. and should expect slowdowns.

You can check on the conditions of I-476 and other major roadways in our area by visiting the 511PA website. You can also visit the PennDOT website.

At least one person was killed in an accident on Route 30 in Chester County Saturday.

Investigators say at least one car was involved in a crash on Route 30 near Moscow Road in West Sadsbury Township around 2: 15 p.m.

Officials have not yet revealed the cause of the crash but say at least one person died. They have not yet disclosed the victim’s identity or if anyone else was injured.

Authorities closed Route 30 between Route 10 and Swan Road for about 2 1/2 hours following the crash.

The roadway was reopened to traffic around 4:30 p.m.

This story is developing. Stay with NBC10.com for updates.

At least two people were hurt after a car flipped over on the George C. Platt Memorial Bridge in Philadelphia.

The accident occurred Saturday morning on Route 291. At least two people suffered minor injuries in the crash.

Eastbound lanes on the bridge were closed while there were delays in the westbound lanes. The lanes reopened around 11:30 a.m.

This story is developing. Stay with NBC10.com for updates.
 

A Philadelphia woman has been charged in connection to last June’s fatal car crash that killed two people, including a young boy, and injured four others on the Atlantic City Expressway.

Roselyn Kornegay, 45, was arrested on Thursday after turning herself in to New Jersey State Police.

On June 20, shortly after 7 a.m., Kornegay was driving a white 1996 Ford F-250 pickup truck westbound near milepost 22.7 on the Expressway in Hamilton Township, NJ. As she was driving, officials say Kornegay lost control and struck a guardrail, causing the vehicle to overturn.

Kornegay, two passengers inside the truck’s cab and three passengers who were riding within the truck bed, were all ejected from the vehicle, landing on the roadway.

The front seat passenger, 35-year-old James Dennis, was pronounced dead at the scene. Both Kornegay and the other front seat passenger, a 4-year-old boy, were taken by helicopter to Cooper University Hospital. The child died from his injuries around 3:30 p.m.

The passengers in the truck bed, Dion Kornegay, Brian Gregory and Shaniqua Abrams, were all transported by helicopter to Atlanticare Regional Medical Center where they were treated for serious injuries.

Police determined that none of the victims were wearing a seat belt during the crash.

"Being that all six passengers were ejected from the vehicle, it's safe to say they were not wearing their safety belts," said New Jersey State Police Sergeant Monica Nuhfer. "The fact that the child wasn't even in a seat belt is absolutely violating the law and the safety of the child."

After a joint investigation by the NJ State Police Fatal Accident Investigation Unit and the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, Kornegay was charged with death by auto, assault by auto and endangering the welfare of a child.

She was lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility in lieu of $100,000 cash/bond bail.

PHOTO: Debris is strewn across the westbound lanes of the Atlantic City Expressway after this pickup truck overturned -- ejecting six people including two children.