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'Get out!': Girl Helps Classmates After Bus Slams Into Home

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Isabel Llopis always paid attention during bus safety training in school. Those lessons paid off in a big way Tuesday morning when she helped her classmates get off a school bus after it went off road and slammed into a Montgomery County home.

"It feels good because I know that I helped some people," the 11-year-old girl said.

SkyForce10 captured the aftermath of the crash that left the front half of the bus inside the Windermere Drive home, near Morris Road, in Whitpain Township.

Llopis was one of 11 students -- ranging from kindergartners to 8th graders -- from St. Helena School in Blue Bell who were on board when the crash occurred just before 8 a.m. in the suburban gated community, police said.  A husband, his wife and their child were also inside the home at the time, authorities said.

Llopis admits she was in shock immediately after the accident.

"The first thing I thought was just, 'This can't be happening. This isnt real,'" Llopis said. "I saw some adults up there and I was just like, 'Help us! Please!'"

After quickly assessing the situation, Llopis regained her composure and jumped into action.

"I saw the latch on the door and I knew I couldn't do the up emergency exit so I did that emergency exit," Llopis said. "I just opened it and I got out and I was kind of encouraging the kids. I was like, 'Come on! You've gotta get out! Come on! Let's go!"

Llopis managed to get her classmates off the bus before witnesses and neighbors could help.

"I just ran over and the backdoor was open," said Craig Kelman, one of the witnesses. "I jumped into the back of the bus just to make sure there were no children in there. It was just full of exhaust. I looked for the keys and I just shut the bus off."

The neighbors then called 911.

The 58-year-old driver, who was helped off the bus by neighbors, seemed coherent, although he appeared to be hyperventilating, according to several witnesses.

"The driver was absolutely lethargic," Kelman said. " He had no recollection whatsoever. He said he completely blacked out.... But the first concern the driver had is he asked, 'Are all the children okay?'"

The bus driver was rushed to Abington Memorial Hospital for treatment. His condition is unknown. One boy suffered a bloody nose. No one else was hurt.

A school nurse evaluated the students as a precaution, however, they were in good spirits after the accident -- enjoying soft pretzels in the principal's office, officials said.

"They'll remember this one for a long time," Kelman said. 

Witnesses tell NBC10 the kids were loaded onto a second school bus that arrived at the scene.

Both Kelman and Glazer said the timing of the crash likely prevented more people from getting hurt, as many other school children and their parents are usually outside later in the morning.

Residents watched for hours as tow operators pulled the bus from the home. Now officials are investigating what caused the driver to lose control in the first place.

Saint Helena is a co-ed private school that serves 525 students in grades pre-K through 8th, according to the school's Facebook page.  The gated community where the accident occurred is located a short distance from Route 202 and just behind Normany Farm, which is a National Register of Historic Places site and modern day wedding venue.



Photo Credit: SkyForce10
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Wall Collapses in Center City During Demolition

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A portion of a wall in Center City crashed to the ground Saturday afternoon, taking down a street light as a contractor oversaw a controlled demolition, officials said.

The city's Department of Licenses and Inspection confirmed Monday that the contractor was demolishing the front wall near the 1100 block of Market Street when the collapse occurred.

The street light collapsed onto a barrier around Market Street, scattering debris onto the sidewalk.

The contractor described the wall as "very unstable” and took the required safety precautions to ensure public safety by closing off Market Street during the demolition. an L & I spokesman said.

The Streets Department has also been notified and the contractor will take full responsibility for the damages caused by the accident, authorities told NBC10.
 



Photo Credit: Bill Barthe

Sinkhole Swallows Car in NJ

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A sinkhole opened up in a New Jersey street Monday morning, swallowing up a car forcing authorities to evacuate three homes while crews made emergency repairs.

Gordon Street was closed near Pine Avenue in South Amboy at about 8 a.m., officials say. 

Authorities say a water main break created the sinkhole, which crumbled part of the roadway and sent the small SUV tumbling into what became a muddy ravine.  

No injuries have been reported.

Authorities say the three homes that were evacuated don't appear to be in imminent danger, but residents won't likely be permitted to return until Wednesday. 

Crews are assessing the scene to see how much of the roadway has eroded.

Coffee Thrown at Bus Driver: NYPD

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Police are looking for a woman who allegedly threw a cup of hot coffee into the face of an MTA bus driver in Manhattan last Tuesday. 

It's not clear what sparked the assault on the 45-year-old driver at Broadway and West 23rd Street in Chelsea at around 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, police said. 

The suspect is believed to be her mid-20s.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS. 

Sentencing for Men Tied to Philly Mob

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Nicodemo Scarfo and eight others were found guilty of using intimidation to take over a Texas-based mortgage company. Scarfo and three others will be sentenced this week.

Threats Against Obama's Niece Unsubstantiated

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Authorities investigated threats made against President Barack Obama's niece, Leslie Robinson, ahead of a basketball game between Princeton University and University of Maryland. Her coach, Princeton's Courtney Banghart, said in a post-game press conference Robinson was unaware of the threats prior to the matchup and that she wants to "keep the freaks out of the gym."

NBC10 First Alert Weather: Chilly, Cloudy Day

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The weather will be cloudy and cold with some late day sun Tuesday as temperatures head into the mid 40's.

Deadly Lizards, Guns Found During Suspect Search

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Two men, a woman, child and nearly 20 dangerous reptiles were removed from a home in New Castle County while authorities were searching for a wanted person on Friday.

Jennifer Chadwick, 25, Jerimiah Feaster, 28, and Antonio Graves, 32, were arrested at their home in the Heritage Court Apartments on the 5500 block of Heritage Court Drive, after authorities allegedly witnessed one of the three trying to destroy a large amount of what appeared to be crack-cocaine.

The Delaware Probation and Parole Absconder Team was searching for a suspect wanted on various charges when officials entered the apartment. Once inside, they saw the drugs being destroyed and found a 3-year-old child as well as 16 dangerous, potentially deadly, lizards and a Columbian Red-Tailed Boa Constrictor, according to the New Castle County Police Department.

They immediately reached out to the New Castle County Safe Street Unit, who obtained a search warrant and found two loaded handguns, crack and marijuana inside the home, police said.

The child was turned over to a family member and the apartment was condemned, according to police.

The lizards, some of which are considered exotic species, were taken to a reptile rescue in New Jersey.

All three are facing drug, firearms and child endangerment charges, as well as multiple other charges. They're being held on more than $365,000 bail each.



Photo Credit: New Castle County Police

Hay Creature on the Loose in Philly?

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It's a sight you may expect to see in the fall, around Halloween --  a person encased in hay walking the streets.

But, this hay creature was seen strolling along Tustin and Frontenac Streets in the Rhawnhust section of Philadelphia on the first weekend of Spring.

"I had to do a double take, because we didn't even know what it was," said NBC10 viewer Ashley Vizak who took photos and video on Sunday. "There were kids outside playing and basically stopped playing to look and they were waving as well."

Another viewer, Lev Libkind, sent video revealing that there was a person in the hay suit who seemed to attract a friendly neighborhood dog. Could it be a woman in the suit?

Now, Vizak, Libkind and other residents in the area want to know who was in the hay suit and why. The identity of the person remains a mystery.

We'll be sure to let you know if we hear more about the mystery creature.



Photo Credit: Ashley Vizak

Registered Sex Offender Hired as Easter Bunny

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A registered sex offender was hired as the Easter Bunny in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County. Michael Jacobs served 12 hours on the job before his criminal record was exposed.

Do You Have the Winning Lotto Ticket?

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Someone holds a winning lottery ticket worth more than $1 million and may not even know it!

The winning Match 6 ticket from Monday's drawing was sold at J & R Market on the 400 block of Church St. in Ambler, Montgomery County and is worth $1,062,311.

Lottery officials are asking anyone who purchased a Match 6 ticket at that location to check their numbers. The winning ticket matched all six numbers drawned, 01-08-10-14-30-41.

If you hold the winning ticket, call 717-702-8146 or head to a Pennsylvania Lottery Office.

Good Luck!



Photo Credit: Getty Images

NJ to Crack Down on Bad Drivers

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New Jersey State Police are on a mission to crack down on bad drivers. NBC10's Cydney Long has more on the I-95 Challenge.

Philly Restaurant's Chef Found Dead in Restroom

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A veil of discretion covers the death of the executive chef of Alma de Cuba restaurant in Philadelphia's Old City neighborhood.

Scott McLeod, 41, was found unconscious in one of the bathrooms of the establishment during dinner service on Sunday. according to Michael Klein of Philly.com  He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

According to reports from the office of coroner, the death was related to heart disease, Klein reported.

Alma de Cuba manager Elizabeth Henderson confirmed to NBC10 that Chef McLeod has worked for them for the past nine months but declined to further comment on his death.

Many of McLeod's relatives are expected to arrive in Philadelphia from Louisianna Tuesday, according to Henderson.

"We know his dad lives in North Carolina”, she said.

The woman refused to talk about the daily work of McLeod or his behavior with both his peers and the rest of management at the workplace.

McLeod previously worked in restaurants like Cuba Libre and Passion.

Alma de Cuba is part of the restaurant chain of Stephen Starr and Douglas Rodriguez.
 



Photo Credit: Instagram

Local Woman to Undergo Same Surgery Angelina Jolie Underwent

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A local woman talks about the journey of her preventative surgery to have a bilateral mastectomy, the same procedure that actress Angelina Jolie underwent two years ago. Although Sandy O'Brien did not have full-blown cancer, she did have a family history and pre-cancerous lungs. NBC10's Rosemary Connors has more.

Investigators: Are Local School Buses Safe?

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NBC10's Mitch Blacher took a closer look at school bus safety across the region and despite graphic images that may prove otherwise, the school bus is still the safest way to go.

Food Truck Propane Tanks Still Not Inspected

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Seven months ago City Council promised to have local officials inspect food trucks in the wake of a giant explosion killing a mother and her daughter, but no inspections have been conducted. NBC10's Harry Hairston investigates as to what is taking so long.

Police Investigate Alleged Target Peeping Tom

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An investigation is underway after a woman told police a man secretly recorded her as she was changing inside a dressing room in a local Target store.

“I feel like I can’t go back there,” said the woman, who did not want to be identified.

The woman said she was inside the dressing room stall in the Target on Old York Road in Abington Township Saturday afternoon.

“As I was picking up my clothes I noticed a pen-like instrument with a blue light,” she said. “When I went to grab it, it got pulled away from me."

The woman believes a man was using a camera to watch and record her. When she went to confront him he was already gone however.

The woman said Target employees told her the same man had been acting suspicious before, bringing in clothes, staying awhile and buying nothing.

“I basically was infuriated and ordering people around to find this man in Target and find security,” she said.

Abington Police are currently investigating and are reviewing surveillance video. They say it’s the first report of a peeping tom at the Target store they’ve received.

Target is cooperating with the investigation.

“The safety and security of our guests is a top priority for Target,” a spokesperson for the store said. “We take these matters very seriously and we are partnering with local law enforcement on this incident. Because this matter is under active investigation, we are unable to share additional information. “

The men’s and women’s stalls in the store are separated by a wall with a one to two-inch gap at the bottom. The woman believes changes should be made to the dressing room to ensure the safety of the guests.

“I think they need a full wall or have two separate dressing rooms,” she said.

The woman also had a warning for other shoppers.

“Be aware of your surroundings at all times,” she said. “Don’t let your guard down because we don’t live in a world where we can, unfortunately.”

The woman described the man as a white male with a normal build around 35-years of age, standing 6-feet with a crewcut. She also says he was wearing a white hat.

If you have any information on this incident, please call Abington Township Police at 215-885-4450.
 

Counselor Accused of Inappropriately Touching Teen

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A Montgomery County counselor is accused of inappropriately touching one of his teen clients.

Bernard Rivas, 73, of the Lansdale section of Upper Gwynedd Township, is charged with endangering the welfare of children, corruption of minors and indecent assault.

Rivas is a licensed counselor who meets with clients in his home office. Rivas’ internet advertisements also mentions that he works with teens in crisis, according to investigators.

On Feb. 27, a 14-year-old girl who officials say was a client of Rivas, reported to police that he inappropriately touched her on several occasions.

The girl’s accusation led to an investigation which culminated with Rivas’ arrest on March 19.

Rivas was released after posting 10% of 5,000 bail. He was ordered to have no unsupervised contact with children. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 30.
 



Photo Credit: Montgomery County District Attorney's Office

Woman's Body Found in Shallow Grave

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A woman's body was found in a shallow grave in Philadelphia’s Frankford section and police arrested a man who neighbors say was her boyfriend.

The Super of a building on the 4700 block of Frankford Avenue discovered a shallow grave with dug up dirt behind the property around 11:30 a.m. The Super tracked down a police officer who called more law enforcement officials to the scene.

As they inspected the grave, they noticed toes sticking out of the ground. They then discovered the body of an unidentified woman.

Police then approached a man who was standing near the grave. As they questioned him, the man allegedly took off running though he didn't get far.

"He tried to run and he got tasered," said Michael Kendall. "And he just fell to the ground."

Samantha Tomczak, who works at a pizzeria next to where the woman was found, said she was taking orders when she witnessed the arrest.

"I saw everybody run to the front," she said. "The guy was lying on the ground. His face was covered in blood."

Another witness also recorded the officers arresting the man and posted video of the incident on Instagram.

The man was taken to the hospital before he was placed in police custody. No charges have been filed at this point.

Neighbors told NBC10 the man is the boyfriend of the woman who was found dead. Sources also say the woman, who is in her 30's, was likely dead and buried for several days before she was discovered.

Neighbors said the woman and her boyfriend often argued loudly, so much so that they believed something suspicious was going on when they didn't hear any arguments from them over the past few days.

Police have not yet identified the woman or the man they arrested. They also have not yet confirmed the neighbors' claims that they were in a relationship.

They continue to investigate.



Photo Credit: Pete Kane

Headmaster, Family Possibly Sickened by Pesticide

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The head of a Delaware middle school and his wife are slowly recovering but their children remain in critical condition after they were sickened, possibly by a pesticide, during a vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Stephen Esmond, his wife Dr. Theresa Devine and their two teen sons were staying at the Sirenusa Condominium Resort in Cruz Bay, St. John, Friday when they suddenly became ill, suffering major respiratory trauma.

The family was eventually taken to hospitals in the Philadelphia area. Esmond and his wife are in serious condition while their two sons are in critical condition.

Esmond is the headmaster of Tatnall’s Middle School in Wilmington while Dr. Devine is a local dentist. Their two teen sons attend Tatnall's high school. 

Officials with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are investigating whether the family was sickened by a pesticide called methyl bromide. EPA officials say the pesticide may have been used to fumigate a room at the resort back on March 18, the same day the family checked in.

The use of methyl bromide is restricted in the United States because of its acute toxicity, according to the EPA. The pesticide is not authorized for use in buildings and only certified applicators are allowed to be used in certain agricultural settings.

Exposure to methyl bromide can cause damage to the central nervous system and respiratory system.

“Pesticides can be very toxic and it is critically important that they be applied properly and used only as approved by EPA,” said Judith A. Enck, EPA Regional Administrator. “Protecting people’s health in the U.S. Virgin Islands is of paramount importance. The EPA is actively working to determine how this happened and will make sure steps are taken to prevent this from happening to others at these vacation apartments or elsewhere.”

Both the EPA and the U.S. Virgin Islands government are investigating the incident.

Tatnall is a college preparatory school for students ages 3 through grade 12. Tatnall is currently on Spring Break but students and staff have shown their support for the family.

"The whole community is pulling for you guys, praying for you guys," said Oiver Campbell, a family friend. "We really wish them the best."

Charlie Tierney, the head of School at Tatnall, also released a statement on Esmond and his family.

“The Tatnall School family is sending its well-wishes and love to the Esmonds,” Tierney wrote. “We will continue to offer our prayers and positive, healing thoughts and support them in any way we can.”

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