Teen Turns Himself In for Temple Student Hit-&-Run

May 7, 2015, 3:11 pm

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An 18-year-old Philadelphia man has turned himself in for the hit-and-run crash that critically injured Temple University student Rachel Hall, Philadelphia Police Capt. John Wilczynski said Thursday.

Rashan Roberts was arrested Wednesday and charged with leaving the scene of the accident — a 3rd degree felony — a week after the silver Mitsubishi Galant he was driving rammed into Hall's bicycle at Park Avenue and Diamond Street in North Philadelphia, Wilczynski said.

The impact sent the 22-year-old flying through the air and crashing to the ground causing severe head and leg injuries.

Wilczynski said Hall disregarded a stop sign at the intersection. Had Roberts stopped following the collision, he most likely wouldn't have faced charges, the captain said.

But Roberts panicked, Wilczynski said, and fled the scene leaving Hall battered on the asphalt. The Mullica Hill, New Jersey native was taken to Temple University Hospital where she remains in critical condition.

Hall's mother, Kathy Hall, is keeping her daughter's friends, family and the public painfully aware of her progress as the Temple student athlete fights to recover.

The girl's family set up a Facebook page, Rachel Hall Temple Strong, where her mother has posted updates on her daughter's condition.

On Sunday Kathy Hall wrote: I have a positive attitude and in my heart I know Rachel will pull through this, her time on this earth is not yet over. I just worry about the damage to her brain. All the bruises and scars will eventually fade and Rachel will physically look like Rachel, but I worry if she will be the Rachel as I know and love her. Will her personality change? Will she laugh and find joy at the same things? I worry she will not be the same person. That I may lose my Rachel and another Rachel will be in her place. All those things I love about my daughter may no longer exist. It’s really heartbreaking.

Hall was set to graduate Friday, May 8 and take part in ceremonies for the Latin Honors group as well as an athletic award ceremony for playing Lacrosse on Temple's team.

Kathy Hall planned to attend the Thursday ceremonies, "because Rachel will be with me in spirit," she wrote.

Roberts has cooperated with police and his father surrendered the car, Wilczynski said. If found guilty, he faces a minimum of 90 days in prison.

Photo Credit: Family Photo
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Evacuations Underway as Fire Spreads Through NJ Forest

May 7, 2015, 4:00 pm

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Evacuations are underway as a large fire burns in Wharton State Forest in Burlington County, New Jersey.

The fire began behind the Atison Ranger Station near Route 206 and Quakerbridge Road in Shamong Thursday afternoon, county dispatchers tell NBC10. By 5:30 p.m., it had consumed more than 700 acres and remained uncontained, New Jersey State Police said.

• Teen Turns Himself In for Temple Student Hit-&-Run

New Jersey State Troopers notified residents living and working on the east side of Route 206 between Stokes and Atsion Roads to leave the area.

Thick smoke is billowing through the area and affecting drivers on Route 206. A section of the road was closed for a period Thursday afternoon.

• Toddler Slammed to Death in Mimicked Wrestling Move: Police

Firefighting planes and helicopters are trying to knock down the blaze from the air. Firefighters were also lighting backfires to prevent to main blaze from spreading.

Officials could not immediately say how the fire began.

Photo Credit: NBC10

Fire Spreads in Wharton State Forest

May 7, 2015, 12:24 pm

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Fire in the Wharton State Forest prompted New Jersey State Troopers Thursday to evacuate residents living and working on the east side of Route 206 between Stokes and Atsion Roads.

Video Released of Dover Officer Kicking Man in Head

May 7, 2015, 1:35 pm

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Dover Police have released video of a corporal kicking a man in the head during an arrest in 2013 — an action that now has the officer facing an assault charge.

The video, recorded by a patrol cruiser's dashcam, shows Cpl. Tom Webster and another officer placing Lateef Dickerson under arrest following a large fight at the Hess Gas Station along North DuPont Highway on Aug. 24, 2013.

• Assault Charge for Officer Who Allegedly Knocked Out Suspect

A federal judge ruled the video could not be considered confidential any longer and it was released.

Dickerson fled the gas station, along with several others, and appeared to be cooperating with police when they ordered him to the ground. But as he was on his knees, Webster swiftly kicks Dickerson in the head, the video shows.

• Evacuations Underway as Fire Spreads Through NJ Forest

The man immediately drops to the ground. Dover Police said the kick broke Dickerson's jaw and knocked him out cold. 

An internal investigation was launched in November 2013 and Webster was placed on administrative leave. A grand jury heard the case in March 2014, but did not indictment. Webster did violate department policy and was disciplined, however. He returned to the force in June.

• White Swan Suffers Chemical Burns

The ACLU sued Dover Police on Dickerson's behalf. The U.S. attorney's office concluded the man's civil rights were not violated.

Then last month, Delaware Attorney General Matt Denn brought the case before a second grand jury and Webster was incited on 2nd degree Assault charges on May 4, officials said. He turned himself in the same day and was placed on administrative leave without pay.

Webster's attorney, Jim Liguori, blasted the indictment last week. "The evidence presented before the first grand jury and the second grand jury hasn’t changed. The atmosphere has changed," the attorney said in a statement.

"The coincidence of presenting this ancient matter to a new grand jury, while settlement negotiations between the parties have begun, is awful suspect as to the motives behind this indictment," he went on to say.

Liguori said Webster is innocent and was protecting the community from Dickerson, who is a gang member and armed robber. Denn denies those characterizations.

Webster is out on $5,000 bail.

Photo Credit: Dover Police Department

12-Year-Old Stabbed During Fight in Frankford

May 7, 2015, 2:16 pm

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A 12-year-old Philadelphia boy was rushed to a children's hospital Thursday afternoon after being stabbed during a large after school fight, police said.

The stabbing took place around 4 p.m. at McIlvain Playground near Saul and Pratt Streets in the Frankford section of the city, police tell NBC10.

• Video Released of Dover Officer Kicking Man in Head

A large group was fighting when the boy was stabbed in the back, detectives said. He was rushed to St. Christopher's Hospital for Children for treatment.

The boy is listed in stable condition. No word on a suspect or what sparked the fight.

• Teen Turns Himself In for Temple Student Hit-&-Run

This is a developing story. An NBC10 News crew is on the way to the scene. Check back for updates.

Photo Credit: NBC10

Philly Lands on List of Unfriendliest Cities

May 7, 2015, 10:50 am

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Philadelphia may be famous for its food, but when it comes to friendliness, the City of Brotherly has failed to make the ranks.

Philly was ranked as the third unfriendliest city in the country in Travel+Leisure's annual "America's Favorite Cities" survey.

• 'Mallrats 2' to Give Granite Run Mall Final Act?

The survey found people consider Baltimore, Boston and Washington D.C. to be more friendly than Philly. 

In previous years, Philly failed to make the magazine's list of friendliest destinations but came out on top for its arts and culture scene. 

• NJ Nonprofit to Help Parents Pay for Camp

And this year, it seems that Philadelphians are keeping up with that trend, according to the survey.

Philadelphia took fifth place for its sports-team zeal and landed third for having some of the best food. 

• Threat of Explosions, 'Thousands of Rounds' of Gunfire During SWAT Standoff

Detroit came in as the second unfriendliest American city and New York topped the list. 

Photo Credit: NBCPhiladelphia.com

Marathon Runner Accused of Cheating

May 7, 2015, 3:31 pm

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Mike Rossi's Boston Marathon story went viral after he publicly chastised a Montgomery County principal's response when he pulled his kids out of school for the event. Now other runners are questioning Rossi's race times for that event and a Lehigh Valley race. NBC10's Deanna Durante explains why the accusations surfaced and Rossi's response.

Photo Credit: NBC10

Unbuckled SEPTA Driver Falls Out of Seat, Crashes Bus

May 7, 2015, 3:28 pm

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An unbuckled seat belt set off a series of events that led to a SEPTA bus careening out of control, jumping a concrete barrier and landing on train tracks in South Philadelphia, the transit authority said. The crash injured the bus driver and two passengers.

The Route 29 bus driver was making a U-turn along Columbus Boulevard at Dickinson Street around 6 p.m. Tuesday when she slipped out of her seat and lost control of the bus.

• 3 Hurt After Bus Jumps Median, Lands on Train Tracks

SEPTA spokeswoman Jerri Williams said the driver was trying to detour around a CSX freight train that blocked the bus' usual path at Tasker Street. Bus drivers are required to wear seat belts at all times, Williams said.

"We believe that this accident would not have occurred if she had her seat belt on," Williams said.

• Great White Shark Mary Lee Spotted Along Wildwood Coast

Surveillance video from onboard the bus showed the driver, a 10-year veteran, falling from her seat and the violent crash. Two women passengers were thrown forward from the impact. All three were hospitalized and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. A third passenger was not hurt.

CSX workers on the train, stopped just feet from the crash, immediately rushed to render aid and call 911.

• Video Released of Dover Officer Kicking Man in Head

Witness Lauren Ferrett told NBC10 on Tuesday it appeared the bus took the U-turn at a high rate of speed.

SEPTA continues to investigate the incident. The driver will face disciplinary action and could lose her job, Williams said.

 

Photo Credit: SEPTA
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Great White Shark Mary Lee Spotted Along Wildwood Coast

May 7, 2015, 3:58 pm

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Researchers spotted the famous great white shark Mary Lee as she made her way to the Jersey Shore, just ten miles off the Wildwood coast and Cape May Thursday morning. 

Nonprofit group OCEARCH spotted the 3,456-pound and 16-foot-long shark around 6:12 a.m., using a tracking device they attached to Mary Lee, alerting researchers every time her fin surfaces above the water.

• Unbuckled SEPTA Driver Falls Out of Seat, Crashes Bus

Mary Lee was last seen in the area almost three years ago when she emitted a signal near Cape Cod, Massachusetts in September 2012.

And in the last month, the shark has experienced quite the adventure along the East Coast. 

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The great white was tracked about 20 miles off Assateague Island along the Delmarva Peninsula earlier this week. Mary Lee also pinged near North and South Carolina and paid a visit to Ocean City, Maryland last month. 

While experts don't know the exact cause of what's keeping Mary Lee in the area, they believe it may be related to food.

• Evacuations Underway as Fire Spreads Through NJ Forest

Researchers continue to track her path as she swims along the East Coast shoreline. You can track Mary Lee's movements on OCEARCH's website.

Photo Credit: OCEARCH

Volunteer Fire Service Extinguishing in Pa.

May 7, 2015, 6:51 pm

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Volunteer firefighters are disappearing in Pennsylvania.

The NBC10 Investigators found there are 50,000 left across the commonwealth. The State Fire Marshall’s office confirms that figure is down from 300,000 twenty years ago.

• Escaped Teen Fails to Turn Himself In, Remains on Run

Firefighters in towns all over the state say it’s affecting their safety and could affect their ability to fight fires and save lives.

According to State Fire Commissioner Tim Solobay, 90 percent of all firefighters are volunteers.

• Unbuckled SEPTA Driver Falls Out of Seat, Crashes Bus

While there is no state requirement for volunteer firefighter training, most volunteer fire companies require new recruits to complete 180 hours of training before assisting with a fire. The volunteers pay for this training themselves.

Fire companies across Southeastern Pennsylvania say the danger, cost and time involved in becoming a volunteer firefighter makes the work less attractive to young recruits.

• Great White Shark Mary Lee Spotted Along Wildwood Coast

“It means sometimes when the whistle blows, or tones drop or call goes out for help it may go unanswered,” Solobay said.

The NBC10 Investigators found seven states give volunteer firefighters tax breaks, including Delaware. In Pennsylvania, tax breaks for volunteer firefighters ended six years ago.

“Eventually, if we don’t address this issue, you’re going to pick up the phone they’re going to tell you you’re going to have to wait a half an hour for a crew to be out to fight a fire,” Pa. State Representative Steve Barrar said.

Barrar (R-160) is chairman of the House Emergency Services Committee.

“If you join the Pennsylvania national guard, Pennsylvania will pay for your college education.” He said. “Why shouldn’t we do the same thing for people who volunteer to be firefighters in our state?”

Barrar told the NBC10 Investigators he plans to introduce a volunteer firefighter education bill in 2015.

The state fire commissioner estimates it would cost $6 billion a year to replace volunteer fire services with paid fire service.

The firefighter education bill would be funded by increased taxes on fire work and car insurance sales, according to Barrar.

Photo Credit: NBC10

Philly Leaders, Students Discuss 'My Brother's Keeper'

May 7, 2015, 7:33 pm

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Leaders from around Philadelphia joined students from the School of the Future for a town hall discussion on My Brother's Keeper. NBC10's Renee Chenault-Fattah was the moderator of today's town hall.

Philly's Aging Trash Trucks Cost City Millions

May 8, 2015, 3:41 am

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Philadelphia's aging trash trucks are costing the city millions of dollars according to a two year study released by city controller Alan Butkovitz.

Philly Tribune Honors Achieving Women in City

May 7, 2015, 7:39 pm

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The Philadelphia Tribune's Women Achieving Luncheon at the Union League honored African American women and their achievements in Philadelphia. One of the honorees was NBC10's Jacqueline London.

W. Kensington Double Shooting Leaves Man Dead, Another Hurt

May 7, 2015, 8:56 pm

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A man is dead and another wounded after a double shooting in West Kensington Thursday night, police said.

The shooting happened around 7 p.m. at 4th and Cambria Streets. A 24-year-old man was shot once in the stomach and 30-year-old man was shot in the stomach and chest, police said.

• Great White Shark Mary Lee Spotted Along Wildwood Coast

Both men were taken to Albert Einstein Medical Center for treatment. Once there, police said, the 30-year-old died from his injuries. The 24-year-old man is listed in stable condition.

Police did not immediately have a motive for the crime or suspect description.

• Unbuckled SEPTA Driver Falls Out of Seat, Crashes Bus

Photo Credit: NBC10

Philly Mom Accused of Supporting ISIS Pleads Not Guilty

May 7, 2015, 8:59 pm

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The Philadelphia woman accused of supporting ISIS pleaded not guilty in federal court Thursday.

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Gabrielle Giffords Speaks in Del. About Gun Control, Restraining Orders

May 8, 2015, 3:40 am

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Former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords spoke in Delaware about a proposed state law that would take guns away from people who have restraining orders issued against them.

NBC10 First Alert Weather: Mild, Fog at Shore

May 7, 2015, 9:08 pm

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NBC10 First Alert Weather meteorologist Sheena Parveen says tonight conditions will remain mild and clear, but New Jersey and Delaware shores will see dense fog.

Escaped Teen Prisoner Surrenders to Philadelphia Police

May 8, 2015, 1:43 am

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The teenager who escaped from police custody has turned himself in. NBC10's Matt DeLucia reports Hasheem Singletary's family worked with detectives to make sure he surrendered safely.

Forest Fire Rages Through Burlington County

May 8, 2015, 1:52 am

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A fast-moving Fire in Wharton State Forest has destroyed over 700 acres of land so far and continued to burn Friday morning. NBC10's Katy Zachry reports it started at a ranger station off Route 206 in Shamong Township, Burlington County.

Armed Robbers Loose After Bucks County Home Invasion

May 8, 2015, 3:46 am

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Police searched for two armed robbers Friday morning who carried out a home invasion on South Limekiln Pike and New Jersey Ave in Chalfont, Bucks County.