A New Jersey contractor was arrested after he allegedly struck a man with a hammer and doused him with lighter fluid during an argument over money.

Police say Jason Brad, a 41-year-old contractor from Pine Hill, had completed work at Computer Techz on the 100 block of N. Black Horse Pike in Blackwood, New Jersey. When Brad went to the business to collect payment for his services Monday morning he got into an argument with a worker over the amount of money he was owed, according to investigators.

Brad then allegedly pulled out lighter fluid and sprayed it on the worker’s shoulder, screaming that he would light him on fire and kill him, according to police. As the worker tried to grab Brad, the contractor allegedly struck him in the head several times with a hammer, investigators said.

Police say the victim managed to wrestle Brad to the ground and hold him there until police arrived. The victim was taken to the hospital, treated for his injuries and is expected to be released.

Brad was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, terroristic threats and other related offenses. He was remanded to the Camden County Correctional Facility in default of $100,000 bail.

Information on Brad’s attorney was not immediately available.
 

A resident and two firefighters were injured during a house fire in Deptford Township.

The fire started at a home on the 1100 block of Lexington Drive Monday night. Fire crews were eventually able to bring the flames under control.

A resident inside the home as well as two firefighters were hurt during the blaze. The resident was taken to the hospital. Officials have not yet revealed his or her condition. The two firefighters were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Officials continue to investigate the cause of the fire.

A group of parents of students at Upper Dublin schools are accusing the district of racial discrimination.

In a complaint to the U.S. Department of Education, the group claims that the Upper Dublin school district suspended a disproportionate number of African American students. They also say the District disproportionately placed black students in lower level curricular programs.

The complaint states that while only 7.3% of students in the Upper Dublin School District were black, nearly 45% of out-of-school suspensions were issued to black students during the 2014-2015 school year. The complaint also says black students received a disproportionately high percentage of total out-of-school suspensions with 48% in 2013-2014 and 63% in 2012-2013.

“The district’s policies have serious, immediate consequences for our children,” said Dawn Kelley, a member of Concerned African American Parents (CAAP). “Higher suspension rates are putting black students at a severe disadvantage when it comes to college and career prospects.”

CAAP also accused the District of placing few black students into gifted programming, claiming no black students were in gifted education in any of the districts four elementary schools in 2014-2015 or the middle school.

CAAP also mentioned an African American student who they claim had an A in his 8th grade social studies class but was still not recommended for an honors-level ninth grade history class. When challenged by the boy’s parents, the teacher allegedly claimed he based his decision on one test in which the student received a B. CAAP says the District finally allowed the student to enter honors-level history after several requests from his parents. CAAP also says the student did well in the honors class and is currently in an Advanced Placement history class.

“The district’s practices reflect a national trend of excluding African American kids from higher level courses and feeding them into lower level or even special education classes,” said Sonja Kerr, attorney with the Public Interest Law Center, which is representing CAAP. “We’re asking the Department of Education to examine this trend in Upper Dublin.”

CAAP requested the U.S. Department of Education launch a full investigation of the Upper Dublin School District which they feel would “reveal the disparities in starker terms.”

“CAAP is asking the Department to perform compliance reviews of the district’s disciplinary proceedings, force the district to eliminate reliance on harsh out-of-school suspension practices, abolish the curricular tracking process, and require other corrective action as warranted by the investigation,” a spokesperson for the Public Interest Law Center wrote.

A spokeswoman for the Upper Dublin School District released the following statement to NBC10 Monday night in regards to the complaint:

The School District of Upper Dublin has been advised of a complaint filed against the District by the Concerned African American Parents. The District’s Solicitor received the document filed by the group at 4:00 P.M. this evening, and it was delivered to the District administration. The document is lengthy and we plan to review it thoroughly and carefully. Following this review we will issue a response.

The School District’s mission is to provide a safe, supportive environment for all students to become lifelong learners and contributing members of a changing society. To this end, the District is fully committed to providing excellence and equity in education to all students.

Philadelphia is already plastered with holiday lights and decorations, and some holiday events are already in action. Here is a list of some local holiday events you don't want to miss: 

Thanksgiving Day Parade
When: Thanksgiving Day (November 26th)
Where: Begins at 20th Street and JFK Boulevard. Ends at Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Admission: Free
About: The Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of Philadelphia’s oldest traditions, covering over a mile of Philadelphia’s streets with people, floats, bands, and more.

Comcast Holiday Spectacular
When: November 24th – January 3rd
Where: The Comcast Center
About: The 4mm LED display at the Comcast Center is lit up with an all Christmas themed display.

Mummers Parade
When: January 1st, 2016
Where: Main performance at City Hall
Admission: Free
About: 10,000 people dressed in fun, colorful costumes strut through Philadelphia with music, dancing and more.

Christmas Village
When: November 21st, 22d, 26th – December 27th
Where: Love Park
Admission: Free
About: Christmas Village transforms Love Park into a German Christmas Market. Guests can enjoy lights, a Christmas tree, shopping, and food.

A Longwood Christmas
When: November 26th – January 10th
Where: Longwood Gardens
Admission: $20 for adults, $17 for seniors 62+ years old, $10 for students, free for children 4 or younger.
About: Longwood Gardens transforms into a winter spectacular with blue and white lights, fountain displays, plants, and more.

Blue Cross Riverrink Winterfest
When: Opens on November 27th
Where: 121 N. Columbus Blvd
Admission: Free. Ice skating is $3 per person.
About: Guests can enjoy ice skating, firepits, cottages for rent, food, and more.

Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park
When: November 13th – February 28th
Where: Dilworth Park, West side of City Hall (South 15th Street).
Admission: $3 for children 10 & under, $5 for adults, $9 skate rental.
About: Guests can enjoy ice skating at Dilworth Park right next to City Hall with incredible views of the city.

Christmas Festival at Peddler’s Village
When: December 5th-6th
Where: Peddler’s Village
Admission: Free

Zoo Noel
When: December, 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, and 20th.
Where: Philadelphia Zoo
Admission: Included with zoo admission. Free for zoo members.
About: The Philadelphia Zoo will host a cross-globe adventure when the zoo transforms into a winter wonderland. The event includes a scavenger hunt, crafts, pictures with Santa Claus, and more.

Fireworks on the Waterfront
When: December 31st into January 1st, 2016
Where: Delaware River Waterfront
Admission: Free
About: Fireworks along the Delaware River is Philadelphia’s main attraction on New Year’s Eve, showcasing a spectacular fireworks display for people of all ages.

Old-Fashioned Christmas in West Chester
Old- Fashioned Christmas Parade
When: December 4th
Where: Downtown West Chester, Pa
Admission: Free
About: West Chester's grandest parade is the highlight of the Winter holiday season with hundreds of dancers, performers, and musicians making the event a true extravaganza.

Santa's Parade and Fun Run/Walk
When: November 29th
Where: State Street, Media, Pa
Admission: Free - Donations of unwrapped toys or non-perishable food will be collected
About: The parade is preceded by a 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk which follows the parade route. Runners and walkers will enjoy a celebratory Block Party.

Christmas at Hershey Park
When: November 13th - December 31st
Where: HersheyPark
Admission: Prices vary depending on attraction
About: The magic of the holidays comes to life with our biggest and brightest Hersheypark Christmas Candylane yet! Enjoy more than 4 million twinkling lights and fun rides for the whole family starting November 13.

Yuletide at Winterthur
When: November 21st - January 3rd
Where: Winterthur
Admission: Free to members, $20 for non-members
About: Tour Henry Francis du Pont's home decorated in holiday style! Enjoy visions of holidays past, including those of the Gilded Age. Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the majestic dried-flower tree, featuring some 60 varieties of flowers.

A Pennsylvania state trooper was wounded when a high-speed chase turned into a highway shootout and then fiery crash on one of Philly's busiest expressways Tuesday morning.

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The violence locked down both sides of I-676 as the gunman rammed Trooper Patrick Casey’s car, then pulled up alongside him and opened fire before slamming into the back of a school bus, causing both vehicles to burst into flames, state police Capt. James Raykovitz said.

Casey was shot once through the left shoulder when the gunman got of his car and kept firing through the 31-year-old trooper's windshield, according to police. Casey fired back. 

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The drama began around 9:30 a.m. when Casey was working backup for Trooper Timothy Jeter and William Evans, who had pulled over a car with an expired registration on I-76 near the University Avenue exit, Raykovitz said. It was a field-training day for Evans.

The four men inside the car were told to get out. A 19-year-old was handcuffed and put in the back of the troopers' car. They were identifying the others when the 17-year-old gunman got back in the car and took off, police said.

Casey chased him onto I-676 and at one point pulled in front, trying to box in the gunman and force him to stop. It didn’t work. The gunman sped up next to Casey and started shooting as both cars raced down the highway, according to Raykovitz. Near 22nd street, the gunman crashed into the back of a school bus that was empty except for the driver.

Erika Cabrera was on her way to work when another police car sped past.

"He was going super fast and we wondered what was going on, then we saw this smoke up ahead," said Cabrera, who got off the expressway and began recording the incident with her smartphone as she heard shots fired and saw police chasing down the alleged gunman.

Evans, the trainee, did the "scoop and run" and rushed Casey to Hahnemann where he was in good condition with his family and fiance by his side.

"He was joking with me and that's always a good sign," District Attorney Seth Williams said after visiting Casey.

Bullets pierced the windshield of the trooper's car seven times and a dozen casings were found at the scene.

"I mean, he's a real hero in that he was shot and then returned fire to try to save and protect citizens on the streets," Williams said. "You know, people that are willing to shoot armed law enforcement officers are a very, very dangerous breed of people."

Two veteran detectives from the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office who were on their way to another assignment happened to be nearby the scene during the chase, shooting and crash, according to officials. The detectives chased down the 17-year-old alleged gunman and apprehended him. They did not fire their weapons during the incident.

The 17-year-old suspect's father told NBC10 his son was injured during the ordeal. The teen was taken to Lankenau Medical Center where he will be evaluated before being placed in police custody.  Officials told NBC10 the 19-year-old was released and won't face any charges. 

NBC10 learned the District Attorney's Office is considering charging the teen as an adult with attempted murder. The teen's father spoke briefly to NBC10 Tuesday night.

"I love him," the father said. "It's my son, I love him with all my heart. It's my son! I've gotta be there for my son! No matter what happens I've gotta be there for my son!" 

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Raykovitz said authorities are looking for the other two men who left the scene when the chase began. Police say one of those men is between the ages of 18 and 20 standing between 5-foot-6 and 5-foot-9. Police say he has a dark blue cast on his right arm, a left arm tattoo sleeve and a dark blue hat with a light blue star. Officials later told NBC10 that man is not a suspect but they still want to talk to him.

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The bus driver was not hurt during the incident.

Casey is expected to make a full recovery and was in good spirits when he was visited by Mayor Michael Nutter.

"He asked me how I was doing," Nutter said while chuckling. "I said, 'Well, that's really not the question right now. The question is how are YOU doing?'"

Casey is expected to remain at the hospital until Wednesday morning at the earliest.

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The highway was shut down in both directions near 22nd Street for nearly three hours. It reopened around 1:45 p.m.

The last time a Pennsylvania State Trooper was shot in the line of duty was in July. The trooper was hit in the right leg by gunfire in Franklin County, about an hour west of Harrisburg, while responding to a shooting at a home. He made a full recovery.

In 2014, Cpl. Bryon Dickson was killed and Trooper Alex Douglass was seriously hurt when Eric Frein ambushed them outside the police barracks in Blooming Grove, Pennsylvania.

As if there wasn't enough to get on the Eagles about, offensive lineman Lane Johnson added some kerosene to the dumpster fire of an Eagles season when he made some seemingly inflammatory comments about Philadelphia fans and the lack of a home field advantage at the Linc.

The quotes come from Philly Mag's Josh Paunil who asked Johnson about fans reacting poorly at halftime during the Tampa Bay game.

"I asked about fans giving players a hard time when they walked into the locker room at halftime on Sunday against the Bucs," Paunil explained on Twitter.

Johnson's response produced one of those, "did he really say that?" moments.

"If we get down by any significant amount of points or we don't make any first downs, we're going to get booed," Johnson said. "That's just kind of how it is. It's not really home-field advantage playing here anymore. Really, that's the truth. Cats here, they really don't care."

That's some Jimmy Rollins-level call out of the Philly faithful. And much like in Rollins' case, Johnson isn't exactly wrong in what he says. But is he wise to say it? I'm not so sure.

Either way, this is some great fodder to complain about to your annoying cousin at the Thanksgiving table.

UPDATE: Johnson issued an apology in a note posted to Twitter. It reads:

"My comment about the fans was out of line and I apologize. I'm just frustrated like they are about our performance on the field. The bottom line is that we need to give them a reason to cheer by scoring and winning games. We need to EARN that home field advantage and I know that. Our fans deserve better. The Linc can rock and that's on us to make it happen."

One person was hurt after a CSX train struck a tractor trailer in Delaware County Tuesday. The accident occurred at 5 Commerce Drive in Chester Township. 

The driver of the tractor trailer suffered minor injuries. The CSX train is a cargo train and no passengers were on board.

Commerce Drive is currently closed at the scene of the accident.

Three weeks after the gruesome discovery of a woman's burned and bound body near MBTA commuter rail tracks, authorities in Massachusetts have issued an arrest warrant for a Boston man.

Forty-three-year-old Fernando Owens of Boston's Dorchester neighborhood is wanted in connection with the homicide of 29-year-old Ashley Bortner of New Jersey.

His whereabouts are currently unknown, according to Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz. Although the public is being asked to send in tips to locate him, investigators warn that Owens is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call state police at 508-947-8087 or Bridgewater police at 508-697-6118.

Owens believed Bortner may have played a role in the recent death of his son, Domenic Owens, according to Cruz.

Bortner's body was discovered late Nov. 3 near commuter rail tracks in Bridgewater. Investigators say burns covered 70 percent of her body, and that she had been gagged by her own clothing; a towel wrapped her face and comforter wrapped her body; her hands and feet were bound behind her with an electrical cord wrapped around her neck.

Monday, a New Hampshire couple was charged with misleading investigators after telling police they were with Bortner earlier on Nov. 3, but then allegedly lied about where they were later that day. Authorities announced that Julian and Shannon Squires were charged with accessory after the fact of murder on Tuesday.

Stay with necn and necn.com as this story develops.

The Philadelphia Housing Authority has a 10 year waiting list with roughly 100,000 people on it, according to officials.

But while low income and homeless families wait, the NBC10 Investigators found some families were allowed to live in PHA properties while earning six figures.

Officials say 181 families living in PHA housing earn more than they’re allowed to.  The Department of Housing and Urban Development refers to them as "over income."
 
“I believe that they’re serving an important purpose,” PHA president Kelvin Jeremiah said. “I believe that the fact that they’ve achieved some level of success while being in PHA, I want to be able to encourage that.”

Jeremiah said the 181 over income families make up a small percent of the 80,000 people living in PHA housing.  He also said the over income families help the housing authority pay its bills.
 
“We want those families in public housing frankly because they pay more in rent,” he said.

According to PHA’s website rent makes up $24 million of the agency's $371 million dollar budget.  Most of its money comes from the Department of Housing and Urban Development – which gave PHA more than $100 million in 2015.
 
In September HUD leadership encouraged Jeremiah and other public housing directors across the country to use the taxpayer money for “…those most in need of deeply affordable housing.”

“Public housing authorities have the discretion to evict families for being over income,” a HUD spokesperson told the NBC10 Investigators.
 
Jeremiah said some over income families pay as much as one thousand dollars a month in rent.

“I think if you’re making over the threshold to be eligible for public housing you should be gone,” Mayor-elect Jim Kenney said. “First we have to appoint a housing authority board that will deal with these issues and figure out how we remove people who are abusing the systems.”

PHA board chair Lynette Brown-Sow declined requests to speak to the NBC 10 Investigators for this story.

Kenney said he will take action once he is sworn in.

Pennsylvania has 750 over income families living in public housing according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.  New Jersey has 755.  Nation-wide there are 25,226.
 

A woman was killed and a man is in the hospital after an accident on Roosevelt Boulevard Tuesday night.

A 2002 Silver Pontiac was traveling southbound at 4070 East Roosevelt Boulevard when the driver lost control and struck a tree. A man and woman inside were both extracted from the vehicle.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene while the man was taken to Einstein Hospital. Officials have not yet released his condition.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.