Philadelphia, PA – One man is in custody following a standoff in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood on Saturday, city police said in a release. Wendell Saunders, 47, is charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, and related counts, authorities said. According to police, a gunshot victim walked into Episcopal Hospital around 6:40 a.m.
They were taken to Temple Hospital in stable condition and Saunders was identified as the suspected shooter. Police tracked the 47-year-old to a home on the 2100 block of East Cambria Street and declared a barricade situation. A SWAT unit was called to the scene, and Saunders surrendered shortly after noon, authorities said.
His bail was set at 10 percent of $500,000, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 16, court records show.
More Breaking News
- Two Men Charged in Fatal Shooting in Middle Village
QUEENS, NY – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has announced the arraignment of Dante Hunter and Shamel Capers following their indictment in connection with the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Joshua Taylor in Middle Village on July 23, 2023. Hunter is charged with murder, and Capers with attempted murder, among other charges.
The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of July 23 last year, began when a friend of Taylor's threw a drink towards Capers and a friend outside a convenience store, sparking a verbal dispute that escalated into a shootout. Hunter, who joined Capers, is alleged to have fired the round that killed Taylor. The exchange of gunfire resulted in more than two dozen 9 mm shell casings recovered at the scene.
Hunter, 25, of Far Rockaway, faces charges including second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon. Capers, 24, of Brooklyn, faces charges of attempted murder and weapon possession. Both defendants could face up to 25 years to life if convicted of their respective top charges.
The investigation was spearheaded by Detective Christopher Gerardi of the NYPD’s 104th Precinct Detective Squad and Detective Lizabeth Klein of the Queens North Homicide Squad. Capers was arrested on May 16 in New Jersey and has been extradited to New York to face charges, while Hunter was already in custody on a parole warrant at the time of the indictment. Justice Michael Aloise has scheduled their next court appearance for June 18.
- Firearm Discovered at Pittsburgh Airport Security Checkpoint, Charges Filed
PITTSBURGH, PA – Charges have been filed against Scott Playford of Renfrew, PA, after a firearm was found in his backpack at Pittsburgh International Airport. The incident occurred at 2:29 PM on May 21, 2024, when Transportation Security Administration officers at the airport's main security checkpoint detected the handgun and promptly alerted Allegheny County Police.
Playford, a 45-year-old Canadian citizen residing legally in Pennsylvania, was identified as the backpack's owner. He does not hold a concealed carry permit and now faces a misdemeanor charge for carrying a firearm without a license. Following the discovery, the firearm was seized, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation was notified of the incident.
The Transportation Security Administration warns that passengers who bring firearms to airport security checkpoints could face federal civil fines up to $10,000, with fines for repeat offenders reaching as high as $13,910.
- Police In South Jersey to Enforce Seat Belt Use in “Click It or Ticket” Campaign
GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ – The Gloucester Township Police Department announced their participation in the national "Click it or Ticket" campaign, aimed at enforcing seat belt usage. The campaign begins on May 20 and will continue until June 2. This enforcement effort will include high visibility seat belt checkpoints and saturation patrols, specifically targeting areas in town with a high incidence of crashes involving unrestrained occupants.
In addition to road enforcement, Gloucester Township Police Officers from the Traffic Safety Unit will be engaging with high school seniors. They will deliver presentations focused on the risks of driving without a seat belt and the dangers of impaired driving, coinciding with the prom season. This initiative is part of a broader national effort to highlight the life-saving benefits of wearing seat belts.
- Baltimore Police Seek Assistance in Locating Missing 13-Year-Old
BALTIMORE, MD – The Baltimore Police Department is urgently requesting the public's help to locate 13-year-old Savanna Reames. Savanna was last seen on April 25, 2024, in the 1000 block of West Lexington Street. She is described as 5'4" tall, weighing 115 lbs, and was last seen wearing a black hijab. Anyone with information about Savanna's whereabouts is encouraged to call 443-984-7385 or dial 911.
- New York State Police Honor Fallen Heroes in Memorial Service
LATHAM, NY – Major Dennis Schager, Commander of Troop G, led a memorial service today at the Troop G Headquarters in Latham. The ceremony was held to honor the memory of fallen officers and to support the families they left behind.
During the event, Major Schager emphasized that the fallen heroes are not forgotten and remain an integral part of the State Police family and the esteemed long grey line. The State Police used their Facebook page to reflect on the significance of the ceremony and to reaffirm their commitment to remembering their lost colleagues.
