Pennsylvania News

Body found in filthy home raises concerns over neglect

Uniontown, PA A 44-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis was found dead in her home under squalid conditions, prompting an investigation. Elizabeth Fike reportedly had not been out of bed for over three weeks before her death.

Fayette County Coroner Dr. Bob Baker pronounced her dead around 9 a.m. on Thursday. The coroner stated that the conditions within the home were deplorable and that her death is currently under investigation.

Baker noted that an autopsy is pending to determine the cause and manner of death. No arrests have been made as police continue to gather evidence.

The investigation revealed that Fike’s bed was covered in filth, with stagnant bathwater nearby. Surprisingly, a brand-new hospital bed and wheelchair were found in the home, both unused.

Fike was completely dependent on her live-in boyfriend, Tim Childs, who has faced no charges related to her death. Childs described challenges in caring for Fike, especially when she ran out of her medication.

He claims the medications were on order but had not arrived. Childs did not comment further due to the ongoing investigation.

The coroner emphasized the importance of checking on family members. Baker advised the public to report any situations that seem concerning and advocated for welfare checks in such cases.

Fatal fire claims one life and two pets in Bensalem

BENSALEM, PA – A house fire claimed the life of a 77-year-old resident and two pets on Tuesday, according to local officials. Bensalem Fire Rescue, the Bensalem Volunteer Fire Department, and Bensalem Police responded to the scene shortly after 1:52 PM in the 3000 block of Gilbert Drive.

Upon their arrival, firefighters found no visible signs of smoke or fire but detected dark soot on the window interiors. They entered the residence through the front door and discovered the deceased resident, Allan Schoppy, in a chair in the living room alongside a deceased pet dog and cat.

Fire investigators reported that the fire had self-extinguished prior to their arrival, indicating it likely occurred overnight. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, although authorities stated it does not appear suspicious.

The Bensalem Fire Department continues to urge residents to practice smoke alarm safety and preparedness measures. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers within households.

Fire officials have not released additional details about the investigation. The community mourns the loss of Schoppy and his pets.

A tragic household fire takes the sole life and two cherished pets of a Bensalem resident.

City of Coatesville enhances safety with ShotSpotter technology

COATESVILLE, PA – The City of Coatesville has adopted ShotSpotter, a gunshot detection system, to improve police response times to gunfire incidents. This technology locates gunfire within seconds, allowing for rapid intervention by law enforcement.

ShotSpotter has been used successfully in over 180 cities across the United States. The system reduces average dispatch times from 4.5 minutes to 60 seconds or less, facilitating quicker identification of offenders and greater chances of aiding victims of gunfire.

Coatesville Police Chief Jack Laufer remarked, “Rapid response saves lives and disrupts the gun violence cycle.” He emphasized that the technology provides precise locations for where shots are fired, enhancing police efficiency.

City Manager James Logan stated, “Community safety remains at the forefront of our efforts.” He noted the importance of collaboration to equip police with critical tools to combat gun-related crime.

Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe expressed pride in the investment, underlining the need for technology that enhances public safety. He mentioned the potential of ShotSpotter in breaking cycles of violence.

The introduction of ShotSpotter marks a substantial effort by local authorities to address gun violence and ensure community security. Officers will be better equipped to recover evidence and gather intelligence on gunfire incidents.

This initiative positions Coatesville as a city committed to leveraging advanced technology for law enforcement, contributing to a safer environment for its residents.

The City of Coatesville takes a major step forward in public safety with the rollout of ShotSpotter technology.

Pioneer Education Center hosts Sunny Day Camp for special needs students

BROOKLINE, PA – Pioneer Education Center held its annual Sunny Day Camp, an event organized by PA State Police for individuals with special needs. The camp aims to provide a unique experience for students and adults alike.

Students engaged with law enforcement representatives, who showcased different specialty units. EOD K9 Luna and Jimbo from the Mounted Unit were popular attractions among attendees.

Sunny Day Camp fosters collaboration among local law enforcement partners. The event promotes community engagement and support for individuals with special needs.

“Sunny Day Camp was started by PA State Police to provide a unique experience for students and adults with special needs, and we’re proud to join all of our law enforcement partners for the event each year,” a representative from the Allegheny County Police Department stated.

The event saw numerous attendees today, highlighting the community’s dedication to inclusivity. It is a part of ongoing efforts to create supportive environments for all.

The Sunny Day Camp marks a significant annual occasion for the staff, students, and law enforcement officers involved.

This year’s event once again demonstrated the importance of community and cooperation.

Sunny Day Camp brings smiles and connections to special needs students as the community comes together for support.

Turtle Creek man captured after hiding in pantry from police

PITTSBURGH, PA – Cameron Salmon, a 24-year-old man from Turtle Creek, has been arrested again after being a fugitive since August. Salmon was wanted on multiple warrants, including probation violations stemming from a firearms charge and fleeing from police.

Detectives from the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office obtained information that Salmon was at a residence on Prospect Terrace in East Pittsburgh. On the morning of November 7, shortly before 10:00 AM, detectives arrived at the location and were granted permission to enter by the leaseholder.

While searching the first floor, detectives discovered Salmon attempting to conceal himself inside a kitchen pantry cabinet. He was taken into custody without incident.

Salmon faces two bench warrants related to probation violations. He also has an active arrest warrant from North Versailles for charges that include a firearms violation, terroristic threats, and simple assault.

After his apprehension, Salmon was transported to the Allegheny County Jail for processing.

Authorities continue to stress the importance of community cooperation in aiding law enforcement in locating fugitives like Salmon.

In dramatic fashion, the fugitive’s attempt to hide in a pantry has ended with his capture.

Man allegedly kills ex-girlfriend 25 minutes after break-up, researched how to use gun

WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, PA — A man is on trial for allegedly murdering his ex-girlfriend shortly after she ended their relationship, according to prosecutors. Michael Dutkiewicz, 26, faces charges of first-degree murder, third-degree murder, and possessing an instrument of crime in the death of Alyssa Wiest, 25. The incident reportedly took place on May 18.

Prosecutors state that Dutkiewicz and Wiest had been together for two years. On the night of May 17, they were drinking at a bar before returning home where Wiest informed Dutkiewicz she was breaking up with him.

Following the announcement, Dutkiewicz allegedly sought information online on how to load and shoot a revolver. Just after midnight, he purportedly applied this knowledge, leading to Wiest’s death.

Police received a call shortly after 12:25 a.m. on May 18 reporting the shooting. Upon arrival on the 200 block of Moorehead Avenue, officers found Wiest face down on the sidewalk with visible gunshot wounds.

She later succumbed to her injuries at a nearby hospital. Evidence gathered by detectives included blood at the crime scene and five projectiles recovered from both her home and the area where she was shot.

Following the shooting, a neighbor observed Dutkiewicz near his Ford F-150 truck before it left the scene. License plate readers confirmed the vehicle was in the region at the time of the incident.

Dutkiewicz turned himself in after a warrant was issued for his arrest. His defense team claims the shooting was not premeditated, but a result of a sudden emotional response. Video evidence is anticipated as the trial proceeds, and jury deliberations could begin soon.

Alyssa Wiest’s death has drawn attention to the serious issue of domestic violence.

Bensalem Police launch crackdown on internet child exploitation

BENSALEM, PA — The Bensalem Township Police Department, alongside District Attorney Jennifer Schorn and Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo, held a press conference on Wednesday to discuss ongoing Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigations.

The department has arrested 17 suspected child predators since the beginning of the year due to proactive enforcement efforts. The breakdown of these arrests includes six for possession or distribution of child pornography, five for soliciting sex with a minor, and six for soliciting sex and traveling for sex with a minor.

Over the last three years, Bensalem Police have made a total of 49 arrests related to child predator investigations. Officials highlighted the community’s positive response to recent social media posts that publicized these arrests.

Mayor DiGirolamo stated, “The safety of our children remains our top priority. Our police department continues to take an aggressive approach to identifying and arresting those who prey on minors.”

District Attorney Schorn noted the determined efforts of the Bensalem Police Department in pursuing the offenders. “We are proud to stand with Bensalem Township in this endeavor and grateful for their unwavering commitment to the cause,” she said.

Director William McVey emphasized the partnership between local law enforcement and federal agencies, stating that the arrests stem from dedicated investigations. He confirmed that child predators pose a threat regardless of geographic boundaries.

During the press conference, officials also spoke about future prosecutions and community education initiatives aimed at protecting children online. Parents were advised to monitor internet use and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement.

Police are urging anyone with information related to child exploitation or online solicitation of minors to contact the Bensalem Police Department at (215) 633-3719 or submit a tip online.

Bensalem continues its battle against child exploitation with a robust approach.