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Abducted West Philly girl found alive but frightened in Upper Darby

Posted on 15 January 2013 by WPL

The five-year-old girl who was abducted by an unknown female from Bryant Elementary school (60th and Cedar) Monday morning was found partially clothed in an Upper Darby playground this morning, police said.

A passerby found the girl early this morning at a playground near 69th Street and Marshall Road. The girl, who was wearing only a t-shirt, was cold and crying and was taken to Children’s Hospital for evaluation. She was able to escape from her abductors, 6ABC reports.

The child’s ordeal began within minutes of her mother dropping her off at school. She was picked up at about 8:50 a.m. on Monday by an unidentified woman who police say was wearing black “Muslim style” clothes, including a niqab covering her face.

“She saw the teacher,” said Captain John Darby from the Special Victims Unit. “She indicated she was the child’s mother and that she was going to take the child to breakfast.”

The girl’s mother dresses similarly, which may have confused the youngster. Police said that the abduction was not random.

“The woman came into that school, knew where to go, who to see and asked for the child by name,” said Darby. “That child was targeted.”

Darby said that the woman was asked to sign a sheet to check the girl out of school, but added that the signature was illegible. School officials did not report the child missing until 3 p.m., when her day care provider arrived to pick her up, police said.

Philadelphia police have offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Anyone with information should contact the Special Victims Unit at 215.685.3251/52/53.

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Volunteer chess coaches needed

Posted on 14 January 2013 by WPL

chessHelp is needed again at the “Chess Cadets” club that meets every Monday, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Walnut St. West Library (40th and Walnut). The club is in real need of volunteer coaches. You don’t have to be a Chess Master, just patient when working with kids.

If you would like to help please call Joe Clarke at 215-626-7332 or Susan Ben at 215-685-7671.

Recently, the Chess Cadets were invited to play chess at the Philadelphia Museum of Art as part of the Marcel Duchamp exhibition opening, where they played not only each other but museum visitors, children and adults alike. See more here.

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Two men wanted after armed home invasion near 48th and Locust

Posted on 14 January 2013 by WPL

Police are still searching for two armed men who robbed an apartment on the 200 block of S. 48th Street on Friday afternoon and injured a 15-year-old boy who was inside. The apartment invasion took place at about 3:40 p.m. when the boy opened the door. Police say one of the men pointed to the apartment next door and asked if the victim knew someone named “Darryl.” When the boy said that he didn’t know anyone by that name both men pulled out guns and demanded money, according to a police report.

Police said that the suspects walked the teenager to each room looking for money and one of them struck him in the back of the head with a gun. The robbers took approximately $2,000 and jewelry. The boy was then tied up with a belt and a telephone cord and the robbers fled the apartment.

Reportedly, the family living in the apartment are of Cambodian descent and own a nearby business. This was the fourth break-in they experienced in about two years, ABC6 reported.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Southwest Detectives Division at 215-686-3183/3184.

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Tire slasher accomplice turns herself in

Posted on 12 January 2013 by WPL

Vandalism-5000-Hazel-Avenue

Screenshot from surveillance video on Philly Police Blog.

The woman seen in a surveillance video accompanying a man who police say slashed tires on nearly 60 cars early Monday morning in the Cedar Park neighborhood has turned herself in, a police source confirmed.

Police said the unnamed woman was accompanied by an attorney when she turned herself into Southwest Detectives on Friday. As of this morning, she has not been charged.

“This should be wrapped up shortly,” the police source said, adding that detectives had received a lot of tips about the incident.

The man seen in the video allegedly slashed tires on vehicles parked along the 4700-5000 block of Hazel Avenue and the 5300 block of Chancellor Avenue between 5:30 and 6:40 a.m on Monday. The police and the city have offered a total of $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the vandals.

 

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Download that app – Philly 311

Posted on 11 January 2013 by WPL

philly311aAfter publication of our post “Dear City, Turn on the lights in Cedar Park” a number of readers commented about their experience with submitting maintenance requests via 311 phone, online or Twitter service. But if you own a smartphone, one reader, Andy L., recommended downloading the new Philly 311 mobile app. The app came out just a few months ago and works great.

“It lets you upload photos and gives you status updates until it’s done. I just started using it, and it’s working for me. For best response, try to pick the right category, like graffiti, or dumping, or problem with a vacant property, abandoned car, etc.,” Andy L. recommends.

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A Cairn Terrier Mix looking for home

Posted on 10 January 2013 by WPL

Bug face looking up

This sweet, 8-9-month-old Cairn Terrier Mix followed a neighbor, Lena, home from Malcolm X Park about a month ago and since then has been living with her. Lena hopes to find a good home for him. He weighs about 30 pounds. He loves people and has lots of energy, so will do best in a home where someone is home most of the day to keep him company.

He is good with kids and other dogs and okay with cats but needs close watching as he likes to chase them. He has all shots and was scheduled for neutering Jan. 9. He has lots of puppy energy and loves to play and cuddle.

If interested please call Lena at 215-704-­9913.

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