Escapees Caught | WCU Building Name Change | Toy Store Break-in | Bike Shop Opening | Former Flyer at WCU

In this Downingtown Local Pulse Issue…

🌤️ Downingtown PA Weather

 🚓 Hall Meetings for Residents Following Escapee Conclusion

🚨 Offenders Captured After Escaping Abraxas Academy in Morgantown

🎓 West Chester University Removes Name of Eugenics Advocate from Science Building

🧸Toy Store Break-In: Thieves Steal $600 Worth of Pokémon Cards in Chester County

🚨West Whiteland Police Launch Investigation into Alleged Theft at Local Store

🚲 14-Year-Old Chester County Teen's Bike Repair Shop and Nonprofit Celebrates Grand Opening

🏒 Former Philadelphia Flyer Chris Therien and Chester County DA Discuss Addiction and Recovery at West Chester University

Town Hall Meetings Following Conclusion of Prison Escape For Chester County Residents

After successfully capturing the escaped prisoner, Danelo Calvacante, Chester County plans to hold Town Hall meetings for residents. These meetings will address security improvements at the county prison, emergency communication procedures, and provide counseling services for those affected by the incident. The first two meetings are scheduled for September 18 and 20, 2023, with various county officials and counseling teams present. Additional meetings may follow as needed to address residents' concerns and questions.

Teen Offenders Captured After Escaping Abraxas Academy in Morgantown

Nine teenage offenders escaped from the Abraxas Academy near Morgantown but were captured soon after. They obtained keys from a staff member to exit the facility and found a compromised section of the fence to crawl under. Despite their escape, they were ill-prepared for the conditions and made an unsuccessful attempt to steal a car. Four of them were later taken into custody after knocking on a homeowner's door, while the remaining four were captured after stealing a truck-trailer tandem. They came from various locations, including Berks County, Lehigh, and Harrisburg.

West Chester University Removes Name of Eugenics Advocate from Science Building

West Chester University's Council of Trustees has decided to remove the name of Samuel Christian Schmucker from its science building due to his advocacy of eugenics and white supremacist ideas. Schmucker, once a beloved professor at the university, had his name placed on the science building in the 1960s. A student's research into Schmucker's beliefs prompted a committee to investigate further, leading to the unanimous decision to remove his name. The university emphasized that Schmucker's views do not align with its values of inclusivity and diversity.

The science building won't be immediately renamed but will likely be referred to as the science center for now. West Chester University plans to hold a program explaining the history of eugenics this fall.

The removal of Schmucker's name from the building was supported by students, a professor, and the Namesake Committee, which comprises students, professors, staff, and community members. The committee concluded that Schmucker's views were extreme even in his time and could not be excused as being "of his times."

Toy Store Break-In: Thieves Steal $600 Worth of Pokémon Cards in Chester County

Two individuals are being sought after stealing $600 worth of Pokémon cards from a toy store in Chester County. The incident occurred at Monkey Fish Toys store in the Bradford Plaza Shopping Center on Downingtown Pike in East Bradford Township. Surveillance footage released by the police shows two masked men searching through the store, having gained access by using a hammer to break the front door. Anyone with information is urged to contact the West Chester Borough Police Department Detective Unit at 610-436-1337.

West Whiteland Police Launch Investigation into Alleged Theft at Local Store

The West Whiteland Police Department has initiated a theft investigation involving an incident that occurred on September 9, 2023. A suspect, as depicted in the provided image, is alleged to have taken merchandise from the Exton Kohl’s department store at 229 West Lincoln Highway without making a purchase.

If you possess any information related to this incident or can provide details about the suspect, please contact DSgt. McCloskey at 484-874-0358

14-Year-Old Chester County Teen's Bike Repair Shop and Nonprofit Celebrates Grand Opening in Malvern

A 14-year-old Chester County teen named Dominick Pecora celebrated the grand opening of his bike repair shop and nonprofit organization in Malvern. Dom started fixing bikes at the age of 10 to save up for his dream mountain bike, and he ended up with extra money that he used to donate bikes to children in need during Christmas. His initiative, "Dom Fixes Bikes," is now an official nonprofit (501c3) where he repairs, sells, and donates bikes. The grand opening was a big success, and Dom aims to open three more stores within the next four years.

Former Philadelphia Flyer Chris Therien and Chester County DA Discuss Addiction and Recovery at West Chester University

Former Philadelphia Flyer, Chris Therien, and Chester County District Attorney, Deb Ryan, will present a discussion titled "The Puck Stops Here" focusing on addiction and recovery at West Chester University. This event is part of the university's Crime and Justice Series and will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 19, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Main Hall auditorium. Chris Therien, a recovery advocate for the Caron Foundation and author of "Road To Redemption," will share insights on addiction recovery and substance abuse awareness. The event is free and open to the public.