🚨 Kennett Walmart Evacuated Due to Bomb Threat | 🚨 Stabbing Incident in WC

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse

🌤️☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

🚨 West Chester Borough Police Respond to Stabbing Incident

🚨 Residents Alerted to Scam Caller Impersonating Police

🚨 Kennett Walmart Evacuated Due to Bomb Threat

🚨 Mother Pleads Guilty to Toddler Daughter's Death

🚨 Guilty Plea in Fatal Chester County DUI

💐 Elverson Garden Club Shines at Philadelphia Flower Show

🚨 Upper Uwchlan Police Investigate String of Mail Thefts in Township

🏡 Downingtown Real Estate

📆 Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Local Business Finder

West Chester Borough Police Respond to Stabbing Incident; Investigation Ongoing

WEST CHESTER — A stabbing incident in the 50 block of Sharon Alley, West Chester Borough, has left three individuals hospitalized. The West Chester Borough Police Department is actively investigating the incident. While updates from the Criminal Division affirm that this is an isolated event and there is no current threat to the community, the investigation remains ongoing. The location has been cleared, ensuring public safety. Authorities urge individuals with any information regarding the incident to reach out to the WCPD at 610-696-2700. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

West Chester Residents Alerted to Scam Caller Impersonating Police

WEST CHESTER — West Chester residents are being cautioned by local authorities about a scam caller impersonating a police officer and falsely claiming individuals are facing legal issues. The caller aims to extract personal information from unsuspecting recipients. Despite a surge in such calls, no residents have reported falling for the scam yet.

Kennett Walmart Evacuated Due to Bomb Threat; 14-Year-Old Prank Caller Identified

EAST MARLBOROUGH — Emergency responders swiftly mobilized at the Kennett Walmart Supercenter on 516 Schoolhouse Road in response to a bomb threat on Saturday morning, amidst a light rainfall. Supervisor Kathryn Monahan of the East Marlborough Township Board of Supervisors commended the local police agencies and Pennsylvania State Police in Avondale for their coordinated efforts in evacuating and securing the premises.

Trooper James Grothey of the Pennsylvania State Police Troop J. Avondale Station confirmed that a male caller, later identified as a 14-year-old, instigated the threat as a prank. Following the evacuation and a thorough search by canine units, the store was reopened.

Despite social media speculation ranging from gunmen to bomb threats, the incident was swiftly resolved, with criminal charges pending against the prank caller.

While Walmart declined to comment, East Marlborough Police Chief Robert Clark affirmed that the Pennsylvania State Police Avondale managed the situation effectively in their absence.

East Marlborough Township Manager Neil Lovekin underscored the importance of the community's safety amidst such incidents, acknowledging the exemplary response of local and state agencies.

Fire police from Longwood and Kennett companies assisted in traffic control at the scene, ensuring the safety of all involved.

Chief A.J. McCarthy of the Longwood Fire Company emphasized the importance of adhering to safety protocols during such emergencies, urging individuals to evacuate safely and follow directives from authorities.

Cuyler Walker, chairman of the Kennett Regional Fire and EMS Commission, praised the swift action of first responders, reassuring the community of their dedicated protection.

Pennsylvania State Police highlighted the seriousness of bomb threats, emphasizing the legal repercussions for those responsible.

Chester County Mother Pleads Guilty to Toddler Daughter's Death

CHESTER COUNTY — In a poignant courtroom session, Tiana Marie Johnson, a Chester County mother, confessed to her role in her 2-year-old daughter's death, attributed to methadone ingestion. The emotional gravity of the situation was palpable as Johnson's parents, Anna Johnson and Timothy Depte Jr., grappled with the tragic outcome. Facing sentencing before Common Pleas Court Judge Patrick Carmody, Johnson acknowledged her guilt in the circumstances leading to her daughter's demise.

Under the terms of a plea agreement negotiated with the First Assistant District Attorney Erin O'Brien and Johnson's defense counsel, Assistant Public Defender Jose Javier Secaira, Johnson pleaded guilty to felony charges of endangering the welfare of children and involuntary manslaughter. The court imposed a sentence of 2½ to 5 years in prison, along with four years of probation and a directive against unsupervised contact with minors.

The case unfolded following an emergency call on August 31, 2020, reporting an unresponsive child at Johnson's East Fallowfield residence. Despite initial ambiguity surrounding the cause of death, subsequent investigations confirmed methadone intoxication as the primary contributing factor.

Johnson's involvement in a methadone treatment program for opiate addiction surfaced during the investigation, along with conflicting accounts regarding her daughter's access to the drug. While initial statements hinted at accidental ingestion, further interviews unveiled instances where Johnson confessed to administering methadone to induce her daughter's sleep.

Guilty Plea and Sentencing in Fatal DUI After Two Years

CHESTER COUNTY — James Rodney Collins, 30, admitted guilt in a tragic DUI crash that claimed the life of David Gfell, 73, in West Brandywine. Collins, who had marijuana in his system at the time of the collision, pleaded guilty to charges of homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence before Judge Patrick Carmody. Following an emotional courtroom session attended by members of the Gfell family, Collins was sentenced to four to 10 years in state prison.

The fatal crash, which occurred on October 16, 2021, resulted in immediate fatality for David Gfell, a well-known figure in the Downingtown community. Investigations revealed Collins' impairment due to marijuana consumption, leading to the fatal collision despite both vehicles traveling at moderate speeds.

Elizabeth Gfell, the victim's wife, addressed Collins during the hearing, urging him to reflect on the profound impact of his actions. As part of his sentence, Collins is tasked with writing a letter of apology to the Gfell family and completing 150 hours of community service focused on impaired driving awareness.

Represented by defense attorney Vince DiFabio, Collins accepted responsibility for his role in the tragic incident, marking a closure to a protracted legal process that began over two years ago.

Success Blooms: Elverson Garden Club Shines at Philadelphia Flower Show

PHILADELPHIA — The Elverson Garden Club continued its tradition of excellence at the 2024 Philadelphia Flower Show, where their exhibit titled "Upbeat" garnered significant recognition. Achieving second place in the competitive Open for Business design category, the club showcased their creativity and horticultural expertise to an impressed audience.

Under the leadership of Lisa Cherpanich and Mary Wickerham, the club's exhibit committee orchestrated a collaborative effort involving 18 club members, demonstrating their commitment to botanical artistry. Noteworthy among the contributors was Robert Grenfell, who assumed the pivotal role of chair of competitive classes for the Philadelphia Flower Show, underscoring the club's integral involvement in the event.

Individual achievements highlighted the talent within the club. Wendy Fox distinguished herself with a blue ribbon in the Overall Platform Design class and an honorable mention in photography. Carol Simonetti and Lisa Cherpanich received commendations for their contributions, with Simonetti securing a third place ribbon in photography and a class commendation in the Play Class, while Cherpanich claimed third place in the Miniature Design Class.

Upper Uwchlan Police Investigate String of Mail Thefts in Township

UPPER UWCHLAN TWP — The Upper Uwchlan Police Department has issued a crime alert to residents of Upper Uwchlan Township following a recent spike in mail theft incidents. According to reports, perpetrators have been pilfering outgoing mail from residential mailboxes across the township.

Of particular concern are envelopes containing checks, which have been systematically targeted by the thieves. After stealing the mail, the suspects discard the envelopes into nearby storm drains, complicating the recovery process. Law enforcement agencies, including the Upper Uwchlan Police Department and the United States Postal Inspector, are actively engaged in investigating these incidents.

In response to these developments, residents are advised to exercise caution and diligence, especially if they have recently mailed checks. Verifying the receipt of mailed items with intended recipients or financial institutions is strongly recommended. Furthermore, individuals who suspect that their mail has been stolen are urged to promptly report the incident to the Upper Uwchlan Police Department.

To minimize the risk of falling victim to mail theft, residents are encouraged to refrain from leaving mail with cash, checks, or sensitive information in home mailboxes. Safer alternatives, such as handing mail directly to letter carriers or utilizing Post Office drop-off services, are recommended to safeguard against potential theft.

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Upcoming Local Events…

• Thorndale Fire Co Blood Drive - April 2nd, 1pm-6pm

• West Bradford Easter Egg Hunt - April 7th, 10am

• West Bradford Open Space Event - April 8th, 7pm

• Cars and Coffee at RE/MAX ACE REALTY - April 13th, 9am-11am

• Uwchaln Twp Spring Cleaning Second Event - April 14th 8:30am-10:30am

Catch up on previous issues…