Fatal Fire at Bensalem Trailer Park Under Investigation (2024)

BURKE, NY—The New York State Police are requesting the public's assistance in locating two young suspects involved in a vehicle theft and the possible possession of stolen firearms. The individuals identified are 17-year-old Jaden Labare and 16-year-old Devan Smith Bell.

The incident occurred on June 7, 2024, around 4:30 p.m., when State Police pursued a stolen vehicle reportedly carrying stolen long guns. The pursuit ended when the vehicle was driven off-road into a field near the intersection of 70th Road and Spencer Road in the town of Burke.

Currently, a significant law enforcement presence, including State Police, U.S. Border Patrol (USBP), New York State Forest Rangers, and Tri-County Special Response Team (SRT), have established a perimeter around Coveytown Road. K9 units from State Police and USBP are actively searching the wooded areas and surroundings.

Authorities warn that the suspects may be armed with a long gun and advise the public not to approach them but to report any information related to their whereabouts by contacting the New York State Police at 518-563-3761. The ongoing search aims to ensure community safety and resolve the situation peacefully.

BENSALEM, PA—A tragic fire at the Top of the Ridge Trailer Park in Bensalem resulted in the death of a resident and significant damage to two mobile homes. The Bensalem Township Police, along with Bensalem Fire Rescue and volunteer units from Newport, Nottingham, and Penndel, responded to the blaze on Friday, June 7, 2024, at around 5:00 PM.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a fully engulfed mobile home at lot D14 on Gibson Road. The intense flames had already spread to the neighboring unit, lot D12. Despite the rapid response, 45-year-old Joseph Stadler was found deceased inside his home at lot D14. No other injuries to residents were reported, although one firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation at Jefferson Torresdale Hospital and has since been released.

The preliminary investigation indicates that the fire originated in the living room of the D14 home, but the exact cause remains under investigation. Both affected homes sustained severe damage, with the D14 unit declared a total loss. The American Red Cross is currently on site, providing assistance

QUEENS, NY—Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has announced the arraignment of Edward Garzon, a 43-year-old man from Dothan, Alabama, on charges related to a fatal hit-and-run incident that occurred near the Shops at Atlas Park in Glendale, Queens, in December 2021.

The arraignment comes as part of a renewed effort to solve vehicular homicide cases through a special unit established by the District Attorney.

The Vehicular Homicide Unit, formed to address both current and unsolved cases, has played a critical role in revisiting cases where previous investigations did not lead to an arrest. According to DA Katz, the unit's expert team works closely with the NYPD to ensure that justice is served for families affected by vehicular crimes.

Garzon, formerly a resident of Queens, was charged with leaving the scene of a deadly collision. He was arraigned before Supreme Court Justice Michael Hartofilis, who has scheduled the next court appearance for July 22.

DA Katz emphasized the importance of the Vehicular Homicide Unit, stating, "I created this unit to make sure that every family gets closure. Today, we're holding a defendant accountable for the tragic death of an elderly woman who was struck and left on a Queens street over a year ago."

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QUEENS, NY—Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has announced that Bernardo Raul Castro Mata, 19, faces serious charges including two counts of attempted murder following a shooting incident involving NYPD officers.

The event occurred early Monday morning in East Elmhurst, where Mata was initially stopped for riding the wrong way on an unregistered motorcycle.

During the police intervention, Mata allegedly dismounted his motorcycle and fled on foot. When the officers, identified as Christopher Abreu and Richard Yarusso, caught up and attempted to arrest him, Mata reportedly fired his weapon. Officer Abreu was hit in the leg, and Officer Yarusso was shot at point-blank range in the chest, although his bullet-resistant vest prevented more serious injury.

District Attorney Katz emphasized the dangers NYPD officers face daily and stated that Mata is being charged with multiple offenses. These include two counts each of attempted murder in the first and second degrees, assault in the first degree, and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, among other charges.

Mata, who is currently undomiciled, was arraigned via video from a local hospital where he is receiving treatment.

If convicted of the top count, he could face up to 40 years to life in prison for each attempted murder charge. Judge Jeffrey Gershuny has remanded Mata, with a court return scheduled for June 7.

TAKOMA PARK, MD—The Montgomery County Department of Police – Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is currently investigating a fatal hit-and-run incident that occurred on Monday, June 3, 2024, in the 1100 block of University Blvd. E.

At approximately 1:17 p.m., Takoma Park Police officers and Montgomery County Fire Rescue personnel were dispatched to the scene following reports of a man found with severe head injuries in the roadway. The victim was located in the eastbound lanes and was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

An autopsy conducted by the Office of the Medical Examiner in Washington, D.C., confirmed that the injuries were consistent with being struck by a vehicle. According to the preliminary investigation, the victim, a pedestrian, was hit by a westbound vehicle that subsequently fled the scene via Lebanon St. into Prince George’s County.

The vehicle involved is believed to be a 1999-2006 black Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab pickup truck, with expected minor damage on the left side.

The victim has been described as a Hispanic male, aged between 30 to 40 years, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing around 150 pounds, with a short goatee. He was wearing a light blue t-shirt and dark blue sweatpants at the time of the incident.

This investigation remains active and ongoing as detectives work to identify the victim and locate the suspect responsible for this tragic event. Anyone with information is urged to come forward to assist in the investigation.

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ—Christopher Hurley, a 27-year-old resident of Little Egg Harbor, has been sentenced to twelve years in New Jersey State Prison for a robbery committed in 2022. Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced the sentence, which was handed down by the Honorable Kimarie Rahill, J.S.C., on June 7, 2024.

The incident in question occurred on February 5, 2022, at a Rite Aid Pharmacy on Route 9 in Berkeley Township. Hurley, armed with a knife, threatened a cashier and successfully stole money from the store. Berkeley Township Police responded to the scene following the robbery and launched an investigation that led to Hurley's identification as the suspect.

Hurley was arrested on an unrelated charge by Toms River Township Police on February 22, 2022, and was already in custody at the Ocean County Jail when the robbery charge was served on February 25, 2022.

Under the terms of the No Early Release Act, Hurley is required to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole. This sentencing reflects the severity of the crime and the commitment of local law enforcement to ensuring justice in cases of armed robbery.