A sergeant with the Salem County Sheriff’s Office has been charged in connection with the deaths of two K-9 dogs who were left for seven hours in an unattended hot patrol vehicle, prosecutors said Wednesday.
Cody Henderson, 41, was charged Tuesday with two counts of recklessly causing bodily injury to a living animal, and related offenses, including unnecessary cruelty to animals, Salem County Prosecutor Kristin J. Telsey said.
According to the complaint filed against Henderson, surveillance video showed the K-9 handler arriving to work on May 29 shortly before 8:30 a.m. in his county issued 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe with Rip, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois, and Boomer, a 6-year-old springer spaniel.
Henderson did not return to the vehicle until just after 3:30 p.m. and found both dogs dead in his patrol vehicle, prosecutors said.
He then transported the two dogs to an animal hospital in Delaware, prosecutors said.
Later that evening, the sheriff’s office notified the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office about the K-9 deaths.
Necropsies conducted on both dogs determined that they likely died from heat stroke with no evidence of other causes, prosecutors said.
There was no evidence that a K-9 heat alarm “Hot-N-Pop” device in the vehicle malfunctioned, and that it was “presumably turned off on the above date,” the complaint said.
The “Hot-N-Pop” device lowers windows and triggers sirens and flashing lights if the interior of a vehicle is too hot.
Henderson could be reached for comment.
In a statement posted on social media, Salem County Sheriff Charles M. Miller wrote that Henderson had been charged in connection with the “deaths of his assigned canine partners.”
Rip and Boomer “exemplified the highest standards of service, loyalty, and dedication. Their contributions to public safety and their commitment to duty will not be forgotten. The loss of these loyal partners has had a profound impact on our agency, our law enforcement community, and the citizens they faithfully served,” Miller said.
“We continue to honor the memory and service of Rip and Boomer and extend our thoughts to all those affected by this tragic loss,” Miller said.
Police on Wednesday were investigating the death of a man who suffered puncture wounds to his chest Wednesday afternoon in the city’s Roxborough section, police said.
Around 2 p.m., police responded to the 400 block of Ripka Street for a report of an injury. The victim was transported by medics to Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 2:45 p.m.
Homicides detectives were investigating the case and a man was being questioned, police said.
Bryce Wolfe was “so full of life and enthusiasm and intellect and promise,” and it was apparent even as a high schooler when he joined a mountain bike team based in Danville, Pa., said David Decoteau, one of his coaches for the Central Susquehanna Hammers.
“All I can really say about Bryce is that he was one of those rare young people that you meet and walk away from the conversation thinking, ‘I’m not worried about the future. We are going to be fine with guys like this involved,’” Decoteau, 63, said in an interview.
“He was one of those people that made you want to be a better person,” Decoteau said.
On Saturday, Decoteau will be attending the 20-year-old’s funeral.
His body became lodged under the SUV and he was dragged for more than a mile, police said. He died at the hospital the next day.
The driver of the SUV fled and remains at large.
Police on July 7, 2026, released images of the suspected SUV, believed to be a white 2001-08 Chevrolet Trailblazer, that fatally struck 20-year-old Bryce Wolfe, a Temple University student, on June 24.
Police on Tuesday released surveillance images of the SUV suspected in Wolfe’s death. Investigators believe the SUV is a 2001-08 Chevrolet Trailblazer, possibly with damage on the driver’s side, with possible red paint transfer, a broken rear windshield, and a discolored passenger-side front wheel.
A memorial service for Wolfe is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday at Krapf & Hughes Funeral Home, 530 West Butler Dr., Drums, Luzerne County. A visitation period will be held from 5 p.m. until the time of the service.
In an obituary written by his parents, Lori Wolfe and Clarence Wolfe III, Bryce Wolfe was described as having lived his life “with a fearless spirit of adventure and a genuine love for the outdoors.”
He “found joy in seeking new challenges and embraced every opportunity to experience the world to its fullest. Whether carving down snow-covered slopes while skiing, exploring miles of trails on his bicycle, or riding motorcycles through rugged dirt tracks and open roads, he felt most alive when he was in motion,” his parents wrote.
Bryce Wolfe, who was from Conyngham, a borough in Luzerne County, had recently started a summer internship and wanted something he could ride around while he stayed in Philadelphia, his mother said in an interview.
“It was the first motorcycle he bought and insured all by himself,” Lori Wolfe said about her son’s Triumph.
Temple University president John Fry said last week that Bryce Wolfe, an actuarial science major in the Fox School of Business, had recently started an underwriting internship with United States Liability Insurance Group.
In a statement, the company said Wolfe “was a quick learner who approached every opportunity with enthusiasm and curiosity, always asking for additional responsibilities and eager to take on new challenges.”
USLI added: “In the short time we were fortunate to know him, Bryce left a lasting impression through his kindness, initiative, and the relationships he built with those around him. He will be deeply missed by his teammates and all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Wolfe was also a member of the student professional organization Gamma Iota Sigma, the professional fraternity for risk management, insurance, and actuarial science.
He “had quickly established a reputation as both an excellent student and engaged member of the Temple community,” maintaining a high grade-point average while being enrolled in both the Temple and Fox Honors programs, Fry said.
Bryce Wolfe, 20, of Luzerne County, had just completed his sophomore year at Temple University when he was killed by a hit-and-run driver on Kelly Drive.
Bryce Wolfe was the middle sibling of two brothers, 18-year-old Brayden and 22-year-old Tyler. Lori Wolfe said Bryce was particularly close to his older brother, who has Down syndrome.
Bryce and Tyler Wolfe were able to participate in track and field together because of an inclusive “Unified” sports program at Hazleton Area High School that was recognized in late 2023 by the Special Olympics.
In a speech to the high school during the recognition ceremony in January 2024, Bryce Wolfe explained that he and his brother had difficulty finding clubs and activities they could do together.
Thanks to the school district’s Unified sports program, “dozens of students just like my brother and I are able to compete together as equals, marking a truly revolutionary moment in Hazleton area’s history,” he said in his senior-year speech, which was posted on YouTube.
“Some of you may not know it, but every one of you has contributed to the culture and atmosphere here in Hazleton, which the Special Olympics has honored us for today,” Wolfe said.
“This banner, proudly displayed in our gymnasium, will serve as a powerful symbol of Hazleton’s commitment to inclusivity for all visiting fans and athletes to see,” he said.
Decoteau, Wolfe’s mountain-bike coach, said the Hammers team plans to rename a trail where they rode together as a team in Wolfe’s memory.
The team also is working to establish a scholarship to help Wolfe’s “dream of helping kids be involved in mountain biking become a reality,” Decoteau said.
“It’s a terrible loss and tragedy. I will miss him,” Decoteau said.
Philadelphia police on Tuesday released surveillance images of the white SUV suspected in a the fatal hit-and-run crash on Kelly Drive last month that killed 20-year-old Temple University student Bryce Wolfe.
The unidentified driver dragged Wolfe for more than a mile on Kelly Drive, police said.
The police department’s Crash Investigation Division released two images of what investigators believe is 2001-08 Chevrolet Trailblazer and a stock image that more clearly shows what the make and model looks like.
Police said the white Trailblazer may have damage on the driver’s side with possible red paint transfer, a broken rear windshield, and a discolored passenger-side front wheel.
A $10,000 reward funded by an anonymous donor is being offered to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver, Temple University president John Fry said last week.
Wolfe, of Conyngham, a borough in Luzerne County, was an actuarial science major in the Fox School of Business and had just completed his sophomore year.
Bryce Wolfe, 20, of Luzerne County, had just completed his sophomore year at Temple University when he was killed by a hit-and-run driver on Kelly Drive.
Philadelphia police said they responded to a report of a crash at Kelly and Reservoir Drives around 11:15 p.m. on June 24.
Wolfe was riding a red 2004 Triumph motorcycle when he was struck by a white SUV on Kelly Drive at Reservoir Drive. The eastbound SUV driver was trying to make an illegal turn onto Reservoir Drive, but then attempted to return to eastbound Kelly Drive when the SUV entered Wolfe’s westbound path.
The 20-year-old became trapped beneath the SUV and was dragged to the area of Fountain Green Drive before he was dislodged from the SUV, police said. Wolfe was transported by medics to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and pronounced dead at 4:41 a.m. on June 25, police said.
Lori Wolfe, Bryce’s mother, said in a text message Tuesday evening that she was hopeful that the case would be solved.
“We feel this along with the 10k reward will help to give our son justice in finding the driver,” she said.
Fry, Temple’s president, in a June 30 joint statement with Jodi Bailey Accavallo, vice president of student affairs, and Denise Wilhelm, interim vice president for public safety, said Wolfe “had quickly established a reputation as both an excellent student and engaged member of the Temple community,” maintaining a high grade-point average while being enrolled in both Temple and Fox Honors program.
“Bryce was also deeply involved outside of class as he was a member of the student professional organization Gamma Iota Sigma and had recently started an internship with United States Liability Insurance Group,” Fry said.
“There is no doubt that he had a very bright future ahead of him, and that’s what makes delivering this news especially difficult,” Fry said.
Philadelphia police on Monday identified both the officer and the 32-year-old man he fatally shot last week during a confrontation outside St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children.
Joseph Smithers allegedly pulled a Smith and Wesson handgun from his waistband at a bus stop on Erie Avenue when he was shot multiple times by Officer Azieme Lindsey, the police department said.
A 29-year-old woman, identified last week by Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel as Smithers’ girlfriend, sustained a graze wound to her neck. She was taken to Temple University Hospital to be treated. Bethel said Thursday evening that she was in good condition.
Lindsey and a second responding officer both had body-worn cameras that were activated during the encounter, the department said Monday.
Lindsey, 28, was placed on administrative duty while the shooting was being investigated by the police department and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.
Just after 10:20 a.m. Thursday, two police officers responded to the area of St. Christopher’s after being dispatched for a report of a person with a weapon, the department said Monday.
It was later determined that the original 911 caller, described as a family member, had contacted police out of concern that Smithers was experiencing a mental health crisis and was suicidal, the department said.
It was also later determined that around the time of the 911 call from the family member, Smithers had been told by security that he was not allowed in the hospital because he had been asked to leave the day before and was no longer permitted on the property, the department said.
No explanation has been given for why Smithers was asked to leave on Wednesday, but Bethel said last week that Smithers was there because his son was at the hospital.
Smithers was “left without incident” when hospital security turned him away on Thursday, the department said.
“The hospital was at no time under threat,” Bethel said Thursday evening.
When Lindsey and the second officer — who were in full uniform and in a marked police vehicle — arrived at the hospital, they were met by a security officer who directed them to the nearby bus stop where Smithers was last seen, the department said.
As Lindsay exited the patrol vehicle, Smithers allegedly began moving backward while also pulling the gun, the department said. Lindsay then fired, striking Smithers multiple times.
Smithers was transported to Temple hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:44 a.m. Thursday.
The department said the handgun was legally possessed by Smithers, who had a permit to carry a concealed firearm.
A former strength coach at Bucknell University was charged Monday with criminal hazing in the 2024 death of Calvin “CJ” Dickey Jr., an 18-year-old freshman football player with a known medical condition who collapsed after being required to perform drills until he passed out, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said.
Mark Kulbis, 34, who worked for Bucknell at the time, surrendered to authorities late Monday morning and was arraigned on the charges, Sunday said. Bail for Kulbis was set at $10,000 unsecured.
Dickey, originally from Florida, was participating in the first day of freshman football practice for the university in Lewisburg, Pa., on July 10, 2024, “when he was directed to do extensive calisthenics, which put him in risk of death due to his sickle cell trait,” the attorney general’s office said.
Kulbis allegedly “subjected Dickey to the hazing, even after being made aware of Dickey’s medical condition and receiving training from the university on sickle cell trait and state law and NCAA standards regarding hazing,” Sunday’s office said.
Dickey was required to perform 100 “up-downs” and several full-body plank drills: “both considered extraneous calisthenic exercises. This was done in spite of training and direction from other coaches that such exercises were not appropriate or safe for use as part of training,” the attorney general’s office said.
Dickey, who was recruited to play lineman positions, “was visibly struggling with the exercises and Kulbis, the only coach in the training room, did not summon help until Dickey passed out,” Sunday’s office said.
Photo of Calvin “CJ” Dickey Jr. The 18-year-old died in 2024 after collapsing on the first day of freshman football practice for Bucknell University.
Dickey was hospitalized, but died on July 12, 2024. An autopsy determined that Dickey’s death “was caused by Kulbis subjecting Dickey to the exercises in combination with Dickey’s Sickle Cell trait, body weight, and exertional rhabdomyolysis,” the attorney general’s office said.
“This is an extraordinary tragedy, worsened by the fact that C.J.’s death was preventable,” Sunday said in a statement.
The sickle cell trait can make intense exercise dangerous in certain situations. It used to be the leading cause of death in college football, but the rate of death associated with it among Division I football players dropped by nearly 90% after the NCAA began requiring testing and education in 2010, according to a report published in Sports Health Journal.
NCAA guidelines say coaches should allow student athletes to set their own pace, build up slowly while training, and rest and recover between intense bouts of exercise.
The criminal case was referred to state prosecutors last year by the Union County District Attorney, Sunday said. The campus in Lewisburg, located about a hour north of Harrisburg, is located in Union County.
In an emailed statement, Bucknell University said Monday that university officials were aware of the criminal charges announced against Kulbis.
“Bucknell has cooperated with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office throughout its investigation,” the university said.
“Because this is now an active criminal matter, and related civil litigation remains pending, the university will not comment on the allegations or legal proceedings,” the university said.
“We continue to remember Calvin ‘CJ’ Dickey, Jr. and extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends,” Bucknell said.
Barbara Zemlock, an attorney for Kulbis, could not be reached for comment. ESPN reported that Zemlock provided a statement defending Kulbis.
“While the death of Calvin Dickey is tragic, Mark Kulbis did not contribute to it and is not responsible for it,” Zemlock told ESPN.
“The strength and conditioning program that was implemented was appropriate and in accordance with the training that Mr. Kulbis received, and with applicable standards.”
Zemlock added: “There are facts and other circumstances surrounding this matter that, once presented at the appropriate time, will demonstrate that Mr. Kulbis did not commit the crimes charged,” and that “we intend to vigorously defend the charges.”
Late last month, a federal judge allowed a lawsuit to proceed against Bucknell University filed by Dickey’s parents.
Kulbis was charged with felony aggravated hazing and misdemeanor counts of involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment, and hazing. Sunday said.
The aggravated hazing charge was made into Pennsylvania law in response to the 2017 hazing death of Penn State University student Tim Piazza.
“This law exists because it recognizes what hazing is: criminal conduct that, in the best possible scenario, humiliates and dehumanizes an individual — and at its worst, takes lives and leaves families and friends forever devastated,” Sunday said.
Temple University on Tuesday identified a 20-year-old student who was killed last week by a hit-and-run driver on Kelly Drive.
Bryce Wolfe, of Conyngham, a borough in Luzerne County, was an actuarial science major in the Fox School of Business and had just completed his sophomore year, said Temple President John Fry in a joint statement to the university community with Jodi Bailey Accavallo, vice president of student affairs, and Denise Wilhelm, interim vice president for public safety.
Wolfe was riding a motorcycle when he was struck by a vehicle believed to be a white SUV, his parents said in an interview late Tuesday night.
The unidentified driver dragged Wolfe for more than a mile on Kelly Drive, Clarence Wolfe III said.
“We’re committed to getting justice for our son,” Lori Wolfe said.
Philadelphia police said they responded to a report of a crash at Kelly and Reservoir Drives around 11:15 p.m. on June 24.
Police said they believe the driver of a white SUV was traveling east on Kelly Drive and was trying to make an illegal turn onto Reservoir Drive, but then attempted to return to eastbound Kelly Drive when the SUV entered the westbound path of the red 2004 Triumph motorcycle Wolfe was riding.
Wolfe became trapped beneath the SUV and was dragged to the area of Fountain Green Drive before his body was dislodged from the SUV, police said.
Wolfe was transported by medics to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and pronounced dead at 4:41 a.m. on June 25, police said.
The suspected SUV sustained damage on the driver’s side and damage to the driver’s-side front wheel well, fender, and possibly driver’s-side door, police said.
“Thanks to an anonymous donor, there is a $10,000 reward available for information leading to an arrest and conviction,” Fry said.
Anyone with information about the case can contact police at 215-686-TIPS (8477), Fry said.
Wolfe “had quickly established a reputation as both an excellent student and engaged member of the Temple community,” maintaining a high grade-point average while being enrolled in both Temple and Fox Honors program, Fry said.
“Bryce was also deeply involved outside of class as he was a member of the student professional organization Gamma Iota Sigma and had recently started an internship with United States Liability Insurance Group,” Fry said.
“There is no doubt that he had a very bright future ahead of him, and that’s what makes delivering this news especially difficult,” Fry said.
No injuries were reported after a CSX freight train derailed Tuesday afternoon in Bensalem Township in Bucks County, and shelter-in-place and evacuation orders have been lifted, authorities said.
Hazmat teams and other emergency personnel responded to the derailment that occurred between Street Road and the Neshaminy Falls train station just before 2 p.m., and no hazmat leaks were found, authorities said.
A SEPTA spokesperson said the West Trenton Line on the agency’s Regional Rail service was suspended, but later was cleared to resume.
“We operate on our own tracks in this area, but the CSX tracks are sort of parallel to ours in that area, so we had to suspend due to the emergency response,” said SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch.
Bensalem Township police said 72 train cars were traveling eastbound when 13 cars derailed, though CSX said 16 cars derailed. Three of the derailed cars were marked as possibly containing hazardous materials.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the Bucks County Hazardous Materials Response Team was activated while police officers established a shelter-in-place order for the surrounding area. Officers also conducted door-to-door notifications along Grove Avenue and Old Lincoln Highway to evacuate nearby residents and businesses,” the Bensalem Township police said.
“Residents are asked to avoid the area and stay away from the railroad tracks while cleanup operations continue,” the police said.
A spokesperson for CSX said the train derailed near the crossing of East Bristol Road and Grave Avenue.
“Our primary focus remains the safety of onsite personnel and the surrounding community,” CSX spokesperson Jonathan Stuckey said in an email.
“CSX crews are currently on scene and working as safely and quickly as possible to restore the impacted site. The cause of the incident is currently under investigation. We will provide more information as it becomes available,” Stuckey said.
TRAIN DERAILMENT BETWEEN STREET ROAD AND NESHAMINY FALLS TRAIN STATION – SHELTER IN PLACE – https://t.co/dyvvhqn0jN
U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, who represents all of Bucks County, said he was closely monitoring the situation and the cause of the accident was under investigation.
“In moments like this, every minute matters. Response time, coordination, calm under pressure, bravery, and professionalism are what keep people safe,” Fitzpatrick said.
“We are grateful for the safe outcome, and for the incredible men and women on scene this afternoon who protect our community day in and day out,” Fitzpatrick said.
Two 16-year-olds are being sought for the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old Penn State student in South Philadelphia, police said Tuesday.
Police obtained arrest warrants for Kaiseem Smith and Azzubair Outen-Fleming on charges of murder and related offenses in the death of William “Billy” Schmidt, said Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore.
On June 6, Schmidt was gunned down just footsteps from his home on the 2300 block of South 20th Street in an apparent robbery attempt.
Schmidt was pronounced dead at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center a short time later. Schmidt was studying digital journalism and media at the Penn State World Campus, the university’s online campus.
His father told 6abc that Schmidt was returning home after watching the NBA Finals at a nearby bar with friends.
His two assailants were captured on security footage both approaching the scene and fleeing the area after the shooting.
Anyone with information helpful to police in this case can call 215-686-TIPS-8477.
The PPD has obtained arrest warrants for two males for the murder of William Schmidt on 6-6-26. Kaiseem Smith and Azzubair Outen-Fleming, both 16yo, are wanted for Murder and related offenses. Any info. On their whereabouts, please contact our TIP line 215-686-TIPS (8477).
A 59-year-old Norristown man has been charged with allegedly running a Ponzi scheme that cheated investors of more than $3.8 million, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said.
Richard L. McNeil was charged Friday by the Pennsylvania State Police with felony theft by deception, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity, violations of the Pennsylvania Securities Act, and related offenses.
McNeil allegedly solicited funds from investors by promising he would invest their money in various opportunities that would generate steady returns, Sunday said. He turned himself in Monday and was released on a $250,00 unsecured bond after arraignment.
The investors allegedly were told by McNeil that they would receive monthly interest payments and the eventual return of their full principal investment. However, he did not actually invest the victims’ money, according to Sunday.
More than $1.8 million remains owed to 50 investors, Sunday said. Some investors did receive payouts, but others allegedly sustained six-figure losses, Sunday said.
McNeil’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 3. Court records did not list a lawyer representing McNeil.
“This defendant duped dozens of people into investing substantial funds — victims who believed they were to see monthly gains, but instead were left with depleted bank accounts and unanswered pleas for their money,” Sunday said in a statement.
“Investment fraud is obviously devastating to victims, and we will work hard to recover restitution as part of this prosecution,” Sunday said.
Attorney General Sunday announced charges against a Montgomery County man, Richard McNeil, accused of operating a Ponzi scheme that bilked investors of more than $3.8 million, using a ruse that funds would be invested and generate monthly returns. McNeil surrendered this morning.… pic.twitter.com/32oYhLxRLG
— PA Attorney General Dave Sunday (@PAAttorneyGen) June 29, 2026
