ATM SKIMMER FOUND
Bensalem Police are asking for help in identifying the person who placed an illegal electronic skimmer on an ATM machine at a bank on Street Rd. Due to the alert person who used the machine, no personal information was jeopardized. On June 2nd an ATM customer used the ATM machine at a Bank on Street Rd noticed something wasn’t right. He discovered that the machine was equipped with an illegal skimmer to steal people’s information. Investigation found that the skimmer was installed on the machine for approximately 8 hours.
If you have any information in the identity of the suspect please contact Det. Glenn Vandegrift at 215-633-3719 or call the anonymous tip line at 215-633-3660.
Bensalem Police are asking for help in identifying the person who placed an illegal electronic skimmer on an ATM machine at a bank on Street Rd. Due to the alert person who used the machine, no personal information was jeopardized. On June 2nd an ATM customer used the ATM machine at a Bank on Street Rd noticed something wasn’t right. He discovered that the machine was equipped with an illegal skimmer to steal people’s information. Investigation found that the skimmer was installed on the machine for approximately 8 hours.
If you have any information in the identity of the suspect please contact Det. Glenn Vandegrift at 215-633-3719 or call the anonymous tip line at 215-633-3660.
Attempt to identify fraud suspect
Bensalem Police are asking the public to identify a woman who was able to access the bank account of a victim and steal over $10,000.00 from her bank account. The victim is a small business and is now out a large amount of money. The actor attempted to withdraw money at a Langhorne Borough bank but was unsuccessful. She then went to a Bensalem bank and was able to withdraw $10,000.00. The actor had all of the victims personal information including a drivers license with the suspects picture and the victims information.
Bensalem Police are asking the public to identify a woman who was able to access the bank account of a victim and steal over $10,000.00 from her bank account. The victim is a small business and is now out a large amount of money. The actor attempted to withdraw money at a Langhorne Borough bank but was unsuccessful. She then went to a Bensalem bank and was able to withdraw $10,000.00. The actor had all of the victims personal information including a drivers license with the suspects picture and the victims information.
10 Million dollars in drugs seized
On 07/15/12 Bensalem Police arrested two men from California and seizes drugs with an estimated value of over $10 million. At approximately 645 PM Bensalem Police were conducting a surveillance detail in the area of State Rd and American Dr. While there, Police observed a suspicious vehicle in the area of 2600 block of State Rd.
A few minutes later, officers observed the 2 males walking southbound on State Rd and acting very suspicious. They were then observed driving away in a blue in color, 2006 Kenworth tractor trailer bearing a California registration.
A Bensalem K-9 officer stopped the vehicle in the 3700 block of Street Rd. for a traffic violation. The driver, identified as 35 yr old Estaban Zalazar Velasco from Galt, CA and passenger, 48 Juan Ledesma-Nolasco (from Livermore, CA was inside the truck. The truck was placed “out of service” for safety violations.
During the inspections The K-9 dog gave a positive indication for narcotics. During the search incident to arrest, 15 kilograms of heroin and 20 lbs of Methamphetamine were found. Street value is approximately 10 million dollars.
Both, Estaban Zalazar Velasco and passenger, Juan Ledesma-Nolasco was arraigned in front of Judge Kline and sent to Bucks County Prison on 1 million dollars bail.
Juan Ledesma-Nolasco Estaban Zalazar Velasco
On 07/15/12 Bensalem Police arrested two men from California and seizes drugs with an estimated value of over $10 million. At approximately 645 PM Bensalem Police were conducting a surveillance detail in the area of State Rd and American Dr. While there, Police observed a suspicious vehicle in the area of 2600 block of State Rd.
A few minutes later, officers observed the 2 males walking southbound on State Rd and acting very suspicious. They were then observed driving away in a blue in color, 2006 Kenworth tractor trailer bearing a California registration.
A Bensalem K-9 officer stopped the vehicle in the 3700 block of Street Rd. for a traffic violation. The driver, identified as 35 yr old Estaban Zalazar Velasco from Galt, CA and passenger, 48 Juan Ledesma-Nolasco (from Livermore, CA was inside the truck. The truck was placed “out of service” for safety violations.
During the inspections The K-9 dog gave a positive indication for narcotics. During the search incident to arrest, 15 kilograms of heroin and 20 lbs of Methamphetamine were found. Street value is approximately 10 million dollars.
Both, Estaban Zalazar Velasco and passenger, Juan Ledesma-Nolasco was arraigned in front of Judge Kline and sent to Bucks County Prison on 1 million dollars bail.
Juan Ledesma-Nolasco Estaban Zalazar Velasco
Pharmacy Burglary
Bensalem Police are asking for help with the below video in identifying the 2 suspects who broke into the Grand Plaza Pharmacy located at 965 Bristol Pike on Wednesday morning at 3:15 AM. The suspects forced open the front door entered the Pharmacy and stole 2 small trash cans full of Oxycodons and other prescription pills. The value is unknown at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to call Bensalem Detectives at 215-633-3719.
Anonymous tips can call 215-633-3660
or email us at tips@bensalem-township.org <mailto:tips@bensalem-township.org>
Bensalem Police are asking for help with the below video in identifying the 2 suspects who broke into the Grand Plaza Pharmacy located at 965 Bristol Pike on Wednesday morning at 3:15 AM. The suspects forced open the front door entered the Pharmacy and stole 2 small trash cans full of Oxycodons and other prescription pills. The value is unknown at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to call Bensalem Detectives at 215-633-3719.
Anonymous tips can call 215-633-3660
or email us at tips@bensalem-township.org <mailto:tips@bensalem-township.org>
Theft of Diamond Ring
On Thursday 8/2/12 at 1400 hours, a male entered Gordon’s Jewelers, which is located inside the Neshaminy Mall. The male was shown a 1K diamond engagement ring valued at $8,500. The male took possession of the ring and immediately fled outside the store and into the mall parking lot without paying. He was last seen running across Neshaminy Blvd.
The description of the male is black, approximately 5’10”, slim build, 20-30 yoa, large circular holes in his earlobes, Mohawk haircut, some facial hair, and tattoos on his right arm. He was wearing a black Flyers hat, black Flyers t-shirt (#18 Richards on the back), white long sleeve shirt underneath the t-shirt and black basketball shorts.
Anyone with information on the actor can contact Detective Larry Leith at (215) 633-3713.
Anonymous tips can call 215-633-3660 or email us at tips@bensalem-township.org
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO
On Thursday 8/2/12 at 1400 hours, a male entered Gordon’s Jewelers, which is located inside the Neshaminy Mall. The male was shown a 1K diamond engagement ring valued at $8,500. The male took possession of the ring and immediately fled outside the store and into the mall parking lot without paying. He was last seen running across Neshaminy Blvd.
The description of the male is black, approximately 5’10”, slim build, 20-30 yoa, large circular holes in his earlobes, Mohawk haircut, some facial hair, and tattoos on his right arm. He was wearing a black Flyers hat, black Flyers t-shirt (#18 Richards on the back), white long sleeve shirt underneath the t-shirt and black basketball shorts.
Anyone with information on the actor can contact Detective Larry Leith at (215) 633-3713.
Anonymous tips can call 215-633-3660 or email us at tips@bensalem-township.org
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO
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Robbery at Gas station
Bensalem Police are asking for anyone who recognizes the below video.
On 9/6/12 at approximately 5:50 AM a male approached the cashier booth and ordered the gas statyion attendant to give me the money. The subject punched the victim in the left eye and they fought for the money. They struggled over the money and exchanges punches outside the booth. The subject got away and ran behind the Luk Oil into Colonial Point Apartments. The actor was described as white male, 6'2 240 lbs, wearing a blue t-shirt and blue jeans. He had a short scruffy beard, blonde hair and approx. 45-50 years old. The subject got away with approx. $50 cash.
Bensalem Police are asking for anyone who recognizes the below video.
On 9/6/12 at approximately 5:50 AM a male approached the cashier booth and ordered the gas statyion attendant to give me the money. The subject punched the victim in the left eye and they fought for the money. They struggled over the money and exchanges punches outside the booth. The subject got away and ran behind the Luk Oil into Colonial Point Apartments. The actor was described as white male, 6'2 240 lbs, wearing a blue t-shirt and blue jeans. He had a short scruffy beard, blonde hair and approx. 45-50 years old. The subject got away with approx. $50 cash.
Attempt to identify
Bensalem Police are asking for help from the public in identifying the actors in the below video, who are suspected of stealing a vehicle, broke into several more and used stolen credits.
In the early morning hours on December 2nd several vehicles were broken into, a 2009 Nissan Altima was stolen in the 200 blk of Tremain Rd. The stolen credit cards were used at a Wawa located at Rhawn St and Roosevelt Blvd in Philadelphia. At the time of the video the actors were driving the stolen 2009 Nissan Altima. The Nissan has since been recovered after being involved in a police pursuit in Philadelphia.
Anyone with information is asked to call Bensalem Detective John Monaghan at 215-633-3700
VIDEO
Bensalem Police are asking for help from the public in identifying the actors in the below video, who are suspected of stealing a vehicle, broke into several more and used stolen credits.
In the early morning hours on December 2nd several vehicles were broken into, a 2009 Nissan Altima was stolen in the 200 blk of Tremain Rd. The stolen credit cards were used at a Wawa located at Rhawn St and Roosevelt Blvd in Philadelphia. At the time of the video the actors were driving the stolen 2009 Nissan Altima. The Nissan has since been recovered after being involved in a police pursuit in Philadelphia.
Anyone with information is asked to call Bensalem Detective John Monaghan at 215-633-3700
VIDEO
We continue to follow, with sadness, the events unfolding in Newtown, Connecticut. As your students travel home, parents/guardians will likely face the difficult task of both speaking with their children about this senseless tragedy and reassuring them of their safety.
The National Mental Health Association has a number of suggestions for how to talk to children about something so tragic and horrific.
Suggestions from the National Mental Health Association for helping a child cope with news of a school shooting (As a parent you will need to determine which guidelines are appropriate for your child and his or her age/development level.):
•Validate the child’s feelings. Do not minimize a child’s concerns. Let him/her know that serious school violence is not common, which is why these incidents attract so much media attention. Stress that schools are safe places. In fact, recent studies have shown that schools are more secure now than ever before.
•Discuss the safety procedures that are in place at your child’s school. Explain why visitors sign in at the principal’s office or certain doors remain locked during the school day. Help your child understand that such precautions are in place to ensure his or her safety and stress the importance of adhering to school rules and policies.
•Create safety plans with your child. Help identify adults your child can talk to if they feel anxious at school. Also ensure that your child knows how to reach you (or another family member or friend) in case of crisis during the school day.
•Recognize behavior that may indicate your child is concerned or anxious about returning to school. Students may react to school violence by not wanting to attend school or participate in school-based activities. Teens and adolescents may minimize their concerns outwardly, but may become argumentative, withdrawn, or allow their school performance to decline.
•Seek help when necessary. If you are worried about a child’s reaction or have ongoing concerns about his/her behavior or emotions, please contact a mental health professional at school or at your community mental health center.
The National Mental Health Association has a number of suggestions for how to talk to children about something so tragic and horrific.
Suggestions from the National Mental Health Association for helping a child cope with news of a school shooting (As a parent you will need to determine which guidelines are appropriate for your child and his or her age/development level.):
•Validate the child’s feelings. Do not minimize a child’s concerns. Let him/her know that serious school violence is not common, which is why these incidents attract so much media attention. Stress that schools are safe places. In fact, recent studies have shown that schools are more secure now than ever before.
•Discuss the safety procedures that are in place at your child’s school. Explain why visitors sign in at the principal’s office or certain doors remain locked during the school day. Help your child understand that such precautions are in place to ensure his or her safety and stress the importance of adhering to school rules and policies.
•Create safety plans with your child. Help identify adults your child can talk to if they feel anxious at school. Also ensure that your child knows how to reach you (or another family member or friend) in case of crisis during the school day.
•Recognize behavior that may indicate your child is concerned or anxious about returning to school. Students may react to school violence by not wanting to attend school or participate in school-based activities. Teens and adolescents may minimize their concerns outwardly, but may become argumentative, withdrawn, or allow their school performance to decline.
•Seek help when necessary. If you are worried about a child’s reaction or have ongoing concerns about his/her behavior or emotions, please contact a mental health professional at school or at your community mental health center.
Deacon Charged with Sexual Assault
On 1/9/2013 Bensalem Police Special Victims Unit arrested 34 yr old Humberto Cervantes 100 blk of Seltzer Ave Coatesville PA charging him with rape and related charges. He was arraigned by Magisterial Judge Leonard Brown and sent to prison in lieu of 1 million bail. The Special Victims Unit opened an investigation in December 2012 when the victim disclosed that Cervantes had raped her at a Bensalem Motel in 2011 when she was 13.Cervantes was a Deacon at a Pentecostal Church in Trenton NJ when be befriended the victim. They met several times in Bensalem went to a few parks and talked about Church, life and family. On the final visit when the victim believed they were going to a park, Cervantes took her to a Bensalem motel and raped her.
Bensalem Police and the Chester County Detectives office attempted to arrest Cervantes at his employment in Malvern but he fled the scene in another vehicle. Police were able to track him down and he eventually voluntarily returned to his work and was taken into custody without incident.
Cervantes had left the Church in Trenton shortly after this occurred and is at a Pentecostal Church on Ontario St in Philadelphia.
Humerto Cervantes
On 1/9/2013 Bensalem Police Special Victims Unit arrested 34 yr old Humberto Cervantes 100 blk of Seltzer Ave Coatesville PA charging him with rape and related charges. He was arraigned by Magisterial Judge Leonard Brown and sent to prison in lieu of 1 million bail. The Special Victims Unit opened an investigation in December 2012 when the victim disclosed that Cervantes had raped her at a Bensalem Motel in 2011 when she was 13.Cervantes was a Deacon at a Pentecostal Church in Trenton NJ when be befriended the victim. They met several times in Bensalem went to a few parks and talked about Church, life and family. On the final visit when the victim believed they were going to a park, Cervantes took her to a Bensalem motel and raped her.
Bensalem Police and the Chester County Detectives office attempted to arrest Cervantes at his employment in Malvern but he fled the scene in another vehicle. Police were able to track him down and he eventually voluntarily returned to his work and was taken into custody without incident.
Cervantes had left the Church in Trenton shortly after this occurred and is at a Pentecostal Church on Ontario St in Philadelphia.
Humerto Cervantes
Bensalem Township School District Corruption Investigation
The Bensalem Township Police Department announces the arrests of 18 individuals associated with a year long corruption investigation into the Bensalem Township School District. The case involved two separate investigations; one involving “ghost” employees and one involving the theft and illegal distribution of district vehicles, bus tires, batteries, and numerous automotive repair and replacement parts.
The “ghost” employee investigation commenced in February of 2012 when the school district administration contacted Bensalem Police to report this theft scheme. It was discovered that multiple members of the grounds crew were not showing up for work, being clocked-in by the grounds crew foreman, and being paid for shifts they never worked. Of the nine person grounds crew, three individuals have been criminally charged while other members faced disciplinary charges for their conduct. It is alleged that one of the employees was absent for up to three years while another was absent for a year, all while being clocked-in by the foreman. Charges for these individuals include theft and conspiracy (see attached charge sheet).
The vehicle maintenance center theft investigation began in August of 2012 with the arrests of Fred Lange and Martin Chappell, mechanics for the school district. As the result of a prior criminal investigation, information was developed on the elaborate theft scheme that was being operated out of the bus garage. Since the arrests of Lange and Chappell, 18 individuals, some of whom own and operate a business, where identified as being involved in these thefts and the illegal distribution of stolen school district property. At this point, 18 individuals are being charged for their role in the thefts and other charges may be forthcoming in the future.
This investigation is on-going and anyone with additional information is asked to call Bensalem Township Police at 215-633-3719.
The Bensalem Township Police Department announces the arrests of 18 individuals associated with a year long corruption investigation into the Bensalem Township School District. The case involved two separate investigations; one involving “ghost” employees and one involving the theft and illegal distribution of district vehicles, bus tires, batteries, and numerous automotive repair and replacement parts.
The “ghost” employee investigation commenced in February of 2012 when the school district administration contacted Bensalem Police to report this theft scheme. It was discovered that multiple members of the grounds crew were not showing up for work, being clocked-in by the grounds crew foreman, and being paid for shifts they never worked. Of the nine person grounds crew, three individuals have been criminally charged while other members faced disciplinary charges for their conduct. It is alleged that one of the employees was absent for up to three years while another was absent for a year, all while being clocked-in by the foreman. Charges for these individuals include theft and conspiracy (see attached charge sheet).
The vehicle maintenance center theft investigation began in August of 2012 with the arrests of Fred Lange and Martin Chappell, mechanics for the school district. As the result of a prior criminal investigation, information was developed on the elaborate theft scheme that was being operated out of the bus garage. Since the arrests of Lange and Chappell, 18 individuals, some of whom own and operate a business, where identified as being involved in these thefts and the illegal distribution of stolen school district property. At this point, 18 individuals are being charged for their role in the thefts and other charges may be forthcoming in the future.
This investigation is on-going and anyone with additional information is asked to call Bensalem Township Police at 215-633-3719.
Attempt to Identify - Robbery
Bensalem Police are asking for help from the public in identifying a male who is responsible for a robbery that occurred at Island Sun Tanning Salon, 5633 Bensalem Boulevard on February 19, 2013.
On February 19, 2013 at 10 P.M., a W/M suspect entered the Island Sun Tanning Salon demanding money from the cash register. The suspect implied he had a handgun but never displayed it. The suspect is described as a W/M, approximately 5'08", 200 lbs, with facial hair, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with an emblem on left chest, blue jeans, black shoes, and black gloves. The suspect ran out of the business and left on foot towards the intersection of Bensalem Boulevard and New Falls Road, his hooded sweatshirt has since been recovered from this area.
Anyone with information is asked to call Bensalem Detective John Monaghan at 215-633-3700
Bensalem Police are asking for help from the public in identifying a male who is responsible for a robbery that occurred at Island Sun Tanning Salon, 5633 Bensalem Boulevard on February 19, 2013.
On February 19, 2013 at 10 P.M., a W/M suspect entered the Island Sun Tanning Salon demanding money from the cash register. The suspect implied he had a handgun but never displayed it. The suspect is described as a W/M, approximately 5'08", 200 lbs, with facial hair, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with an emblem on left chest, blue jeans, black shoes, and black gloves. The suspect ran out of the business and left on foot towards the intersection of Bensalem Boulevard and New Falls Road, his hooded sweatshirt has since been recovered from this area.
Anyone with information is asked to call Bensalem Detective John Monaghan at 215-633-3700
Arson arrests made in Historic Mansion Fire
On April 9, 2013 Bensalem Police and the Bensalem Fire Department (Fire Investigation Unit) formally charged three suspects with arson and related offenses for the arson fire that occurred on February 22, 2013. 19 yr old Dennis Rose III of Flame Hill Rd Levittown, 19 yr old Michael Kurfuss Ruby Ln Levittown and 21 yr old Nicholas Ricciardi (a Bristol Township volunteer firefighter) from Idlewood Rd Levittown were video arraigned by Judge Leonard J. Brown. Bail was set at $200,000 10% bail. On February 22, 2013 at approximately 12:25 PM Bensalem Police and assisting Fire Departments responded to a reported dwelling fire at the Croydon Mansion, a 237 year old historic site, located in the 1200 block of Gibson Road. The fire caused substantial damage to the building and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was classified by the Bensalem Fire Department as an arson. A joint investigation expanded, to include Bristol Township Police that found Rose, Kurfuss and Ricciardi who are part of a group that called themselves the so called Black Flag Family gang, broke into the structure and deliberately set the fire with the intent to destroy the 237-year-old mansion.
The trio have been in custody since the end of February after being arrested for an alleged armed robbery in Bristol Township.
Dennis Rose II Michael Kurfuss Nicholas Ricciardi
On April 9, 2013 Bensalem Police and the Bensalem Fire Department (Fire Investigation Unit) formally charged three suspects with arson and related offenses for the arson fire that occurred on February 22, 2013. 19 yr old Dennis Rose III of Flame Hill Rd Levittown, 19 yr old Michael Kurfuss Ruby Ln Levittown and 21 yr old Nicholas Ricciardi (a Bristol Township volunteer firefighter) from Idlewood Rd Levittown were video arraigned by Judge Leonard J. Brown. Bail was set at $200,000 10% bail. On February 22, 2013 at approximately 12:25 PM Bensalem Police and assisting Fire Departments responded to a reported dwelling fire at the Croydon Mansion, a 237 year old historic site, located in the 1200 block of Gibson Road. The fire caused substantial damage to the building and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was classified by the Bensalem Fire Department as an arson. A joint investigation expanded, to include Bristol Township Police that found Rose, Kurfuss and Ricciardi who are part of a group that called themselves the so called Black Flag Family gang, broke into the structure and deliberately set the fire with the intent to destroy the 237-year-old mansion.
The trio have been in custody since the end of February after being arrested for an alleged armed robbery in Bristol Township.
Dennis Rose II Michael Kurfuss Nicholas Ricciardi
The Bensalem Fire Rescue Investigation Unit and the Bensalem Police Department Criminal Investigation Division are seeking the public’s assistance with an arson investigation.
On Thursday, April 4, 2013 at 4:15am, the Cornwells Fire Company responded to 1100 block of Mildred Ave Bensalem for a vehicle fire. Upon arrival the fire department discovered a pick up truck on fire. The vehicle was a total loss and fire was determined to be Incendiary in nature.
Below is video surveillance footage of a suspect vehicle arriving and leaving the area of Rita’s Water Ice on Route 13 and Biddle Ln just before the fire. The vehicle appears to possibly be a late model, dark colored, raised 4- wheel drive Ford F series pick up truck with an extended cab and chrome wheels or hub caps. The truck also has factory installed cab lights and side marker lights in the exterior mirrors that are mounted on the front doors.
There is a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this arson fire.
If you have any information about this crime please call 215-633-3664.
If you wish to remain anonymous, please call the Anonymous Crime Tip-Line at 215-633-3660.
On Thursday, April 4, 2013 at 4:15am, the Cornwells Fire Company responded to 1100 block of Mildred Ave Bensalem for a vehicle fire. Upon arrival the fire department discovered a pick up truck on fire. The vehicle was a total loss and fire was determined to be Incendiary in nature.
Below is video surveillance footage of a suspect vehicle arriving and leaving the area of Rita’s Water Ice on Route 13 and Biddle Ln just before the fire. The vehicle appears to possibly be a late model, dark colored, raised 4- wheel drive Ford F series pick up truck with an extended cab and chrome wheels or hub caps. The truck also has factory installed cab lights and side marker lights in the exterior mirrors that are mounted on the front doors.
There is a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this arson fire.
If you have any information about this crime please call 215-633-3664.
If you wish to remain anonymous, please call the Anonymous Crime Tip-Line at 215-633-3660.
Cemetery purse theives arrested
Bensalem police have arrested three people and charged them with multiple counts of theft. The suspects staked out cemeteries in Bucks and Montgomery counties between February and April and stole purses from unoccupied cars while people visited graves.Police departments in seven communities believe Pamela Hummel, 30, of Morrisville, Jose Leon, 44, no fixed address, and Nathan Phillips, 29, of Bristol are responsible for at least 15 thefts. In total almost $ 5,000 in cash and unauthorized credit card purchases were stolen.The three suspects have been linked to thefts at cemeteries in Glenside, Cheltenham, Lower Moreland, and Horsham in Montgomery County and Bensalem, Middletown, and Lower Southampton in Bucks County. Middletown police reported six purse thefts at Our Lady of Grace cemetery off Route 1 since February. Visitors at Resurrection in Bensalem and Sunset Memorial Park in Lower Southampton were each targeted twice. The suspects came up with the idea when they visited Resurrection Cemetery in Bensalem and noticed that a woman visiting a grave site exited her vehicle without her purse. On April 12, Lower Moreland police responded to a call of a purse theft from an unlocked car at the Forest Hills Cemetery. The victim described the suspects as leaving in a beige sedan. Lower Moreland police acting quickly, flashed out the vehicle description and the vehicle was located at a gas station on Street Rd in Bensalem. Officers found Hummel in possession of stolen credit cards, cash and a driver’s license that belonged to the victim of the theft earlier that day. She and Leon were arrested. All three suspects admitted to Lower Moreland and Bensalem Detectives that they went to numerous cemeteries to steal purses from unlocked cars.
All three suspects are currently being held at Bucks County prison in lieu of bail.
Pamela Hummel Jose Leon Nathan Phillips
Bensalem police have arrested three people and charged them with multiple counts of theft. The suspects staked out cemeteries in Bucks and Montgomery counties between February and April and stole purses from unoccupied cars while people visited graves.Police departments in seven communities believe Pamela Hummel, 30, of Morrisville, Jose Leon, 44, no fixed address, and Nathan Phillips, 29, of Bristol are responsible for at least 15 thefts. In total almost $ 5,000 in cash and unauthorized credit card purchases were stolen.The three suspects have been linked to thefts at cemeteries in Glenside, Cheltenham, Lower Moreland, and Horsham in Montgomery County and Bensalem, Middletown, and Lower Southampton in Bucks County. Middletown police reported six purse thefts at Our Lady of Grace cemetery off Route 1 since February. Visitors at Resurrection in Bensalem and Sunset Memorial Park in Lower Southampton were each targeted twice. The suspects came up with the idea when they visited Resurrection Cemetery in Bensalem and noticed that a woman visiting a grave site exited her vehicle without her purse. On April 12, Lower Moreland police responded to a call of a purse theft from an unlocked car at the Forest Hills Cemetery. The victim described the suspects as leaving in a beige sedan. Lower Moreland police acting quickly, flashed out the vehicle description and the vehicle was located at a gas station on Street Rd in Bensalem. Officers found Hummel in possession of stolen credit cards, cash and a driver’s license that belonged to the victim of the theft earlier that day. She and Leon were arrested. All three suspects admitted to Lower Moreland and Bensalem Detectives that they went to numerous cemeteries to steal purses from unlocked cars.
All three suspects are currently being held at Bucks County prison in lieu of bail.
Pamela Hummel Jose Leon Nathan Phillips
