Three people charged with child endangerment after another serious dog bite

VANDERGRIFT, PA— Three Vandergrift residents are facing child endangerment charges following a second serious dog bite at their home. Alexis Keys, Ida and Michael Stankiewicz were charged by local police on June 20.

In the incident, which occurred on May 19, a three-year-old girl was bitten by a dog at the family’s Custer Avenue home. Upon arrival, Vandergrift police discovered Alexis Keys, the child’s mother, visibly distraught and covered in blood on the back porch. Despite initial resistance, Keys eventually led officers inside, where they found the injured child on the third floor, screaming and also covered in blood.

Authorities found that the child had suffered a severe cut on the back of her head and appeared pale, requiring immediate medical attention. She was flown to Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh for treatment.

The dog, reportedly responsible for a biting incident with another child last year, was being held by the grandfather, Michael Stankiewicz, at the time of police intervention.

Police criticized Michael and Ida Stankiewicz for failing to call 911 or provide immediate medical assistance to the child during this critical situation. This is the second time a child in their care has been bitten by a dog under similar circumstances, raising serious concerns about the safety of the children in the home.

BALTIMORE, MD – The Baltimore City Police Department has issued a Heat Warning, effective until 8:00 p.m. today, Saturday, June 22, 2024, and urges residents and visitors to take necessary precautions during this time of extreme heat.

The recommendation contains several recommendations to ensure safety and comfort:

• Apply sunscreen and reapply it regularly to protect yourself from UV rays.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face from the sun.
• Choose light, loose-fitting clothing to stay cool.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoid beverages such as caffeine, tea, coffee and alcohol, which can cause dehydration.

Residents are urged to follow these guidelines closely and stay informed of any further information provided by local authorities to weather the heat well.

Tom’s River, New Jersey – The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has issued an Orange Air Quality Alert for Saturday, June 22, 2024, affecting Ocean and Southeastern Burlington Counties.

An orange alert level means that air pollution concentrations could reach levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups. These groups include children, people with asthma, heart disease or other lung conditions, and the elderly. People in these groups are advised to minimize their exposure by avoiding strenuous activities and exercising outdoors.

The warning came after a controlled arson at Joint Base MDL.

Residents are urged to be informed about air quality and take necessary precautions to protect their health. For more details on ground-level ozone and particulate matter, visit the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection website at http://www.state.nj.us/dep/.

ROCKVILLE, MD — Maryland State Police are investigating a tragic hit-and-run incident that left two teenagers dead in Montgomery County this morning. The dead have been identified as Luis Isaac Bran, 17, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, and Rebeca Gabriela Vasquez Moreno, 18, of El Salvador.

Both victims were passengers in a 2018 Toyota RAV4 and were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical services. The driver of the Toyota, Esperanza Del Carmen Vasquez De Bran, 50, also of Gaithersburg, sustained injuries and was taken to Suburban Hospital. Authorities believe she is Luis Bran’s mother and Moreno’s aunt.

The incident occurred just before 5:00 a.m. on northbound Interstate 270 near Falls Road. A preliminary investigation indicates that a silver 2003 BMW convertible struck the Toyota and fled the scene. Moments later, the Toyota was struck again by a 2015 Ford F-150, whose driver refused medical treatment.

The BMW was later found abandoned on the right shoulder of the road about a half mile from the crash scene. Efforts are underway to identify the driver of the BMW. Police have ruled out alcohol as a factor in the second crash. Roads were closed for about six hours following the incident. Traffic control was provided by the Maryland Department of Transportation and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Department, who responded to the scene.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about the hit-and-run accident to call the Rockville Barrack at 301-424-2101 during the investigation.

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Howard County Police have issued a traffic alert for today, June 22, due to a large funeral procession. Motorists should expect increased police presence and temporary road closures on Route 29 northbound from approximately 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The train will enter Howard County from Montgomery County on Route 29 and continue toward Interstate 70. Motorists are advised to use caution in this area or plan an alternate route to avoid delays.

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Prepare for traffic problems along the New Jersey shore. Next Saturday night, U.S. President Joe Biden will visit New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s lavish waterfront estate. The stop is part of Biden’s nationwide fundraising tour as part of his re-election campaign.

According to the New Jersey Globe, Dr. Jill Biden, the First Lady, will accompany President Biden on his visit to the Jersey Shore.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and his team have not yet confirmed the fundraiser at his home overlooking the Navesink River.

As The Globe reports, Joe Biden left Murphy’s house on his last visit with over a million dollars in campaign contributions from wealthy progressive New Jersey donors.

Residents and tourists in the region must expect, among other things, road closures and traffic delays on the President’s route from the airport to the Governor’s residence.