New Police Chief Takes Over In Beaver Falls

Beaver Falls has a new police chief today. Former Captain John Delucca replaces former chief Charles Jones, who left the police department on Friday to become the city’s manager. Delucca tells Beaver County Radio newsman Pat Septak that his top priorities will be tackling the city’s heroin epidemic and cracking down on prostitution in the city.

Runoff Problems in Ambridge

No injuries were reported during some runoff problems at the Ambridge Regional Distribution & Manufacturing Center on Friday.  Initially responders thought there was a partial building collapse…but they eventually learned it was a non-emergency call. Some roadway runoff somehow got into the building. Officials are blaming the incident on a large amount of rain in the area.

Autopsy of Aliquippa Homicide Victim Complete

Aliquippa police say an autopsy was performed by the Beaver County Coroner and revealed that 28-year-old Sjavante Gilliam died of a single gunshot wound to the head and neck.  Gilliam was shot in the 2100 block of McMinn St. around 5:30 a.m. His body was found on the sidewalk by a passerby. This was the city’s first homicide of 2016, according to Chief Don Couch. Chief Couch tells Beaver County Radio newsman Pat Septak that they are following up on leads on the victim’s killer. If anyone has any information they are asked to call Aliquippa police.

Beaver Falls Police Chief Charles Jones’ Last Day On The Job

Today is the last day on the job for Beaver Falls Police Chief Charles Jones. After nearly 22 years with the Beaver Falls police department – 9 of those years as the chief of police – Jones is retiring and will be taking over as city manager of Beaver Falls on Monday. Chief Jones tells Beaver County Radio newsman Pat Septak that he’s proud of the things that his department was able to accomplish on his watch and that’s he’s had a “blessed career”. He says he’s looking forward to accomplishing new things as the city manager. The new police chief – Captain John Delucca – starts his new job on Monday.

Kennedy Boulevard Flooded in Aliquippa

Kennedy Boulevard is closed in Aliquippa temporarily due to flooding, according to an Aliquippa police spokesperson. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes.

According to Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano, heavy rains are the cause of the flooding, and it is the area always affected.

Two People Killed in Zelienople

Two people are dead after a  car crash that happened in Butler County this morning. The crash happened on I-79 northbound in the area of mile marker 87 in Jackson Township, Zelienople. State police confirm a man and a woman were killed in the crash. Their identities have not been released. The northbound lanes of I-79 were shut down for hours after the crash, but have since been re-opened.

Beaver County Workers Turn Down Latest Contract Offer From The County

Beaver County’s latest contract offer to union workers has been voted down. The rank and file vote for the commissioners residual unit – the court-related workers – was 124 to 8 in favor of denying the county’s latest offer. Joe Mann of the S.E.I.U. tells Beaver County Radio newsman Pat Septak that the sticking points were a one percent pay increase in the first year…. and the emergency room co-pay would double from $50 to $100. He says no new talks are scheduled. The union plans to strike Tuesday morning.

New Details Released Regarding Aliquippa Homicide

Aliquippa police are continuing an investigation into a homicide that took place in the 2100 block of McMinn St. early Wednesday morning.

28-year-old Sjvante Gilliam, a Marine vet who received the Purple Heart after being injured in Afghanistan in 2010, was identified as the victim.

He was the father of 2, a 2005 Aliquippa graduate. He played basketball and football for the Quips.

Meanwhile, Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano is reporting that City Council’s meeting was cancelled last evening. Mayor Dwan Walker and brother Donald’s uncle passed away.

Death Of Beaver County Jail Inmate Ruled Suicide

The death of a Beaver County Jail inmate is being ruled a suicide. Matthew Henry was found unresponsive in his cell Saturday. Staff members tried CPR and used an automated external defibrillator but could not revive him. Henry was placed in the facility last week on robbery and theft charges. He was 35.