Pregnant mom, 6-year-old son killed by driver going 100+ mph, police say

 Posted on April 20, 2024  |  1 minutes  |  134 words  |  Brenda Moya

AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — The woman who was killed in a high speed crash, along with her 6-year-old son, by a man going over 100 mph was pregnant, according to police. Amarillo police identified the woman as 26-year-old Rocio Castejon. Because Castejon was pregnant, police charged the driver, 19-year-old Abdurahman Garang Hussein, with three counts of vehicular manslaughter. Around 7:35 p.m. Friday, Castejon stopped the stop sign at Florida Street and Amarillo Blvd. [Read More]

SCI Houtzdale staffer accused of providing drugs to 'network of inmates'

 Posted on April 20, 2024  |  1 minutes  |  161 words  |  Delta Gatti

Clearfield Co., PA (WJAC) — Authorities with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections say a staff member at SCI Houtzdale is facing charges, accused of smuggling contraband into the facility. Authorities say they began investigating 41-year-old Neil Rudy after prison officials say they received information that he had been providing contraband to a "network of inmates." Upon further investigation, officials learned that Rudy, who worked as a food service employee for the prison, was allegedly paid over $10,000 to smuggle Suboxone and synthetic cannabinoids into the facility. [Read More]

Steelers release safety Keanu Neal following failed physical

 Posted on April 20, 2024  |  1 minutes  |  73 words  |  Brenda Moya

Pittsburgh (WJAC) — The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Thursday that they are releasing veteran safety Keanu Neal following a failed physical exam. Neal signed with the Steelers last offseason and played in nine games in 2023. He recorded 50 total tackles and one interception, prior to being placed on IR in November. Neal was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2016. He also previously played for the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. [Read More]

Stoker Wieczorek

 Posted on April 20, 2024  |  2 minutes  |  403 words  |  Christie Applegate

Weekend News Anchor / Multimedia Journalist Already an award-winning journalist, when he was 21 years old, Stoker Ray Wieczorek started his career at WJAC, based out of Johnstown, PA! He began working as an (MMJ) Reporter on December 19, 2022. Stoker has since been promoted to Weekend News Anchor, as of April 14, 2024! Being from a family of doctors, Stoker was born in Latrobe, PA in January of 2001, and grew up in Ligonier, PA. [Read More]

Suspect with 'multiple prior law enforcement encounters' faces new drug, driving charges

 Posted on April 20, 2024  |  2 minutes  |  327 words  |  Brenda Moya

SORRENTO, Fla. (TND) — It's almost as if the stars were aligned for the deputy who made this arrest. First, he saw a car with “a large crack in the windshield.”Then, he reported seeing “the driver who I positively identified as Crystal Moon due to multiple prior law enforcement encounters.”And after she was arrested for a misdemeanor, he said she volunteered information that led to a few felonies. The deputy made a traffic stop in a gas station parking lot last Wednesday, May 22, in Florida. [Read More]

Apartment fire in Emporium displaces 13

 Posted on April 19, 2024  |  2 minutes  |  230 words  |  Delta Gatti

EMPORIUM, Pa. - An apartment fire that broke out Tuesday night in Emporium has rekindled Wednesday. A state police fire marshal said the original fire broke out at a seven-unit apartment complex on East Allegheny Avenue at 10:19 p.m. Tuesday. The fire marshal said the fire started on a back porch on the second story. All seven units were occupied and housed a total of 13 people. Emporium Fire Chief Adam Johnson said the fire was contained to the second floor but the rest of the building suffered water damage. [Read More]

Giant Eagle Corporate cut ties with Vale Wood Farms

 Posted on April 19, 2024  |  3 minutes  |  521 words  |  Christie Applegate

LORETTO, Pa.- A major retailer has decided to cut ties with Vale Wood Farms, choosing to no longer sell the Loretto farm's milk or products in their stores. But, now the family farm is turning to its customers for help. Giant Eagle announced it would no longer be selling Vale Wood Farms products in their stores. The company told the farm, they would only sell products from one local dairy in the county. [Read More]

Homer City bank robbery suspect had drawing of bank; struck & tried to steal PSP vehicle

 Posted on April 19, 2024  |  3 minutes  |  525 words  |  Brenda Moya

UPDATE | Indiana County, PA (WJAC) — State police in Indiana County say the suspect accused of robbing the S&T Bank in Homer City Borough on Wednesday has been arrested. Troopers say the suspect, identified as 28-year-old Dylan Robert Clark Rider, of Homer City, is alleged to have presented a note to the bank staff and then left with an undisclosed amount of cash. Upon further investigation, police say they learned that Rider fled the scene in a white, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, and that he acted alone. [Read More]

Lincoln Caverns tour guide shares how the caves formed, answer tourists' questions

 Posted on April 19, 2024  |  3 minutes  |  435 words  |  Merlyn Hunt

HUNTINGDON CO, Pa (WJAC) — On Monday, employees at the Lincoln Caverns discussed how the caves came to be and how tourists can help protect them. Tour guide Mike Leonard also shared what these caves mean to the community. Our biggest thing here, every guide will tell you, the best part of the job is the cave itself. We get to see it every day, we see new stuff all of the time. [Read More]

Local liquor enforcement officer accused of sexually assaulting 2 kids, state police say

 Posted on April 19, 2024  |  2 minutes  |  336 words  |  Barrett Giampaolo

CAMBRIA COIUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — A liquor enforcement officer has been charged with child rape after accusations he sexually assaulted two girls, state police say. According to multiple criminal complaints, Scott Berdine, of Belsano, faces multiple felonies related to rape of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, indecent assault of a person less than 13 years of age and corruption of minors. State police say Berdine has been employed with the PSP as an Enforcement Officer 3 within the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement since September 2008. [Read More]