Lots of folks in Chester spent New Year's Eve ducking for cover as the clock struck midnight, as "celebratory" gunfire rang out across the city.
FOX 29's Bruce Gordon counted at least 120 separate gunshots, plus a burst of automatic weapons fire and dozens of muffled shots in the distance, on a five minute Youtube video posted and quickly removed from public access.
Chester residents we talked to said they feared for their safety as midnight approached.
"Oh, gunshots coming from all different angles," said Gloria Rothwell, as she described waiting for a bus that night, to take her to a nearby casino. "Even when I was on the bus, I was hearing the gunshots as we were coming through Chester."
Brenda Gleekia described her daughter surviving 90 minutes of terror outside her Chester home, as the clock struck midnight.
"She was in the house with my grandson and two of his little friends. and my grandson's hollering- he's 11- hollering 'get low! get low! We got to get down!' And it's sad that your 11-year-old child has to feel he's not safe in his house."
Rick Pope has lived in Chester his whole life.
He wouldn't dream of venturing outside to celebrate.
"You would want to think that it's a safe thing to come out on New Year's, but in actuality-" Pope's words were drowned out by a police car speeding by with siren screaming. "That's all you see," said Pope, referring to the police car.
In fact, in Chester, it's what you hear- gunfire- that makes you shake your head.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:01 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:01:38 GMT
Police are investigating a bizarre confrontation at a local elementary school. The alleged combatants were a grown woman and an 11-year-old girl. Some of the details are still a little twisted, reports
Police are investigating a bizarre confrontation at a local elementary school. The alleged combatants were a grown woman and an 11-year-old girl.
Monday, May 13 2013 6:49 PM EDT2013-05-13 22:49:41 GMT
You could use fancy mowers, trimmers and clippers to rid your property of tall grass, weeds and invasive plants. Or you could bring in a team of living, breathing "specialists."
You could use fancy mowers, trimmers and clippers to rid your property of tall grass, weeds and invasive plants. Or you could bring in a team of living, breathing "specialists."
Thursday, May 9 2013 7:11 PM EDT2013-05-09 23:11:50 GMT
If the kids in Kate Gerhart's second-grade class at Friend's School Haverford in Delaware county look particularly happy, that's because this is payday. Students are rewarded for a week's worth of classroom
If the kids in Kate Gerhart's second-grade class at Friend's School Haverford in Delaware county look particularly happy, that's because this is payday. Students are rewarded for a week's worth of classroom
Sunday, May 19 2013 5:27 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:27:52 GMT
Pounding winds and violent surf from Hurricane Sandy left their mark on Ocean City, NJ. Beaches were washed out and there's concern about debris washing up. But Mayor Jay Gillian says no need to worry.
Mayor of Ocean City says no need to worry about debris filled beaches after Hurricane Sandy. He says plans have been taking place to make sure they're safe and clean.
Sunday, May 19 2013 5:25 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:25:28 GMT
The Pennsylvania State Police are searching for 21-year-old Matthew Royer, who went missing after leaving his apartment at the University of Rhode Island. Police says Royer left his college apartment
The Pennsylvania State Police are searching for 21-year-old Matthew Royer, who went missing after leaving his apartment at the University of Rhode Island. Police says Royer left his college apartment
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-19 12:20:57 GMT
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:58:46 GMT
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:45 AM EDT2013-05-19 05:45:51 GMT
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery.
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery's website.
Saturday, May 18 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-05-19 01:28:06 GMT
Rain moved in Saturday afternoon and the chance for it will stick around through the seven day forecast.
It becomes very unsettled across our area with clounds and showers again Sunday. The best chance for rain is in the morning and afternoon thunderstorms are possible towards our south.
Sunday is cool but we do warm up well into the 80s by Tuesday. With the warm weather comes a better chance for thunderstorms.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A "Seasons Greetings" sign is seen in an area of Chester Thursday. Residents reported hearing gunshots on New Year's Eve.
