Members of the Greater Bustleton Civic League joined in the monthly Zoom call to hear updates on crime, COVID-19 and more.
Capt. Robert Ritchie, commander of the 7th Police District, started the meeting with an update on a double homicide on Roosevelt Boulevard. Donald Tillman, 36, of Wissinoming, was arrested in connection with killing two people in their apartment on the 9400 block of Roosevelt Boulevard on Jan. 20. Tillman allegedly fatally shot his wife in Frankford that same night.
Tillman overdosed on narcotics and was found lying in the street before being brought into a hospital under a fake name, Ritchie said. Police were able to track him down and make the arrest.
Ritchie also addressed a trend in the city of car thieves targeting people who are letting their cars warm up or are waiting for someone with their car on. Ritchie said the thieves will block victims in with their own vehicles and demand they step out of the car at gunpoint. Ritchie advised even people in their own driveway to stay vigilant. They are targeting average cars, not only upscale vehicles.
Attorney Matt Monroe of Monroe Law said he is looking into a case of squatters occupying property at 1838 Gregg St. and expects an emergency hearing to be held in the near future.
As for updates on the UPS distribution center coming to 1 Red Lion Road, GBCL president Jack O’Hara said the association filed an appeal against issuing building permits for the project. The GBCL will get a chance to speak to the Zoning Board of Adjustment at a hearing, which is tentatively scheduled for April 27 at 9:30 a.m. O’Hara said there will be a standalone GBCL meeting before the hearing.
In other news:
- The Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services is offering free services and resources to those struggling during COVID. Visit HealthyMindsPhilly.org to learn more.
- Members of the GBCL have submitted a request to fix damaged speed cushions along Northeast Avenue.
- The Bustleton Bengals are hosting a clothing drive on April 24 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. They are also running an engraved brick fundraising program again. Learn more at BustletonBengals.org.
- GBCL hosts elections for its board members in April. Email GBustletonCL@gmail.com if interested.
- Meetings happen the fourth Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. over Zoom. Next meeting is scheduled for April 28.
