Multiple arrests following altercation at Chickie’s and Pete’s in South Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia police responded to a chaotic scene at Chickie’s and Pete’s on Packer Avenue on Aug. 2 after a report of a person screaming and a burglar alarm that went off led officers to a physical altercation between two groups originating from a family gathering.

The incident occurred at approximately 5:57 pm at the popular sports bar and restaurant located on the 1500 block of Packer Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found several people involved in a violent confrontation. As police worked to disperse the groups, a Precinct 1 sergeant attempted to detain one of the participants, later identified as Joseph Baldino, 39, of South Sydenham Street.

Baldino resisted arrest and allegedly struck the sergeant several times in the face before being subdued and taken into custody. He was transported to Methodist Hospital for treatment of facial injuries sustained during the altercation and later processed at the 1st Precinct on charges including aggravated assault and simple assault.

In addition to Baldino, several people were arrested and charged for their role in the incident:

• John Ciancaglini68 years old, and his wife, Kathy Ciancaglini62, both of Prima Circle, were charged with disorderly conduct, criminal conspiracy and related offenses.
• Two brothers who were involved in the fight, Richard DiBella45 and Michael DiBella37 years old, later surrendered to the authorities. Richard DiBella’s last known address was on Chadwick Street and Michael DiBella’s was on Trevi Court.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing and police have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges as they continue to review the circumstances surrounding the altercation.

PHILADELPHIA, PA — A 25-year-old man was fatally shot while riding his bicycle on Snyder Avenue in South Philadelphia Wednesday night, prompting an ongoing investigation by the Philadelphia Police Department.

Officers from the 1st District responded to a report of a person with a gun at approximately 7:00 pm on August 14th at 1500 Snyder Avenue. Upon arrival, they found the victim, identified as Kaishef Johnson, of South 22nd Street, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedic 11 pronounced Johnson dead at the scene at 7:08 p.m

The initial investigation indicates that Johnson was riding his bicycle along Snyder Avenue when three unidentified men, dressed in black and wearing masks and gloves, got out of a burgundy Nissan parked at the intersection of Snyder Avenue and 15th Street. The suspects approached Johnson and fired several shots at him before fleeing east on Snyder Avenue toward Broad Street in the same vehicle.

Later that evening at approximately 11:00 p.m., officers from the 3rd Precinct located the abandoned vehicle at 2000 S. Front Street. The investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made.

Authorities are urging anyone with information related to this homicide to contact the Philadelphia Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334 or call or text PPD at 215-686-TIPS (8477). Tipsters can remain anonymous. A $20,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case.

JACKSON, NJ — The Forest Resources Education Center (FREC) in Jackson is offering a series of nature-focused educational events in August, providing opportunities for participants of all ages to connect with the outdoors. Advance registration is required for all events, which are free and will be held at the FREC located at 495 Don Connor Blvd.

Dr. Dolittle and Animal Calls

• When: Thursday, August 22, 10:00 a.m
• Details: Participants will explore various forest habitats and learn how animals communicate through sounds. The program includes demonstrations by a naturalist using various whistles to imitate animal calls. Participants will also have a chance to practice these calls. The event is open to children over the age of 6, who must be accompanied by an adult. The program is limited to 15 participants.

Back Deck Forestry and Music

• When: Thursday, August 22, 6:30 p.m
• Details: Enjoy an evening of live music by the Sawmill Run Old String Band, a local bluegrass group. The event also includes a short presentation titled “Stinging Pollinators, Friends or Foes,” aimed at educating attendees about bees, wasps, wasps and yellow jackets and their important role in pollination and pest control. The event will take place on the outdoor deck, weather permitting, and is limited to 40 participants.

Insects at FREC

• When: Tuesday, August 27, 10:00 a.m
• Details: Discover the world of insects with a focus on ant lions, tiger beetles and woolly bears around the FREC property. Participants are encouraged to dress up for a safari as they explore the lives of these fascinating creatures. The event is limited to 15 participants.

Important information: All events will be held outdoors, so participants are advised to dress appropriately for the weather. The bridge connecting the FREC and the Nursery is currently under construction and is closed, so participants must enter via Don Connor Blvd.

For more information and to register, visit forestresourceeducationcenter.eventbrite.com.