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."
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:39 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:39:12 GMT
The volunteer effort in Oklahoma is underway. Groups from across the country have hit the road, delivering hot meals to anyone in need. One local organization is doing what they can to help the victims
The volunteer effort in Oklahoma is underway. Groups from across the country have hit the road, delivering hot meals to anyone in need. One local organization is doing what they can to help the victims
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:01 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:01:42 GMT
Thursday weather looks damp and stormy. It will be mild and muggy to start with spotty showers early followed by afternoon and evening storms. Highs in the upper 70s with winds out of the SW 5-10 mph. Some of the storms will produce locally heavy rain and gusty winds.
This system is from the same cold front that caused the midwest tornadoes. It will also usher in cooler air for the holiday weekend.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:04 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:04:25 GMT
Veteran narcotics officer Jeff Walker was part of some of Philadelphia's most celebrated drug raids including a huge marijuana bust that netted $1.5 million dollars in pot. Now Walker finds himself on
Veteran narcotics officer Jeff Walker was part of some of Philadelphia's most celebrated drug raids including a huge marijuana bust that netted $1.5 million dollars in pot. Now Walker finds himself on
Wednesday, May 22 2013 4:59 PM EDT2013-05-22 20:59:02 GMT
The Philadelphia parents who admitted to praying for their sick baby instead of getting him medical attention are charged with third-degree murder. Herbert and Catherine Schaible's seven-month-old son,
The Philadelphia parents who admitted to praying for their sick baby instead of getting him medical attention are charged with third-degree murder. Herbert and Catherine Schaible's seven-month-old son,
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:30 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:30:01 GMT
New Jersey says it's cracking down on bars and restaurants amid claims that they're substituting premium alcoholic beverage brands with "well brand spirits," unbeknownst to customers.
New Jersey says it's cracking down on bars and restaurants amid claims that they're substituting premium alcoholic beverage brands with "well brand spirits," unbeknownst to customers.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:09 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:09:44 GMT
Police say they're looking for the public's help to find a man seen on surveillance video firing an AK-47 into a car and a gentleman's club earlier this month in Southwest Philadelphia.
Police say they're looking for the public's help to find a man seen on surveillance video firing an AK-47 into a car and a gentleman's club earlier this month in Southwest Philadelphia.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:49 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:49:38 GMT
Wow! Doylestown really rolled out the welcome mat (and a real red carpet) this morning when Good Day's Jenn Frederick came to town!We chose Doylestown as one of the places to visit in our series called
Wow! Doylestown really rolled out the welcome mat (and a real red carpet) this morning when Good Day's Jenn Frederick came to town!We chose Doylestown as one of the places to visit in our series called
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:32 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:32:28 GMT
There is a beautiful new bench outside Engine 53 in South Philadelphia honoring a brave and dedicated firefighter who gave his life to protect his community. Captain Michael Goodwin's name is etched into
There is a beautiful new bench outside Engine 53 in South Philadelphia honoring a brave and dedicated firefighter who gave his life to protect his community. Captain Michael Goodwin's name is etched into
A "Seasons Greetings" sign is seen in an area of Chester Thursday. Residents reported hearing gunshots on New Year's Eve.
