iradiophilly | News - Charges Dropped Against Philly SWAT Officer; DE Metro Clerk ID'd; Primary Day in PA, VOTE!

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Charges Dropped Against Philly SWAT Officer; DE Metro Clerk ID'd; Primary Day in PA, VOTE!

by: iradioal - Philadelphia, PA
started: 05/18/21 3:12 pm | updated: 05/18/21 3:12 pm

A judge has dropped charges against a former Philadelphia SWAT officer accused of pepper spraying protesters on I-676 during demonstrations following the murder of George Floyd last year. Municipal court Judge William Austin Meehan Jr. dismissed the charges of simple assault, reckless endangerment, and official oppression against 36-year-old Richard Nicoletti. It happened on June 1, 2020 on the Vine Street Expressway (I-676). A large group of protesters had made their way onto the highway and were blocking traffic. Nicoletti was caught on video holding a canister of pepper spray and spraying several protesters in the face. The individuals were kneeling down at the time. Following the incident, Nicoletti was fired from his job. The judge ruled that there was lack of evidence for the charges.

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said in a statement, "I fully intend to vigorously pursue charges in this matter. The people want and deserve justice and change, including police accountability, even though some institutional players are in denial. We will stay the course."

SEE ALSO: SWAT Officer Charged Pepper Spray I676 Protesters

Police have identified the woman shot and killed in a robbery at a Metro by T-Mobile store in Delaware on Saturday, 5/13. 28-year-old Leslie Ruiz-Basilio found shot to death inside the store on the 900 block of Kirkwood Highway in Elsmere, New Castle County. Police say that the suspect arrived at the store on a blue bike and stole Ruiz-Basilio's Cadillac Escalade when he fled the scene. She had worked at the store for several years and was the victim of robbery three times before. Ruiz-Basilio leaves behind a husband and two children.

SEE ALSO: Metro PCS Clerk Killed in DE

Tuesday, May 18, is Primary Day in Pennsylvania. Although it is only a primary and an off year, there are some important things to vote for on the ballot today, especially in Philadelphia. Philadelphia's 7-1 democratic supermajority almost always guarantees that the winner of the primary will win the general election in the fall. Today, the office of District Attorney is on the ballot. Incumbent Larry Krasner is up against challenger Carlos Vega. Across Pennsylvania, all voters (including Independents) are voting on 4 ballot measures, three of which are constitutional amendments. The first two questions similarly ask how much unilateral power should the governor have in declaring and continuing emergencies in the state, or should the General Assembly have a say. The third question deals with adding language to the constitution providing equal rights no matter ones' race or ethnicity. The fourth question asks if municipal fire departments should be able to obtain the same loans as volunteer fire departments. See link below for more details. Polls are open until 8 p.m. Wear your mask.

SEE ALSO: Ballot Questions
SEE ALSO: Votes PA
SEE ALSO: Committee of Seventy

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