SHALER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — A Shaler Township man with reported connections to the Boy Scouts has been arrested, accused of having child pornography.

Police with a search warrant showed up at 41-year-old Christopher Sokiera’s apartment in Shaler early Tuesday, waking up some neighbors.

“I guess they came in and there were lights on. I heard a knocking at a door,” said neighbor Collenn Nesbitt.

Police charged Sokiera with possessing child pornography.

According to court papers, in a search of his computers, they allegedly found more than 90 images of both boys and girls, the youngest being a toddler. They also allegedly found naked images of Sokiera.

Neighbors say they didn’t expect anything like this.

“It’s a little surprising,” said neighbor Justin Butela. “He always just seemed like a quiet individual, always kept to himself. Like I said, I could maybe count on one hand how many times we said more than two words to each other.”

KDKA’s David Highfield: “Did you know he worked with the Boy Scouts?”

Butela: “I saw him in his troop leader uniform a number of times. Yeah.”

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He told police that he was an advisor for a local Boy Scout chapter, and that he’s involved in camping trips with the kids. But according to court papers, he told police he never touched a child.

The Boy Scouts were not available for an interview, but released a statement:

“This behavior is unacceptable and runs counter to everything for which the Boy Scouts of America stands. While the allegations are unrelated to Scouting, upon learning of these reports we immediately removed this individual from our programs for the safety of our youth members and participants, and precluded him from any further participation in the organization.”

SHALER (KDKA) – Firefighters were called to the scene of a garage fire in Shlaer Township Monday morning.

According to officials at the scene, the fire started in a garage in the 700 block of Wible Run Road around 7:30 a.m.

Fortunately, no one was inside when the fire broke out. However, there was a German shepherd inside, but they managed to get it out safely.

“I looked out and saw flames, which seemed like they were in the garage,” neighbor Gloria Baldauff said.

Baldauff grew anxious when she saw her neighbor’s home on fire. She called the homeowner right away to let her know what was going on.

“Oh, she just panicked. She was like my kids, my kids. I think they’re on the bus. Yeah, it was bad,” Baldauff said.

Fortunately, no one was inside the home when the fire started.

“Later on in the fire, we found the two younger kids were at school, one other kid was at work and the parents were on their way to work,” Chief David Campbell with Bauerstown Volunteer Fire Department said.

The German shepherd had to be rescued from the first floor of the home.

“I did see when they brought the dog out and I think the main thing is that if you see they rescued the dog, you know the kids aren’t in there,” Baldauff said.

The Bauerstown Volunteer Fire Chief said around 15 departments responded to the scene when the fire went to a second alarm.

“The basement area is pretty damaged with fire and water. The first and second floor heavy smoke and water damage as well,” Chief Campbell said. “I would imagine it is probably salvageable. It’s going to take a lot of work.”

So, until things are back to normal for this family, Baldauff says she’ll do all she can to help.

“They need a home for themselves, the dog, the kids, I don’t know for school, whatever, I’m here,” Baldauff said. “I love the dog and we love the family.”

It’s unclear what actually sparked the fire in the garage. The fire marshal is investigating the cause.

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SHALER TWP. (KDKA) — Police and SWAT surrounded a Shaler Township home Friday, where someone was barricaded inside.

It happened in the area of Meier Lane. Police closed the area off and local schools were locked down as a precaution, including Marzolf Elementary.

“The schools are not involved, we just wanted to play this safe,” said Shaler Police Lt. Sean Frank.

Some parents were frustrated they were unable to pick up their children.

“It’s a hard place to be in, not knowing. They could be here all night. And we read this guy has full body armor,” said parent Lizzie Schad.

Police sources tell KDKA 32-year-old Brad Nichols broke up with his girlfriend Thursday. He was believed to be heavily armed with as many as 300 guns and wearing a bullet-proof vest.

“How he can get those many guns, I don’t understand, and being that close to a school is very scary and unsettling,” said parent Courtney Bianch.

Earlier in the morning, Nichols’ mother was being held inside, but she was released.

Negotiators from the North Hills Specialized Response Team were able to talk him out of the residence. Gas was also deployed into the home at one point.

Around 3 p.m., Nichols was confirmed to be in custody. He was taken to UPMC Mercy for evaluation.

After the residence was empty, a fire started inside. Firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the blaze.

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SHALER TWP. (KDKA) — Shaler Police are warning community members about a terrifying scam that involves fooling parents into believing their child has been abducted.

On Nov. 30, officers were contacted by a woman who said her daughter had been kidnapped and the perpetrators were demanding money. The woman’s daughter is a student at a university in another state.

Police say the call was initiated by a female who was crying and the mother thought that it was her daughter.

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The suspects told the woman that if she called the police, they would hurt the girl.

The woman called Shaler Police and was able to make contact with her daughter, who was not the victim of a kidnapping.

“The Shaler Township Police want to make residents aware of these types of scams that are out there and to call 911 if you receive these types of calls. If it is possible, ask questions of the caller that only your family member would know the answer to,” a news release said.

SHALER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — Two people escaped a rollover crash in Shaler Township with only minor injuries early Sunday morning.

It happened around 1:30 a.m. in the 300 block of Glenn Avenue.

According to the Undercliff Volunteer Fire Company, crews found one vehicle on its side at the scene. Two people were still inside.

(Photo Credit: Facebook/Undercliff Volunteer Fire Company)

Crews were able to remove the windshield and get the occupants out. Only one was sent to the hospital with minor injuries.

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SHALER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — A video of 6-year-old Jimmy Spagnolo, of Shaler Township, is set to go viral.

It was posted on Facebook by Children’s Hospital and shows Jimmy ringing a bell and dancing to celebrate the end of his chemotherapy treatments.

“That was our battle cry for the year for this round of treatment,” said Jimmy’s dad, Jim. “It was really special.”

Jimmy’s battle started at 4-months-old when doctors found an inoperable brain tumor.

“It was really rough,” said his dad.

His mom, Lacie, began sharing their journey on Facebook. Jimmy has had four rounds of chemotherapy over the years to shrink the tumor.

She says love, prayer and positive energy have been so important in the fight.

“Jimmy is here for a purpose, and his purpose is to spread hope and love and inspire people,” said Lacie. “And that’s all he does.”

Whether he’s singing in the hospital, or dancing at school, Jimmy seems to make people smile. And as for ringing the bell, Jimmy says it was “awesome!”

His mom says: “That kind of moment, you get maybe a few times in a life.”

Jimmy still has a tumor, but it’s much smaller than it was. Doctors believe if it doesn’t get larger, he may be able to live his life with it.

The Spagnolos are thankful for the support they’re getting and for Jimmy’s success.

“It’s really special to know that so many people want to give love and support to his journey,” said his dad.

Lacie Spagnolo says the bell ringing was a milestone: “It’s one victory notch in our belts, seven years later. Will we have many more? You bet we will.”

You can follow Jimmy’s journey here on his family’s Facebook page.

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HAMPTON TWP. (KDKA) — A tragic end to the search for a missing man from Shaler.

On Monday, Aaron Henry’s car was found on a trail near Sample Road in Hampton Township.

He reportedly went to the area on Sunday to enjoy the walking trails there, but later did not return home or answer phone calls.

Crews were out Monday morning searching the nearby area for him.

later in the day, search team officials confirmed to KDKA that Henry’s body was found, and said police do not believe his death is suspicious.

The 25-year-old was a graduate of Waynesburg University.

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This is a developing story, stay with KDKA and KDKA.com for more information. 

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — On Thursday, an image began circulating on social media that caused many to call police.

The photo was a screenshot of a food order placed through Yelp from someone claiming to be Dakota James, saying he had been kidnapped on the North Side and was being held in the basement of a home in Shaler.

Shaler Township and Pittsburgh police both say that online post about the missing Duquesne University grad student is false.

Police went to the Shaler home and said there was no truth to the story.

Lt. Sean Frank, of the Shaler Police Department, said, “The Shaler resident [who lived at that address] was not involved in the incident in any way.”

Pittsburgh Police released a statement indicating that they also thoroughly investigated the post and that James “was not at the location, and there is no reason to believe he ever was.”

Note regarding a claim received today in the Dakota James missing person case: pic.twitter.com/S57UY9zbjF

— Pittsburgh Police (@PghPolice) February 23, 2017

Shaler Police say they are looking into who created “this hoax.”

James, 23, was last seen on Jan. 25 in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. He was believed to be walking to his home on the North Side.

A friend of the James family, Cathey Rhodes, said, “We are disheartened by someone’s choice to use Dakota’s name, and we hope this situation, and those responsible are brought to justice accordingly.”

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SHALER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — One person was reportedly critically injured after a car crash in Shaler Township early Sunday.

It happened around 2:45 a.m. in the 1500-block of Mt. Royal Boulevard.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, it was a single-vehicle crash, and one person was ejected from the vehicle. The victim was transported to Allegheny General Hospital.

The victim’s current condition is unknown.

The Shaler Township Police Department reported around 7:45 a.m. that Mt. Royal Boulevard was closed between Wetzel Road and Glenshaw Avenue while crews worked to replace a pole that was damaged in the crash.

The road reopened early Sunday afternoon.

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SHALER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — A young woman is facing charges in the alleged abuse of a 5-month-old baby at a Shaler Township daycare center.

Julia Spencer, 19, was arrested at her home Tuesday and is now awaiting arraignment in the Allegheny County Jail on multiple charges.

The baby boy was treated and released from the Children’s Hospital emergency room. Investigators say he was suffering from redness, swelling and bruises to his head, neck and shoulders, as well as a laceration on his chin and a bruise inside his right ear.

According to the criminal complaint, doctors reported that the child’s injuries caused him “substantial pain.”

Shaler Township Police say they began investigating Spencer after Children Youth and Family services contacted them about a tip they received through Childline.

According to police, the incident happened at the Glenshaw Presbyterian Early Learning Center where Spencer was a caregiver.

Brenda Waters’ Report:

Police say they issued a warrant for Spencer after reviewing video provided by CYF and bringing the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office into the investigation.

According to the criminal complaint, the video allegedly shows Spencer “recklessly” moving the baby from a swing to a bouncy chair and also to a crib.

Investigators say she used “significant force” to get the child into the bouncy chair and then continued to push and shove the boy.

When she moved the boy from the bouncy chair to the crib, police say the video shows the child became stuck under a toy bar on the chair. Spencer is accused of trying to “physically yank the baby by the arms out of the bouncy chair.”

After freeing the boy from the chair, police say Spencer carried him to the crib and “slammed the baby down causing the victim’s head to bounce off the padded mattress.” She also then covered the baby from head to toe in a blanket.

Police say they met with the assistant director of the daycare center and seized the equipment, video and accident report filed by Spencer about the child’s injuries.

”Detectives went down to interview the people at the learning center. They obtained another copy of the video, found it disturbing and went to secure a warrant for the arrests of the individual,” Shaler Township Police Chief Bryan Kelly said.

The criminal complaint reports that Spencer told the child’s mother that the baby bumped his head on another toy.

Spencer is charged with endangering the welfare of a child, aggravated assault, and intimidation, retaliation or obstruction in a child abuse case.

Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.

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SHALER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — A vehicle collision has tied up traffic on Route 8 in Shaler Township.

It happened around 7:30 a.m. Thursday near the intersection of Spencer Lane.

People traveling through the area should anticipate additional commute time.

No injury information was provided.

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SHALER TWP. (KDKA) — Traffic on Route 8 may be more unpleasant than usual tomorrow.

On Friday, April 28, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., there will be periodic closures near Pennview Street in the north and southbound lanes.

The closings will be for approximately 15 minutes every 40 minutes throughout the day, subject to change depending on traffic.

A contractor will be delivering beams for the Pennview Street bridge replacement.

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SHALER (KDKA) — The Shaler Township Police Department and the FBI’s Pittsburgh Division are investigating a bank robbery that happened Saturday morning.

The robbery took place around 10:45 a.m. at the Next Tier Bank in the 1600-block of Babcock Boulevard.

According to police, a man entered the bank, approached a teller, and passed the teller a note that indicated he had a gun. The man took an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the scene on foot.

Police say no weapon was seen during the robbery and no one was injured.

The suspect is described as a black male. He is approximately 6 feet tall. At the time of the robbery, he was wearing a blue Puma jacket with a white stripe and a Pirates baseball hat. He was also wearing a glove.

Anyone with information on this robbery should contact Shaler police at (412) 492-2222 ex. 422 or contact the Pittsburgh Field Office of the FBI.

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SHALER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — Two women are facing charges after police say undercover officers busted them for alleged prostitution.

According to the criminal complaint, Escort Babylon is the internet site Allegheny County Police detectives used to track down illegal activity going on inside a house on Park Street in Shaler Township.

The ad stated, “Fine female with curves that don’t quit looking to help you relieve your stress.” It also had photos of the woman it was referring to, investigators said.

A detective went undercover and called the number listed, set up a meeting and then showed up at the home.

Brittany Vareha, 27, let him in the house and pointed to the third floor where investigators say 41-year-old Malinda Chalmers was waiting. Chalmers told the detective the visit would cost $60, then told him to get comfortable.

Detectives with Allegheny County and Shaler Township police quickly moved in and arrested Chalmers. The criminal complaint reports she told detectives she had been actively involved in prostitution for the past few weeks.

Police say they also found pills, a stamp bag of heroin and other drug paraphernalia in her dresser drawer. Police say Chalmers’ 15-year-old son was in a back bedroom during the entire incident.

Vareha was also arrested on an outstanding warrant.

Police say they found her in a second-floor, locked bathroom with drug paraphernalia. Vareha’s 4-year-old son was in the living room. The boy was handed over to his grandmother and CYF was notified.

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Both are facing charges of endangering the welfare of children and prohibited acts. Chalmers is also charged with prostitution. They were taken to the Allegheny County Jail and have preliminary hearings are scheduled for May 18.

Allegheny County Police is handling the investigation.

SHALER (KDKA) — Shaler Township police officers are searching for an assault suspect considered armed and dangerous.

Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for David Interthal, 33. He is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, terroristic threats, and harassment.

The charges stem from an incident reported to police at 4 a.m. this morning.

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Interthal allegedly stabbed on person and physically injured another, in addition to threatening a juvenile with a knife.

He was last seen fleeing Badali Street in a charcoal colored 2011 Jeep PA registration JXR4267.

If anyone knows the whereabouts of Interthal, please contact 911.

SHALER (KDKA) – A PennDOT crew helped to rescue 10 ducklings from a storm drain in Shaler.

Jackie Mudd was driving to Eat’n Park on Route 8 in Shaler, when she saw the mother and her 10 ducklings crossing the road.

As they neared the sidewalk, the ducklings fell through a grate and into a storm drain.

(Photo Credit: Brenda Waters/KDKA)

Mudd called 911 and a PennDOT crew responded around 9:45 a.m. The crew shut down a lane of Route 8 and got to work. With assistance from the Shaler Fire Department, they were able to rescue all 10 ducklings by 12:15 p.m.

The ducklings were unharmed and released in the woods nearby.

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SHALER (KDKA) – A section of Route 8 is back open again after an ice cream truck went off the road and flipped into Pine Creek in Shaler Township on Tuesday afternoon.

The incident happened near the intersection of Route 8 and Elfinwild Road around 2 p.m.

The Hershey’s box truck was traveling north on Route 8 when it seemingly hit the guard rail, went out of control and landed in the middle of the creek.

“I heard a big screech, and I turned and I saw a truck, mid-air flip into the creek,” said witness Cody Klosky. “I actually saw him hit the guard rail. At that second, he was already airborne.”

There’s no word yet on what caused the crash.

Emergency crews had to cut the driver out of the truck. Once freed, he was able to walk to an ambulance, where he was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Witnesses said he was bloodied and complained of some leg pain.

Hazmat and the DEP were called to the scene due to gasoline and other truck fluids that began leaking in the creek.

Route 8 was closed in both directions between Duncan Avenue and Elfinwild Road. It reopened before 5 p.m.

Meanwhile, the crash left witnesses shaken.

“I am still shaking and that was an hour ago,” said Klosky.

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SHALER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — Police in Shaler Township and Bethel Park are looking for the same man in connection with two bank robberies within hours of each other earlier today.

An arrest warrant has been issued for 40-year-old Jason Betz.

(Source: Shaler Township Police)

Shaler Police say he will face several charges, including two counts of robbery, and one count each of simple assault and terroristic threats. Bethel Park Police say he has an extensive criminal history.

The first robbery happened in Shaler around 11 a.m. at the Citizen’s Bank in the Giant Eagle on Butler Plank Road.

According to police, no weapon was used and no injuries were reported.

Shaler PD has obtained an arrest warrant for Jason Betz in connection with the bank robbery at the Citizen’s Bank in the Shaler Giant Eagle pic.twitter.com/eTbQiHTbN9

— ShalerTownshipPolice (@PoliceShaler) June 8, 2017

Then, around 12:30 p.m. police in Bethel Park say the Citizen’s Bank in the Giant Eagle on Library Road was robbed. Police say they positively identified the suspect as Betz.

Police say Betz passed the teller a note and then got away with an undetermined amount of money.

He got away in a white Dodge Caravan that headed northbound on Library Road, toward Castle Shannon.

Betz is also wanted on a parole violation.

He is described as a white male, balding with a light beard. He was wearing a dark hoodie with the Pittsburgh Penguins logo on the right side, dark-colored shorts and shoes.

Anyone with information on Betz’s whereabouts is urged to call 911 immediately, or the Bethel Park Police Department at 412-833-2000.

Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.

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CARLISLE, Pa. (KDKA) — A man wanted for multiple bank robberies was caught as he tried to leave town on a Greyhound bus Saturday.

According to the Shaler Township Police Department, 40-year-old Jason Betz was taken into custody with assistance from Pennsylvania State Police.

(Source: Shaler Township Police)

The Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office says authorities began searching for Betz on Wednesday after he was seen at Pyramid Healthcare/Rehab in Wilkinsburg, where he stole the keys to an employee’s mini-van. The sheriff’s office says Betz was a former resident of the rehab center.

Betz was then determined to be responsible for two bank robberies on Thursday. Both took place at Citizens Bank branches inside Giant Eagle stores. One was in Shaler Township, and the other was in Bethel Park.

The stolen mini-van was recovered in Lawrenceville on Friday morning.

Police received a tip Saturday morning that Betz was travelling out of town on a Greyhound bus. Greyhound officials say the bus left Pittsburgh just after 6:30 a.m. and was heading to Philadelphia.

Troopers located the bus and made a traffic stop near Carlisle. He was taken into custody without incident and has been lodged in the Cumvberland County Jail.

Greyhound officials say no customers were affected by the incident, and the bus continued safely on to Philadelphia.

Shaler Police say he will face several charges, including two counts of robbery, and one count each of simple assault and terroristic threats. Bethel Park Police say Betz has an extensive criminal history.

Betz was also wanted on a parole violation.

A third robbery took place Thursday afternoon at a Citizens Bank inside a Giant Eagle in Monroeville, but police did not officially determine if Betz was involved in that robbery.

Betz was previously arrested for robbing multiple Citizens Bank branches inside Giant Eagle stores in 2011.

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SHALER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — Police say a man wanted in connection to a burglary in Shaler may be armed.

Shaler Township Police have an arrest warrant for 34-year-old David Interthal in connection to a burglary at Hoffman Tree Service. It happened just before 10:30 a.m.

Photo: Shaler Township Police Department

Interthal is facing a number of charges including burglary, criminal trespass and causing or risking a catastrophe.

Police say Interthal may be armed with a knife and anyone who sees him is urged to use caution and call 911.

According to a criminal complaint, Interthal was arrested and charged with aggravated assault back in May for stabbing the owner of Hoffman Tree Service.