Creek Turned Green And Blue, Caused By Northampton Business: Police

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, PA —The creek behind East Elizabeth Lane had turned green and blue, and was bubbling with foam.

That was the call the Northampton Police Department received from a resident on Jan. 25 about hazardous conditions.

Police confirmed the color and foam residue at the creek. And with the help of the Northampton Township Fire Department, police traced the source back to a local business.

The fire department advised the state Department of Environmental Protection DEP and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission was also notified.

Police did not name the business or state whether it received a citation.

The incident was among those the police department reported in its blotter for the period of Jan. 23 to Jan. 29.

During that time, police responded to 20 alarm calls; 21 abandoned 911 calls; 46 medical calls; 7 domestic calls; 11 bookings; 73 traffic monitoring details, and 19 crime prevention details.

Here are the criminal incidents:

01-23-23

Open Door —While on patrol, officers noticed an open garage at a late hour. They spoke with the property owner who had forgotten to close it earlier in the evening. The garage was closed and secured.

Dog Complaint —Patrol responded to Providence Drive for a report of a dog complaint. The complainant stated that a medium-sized tan dog was running loose on their property but had run off prior to police arrival. Officers checked the area, but could not locate the dog.

01-24-23

Fire —Patrol responded to Keenan Lane for a report of a fire in a trash truck. Upon arrival, the Northampton Township Fire Department was also on the scene. The driver indicated that after dumping recyclable cans and crushing the contents, smoke started to come from the vehicle. The contents were unloaded and doused with water by the fire department.

Traffic Accident —Patrol responded to 2nd Street Pike for a report of a one-vehicle accident. The complainant reported traveling on 2nd Street Pike when a deer ran into the roadway and the driver was unable to avoid hitting it. The vehicle sustained minor damage to the front grill and did not require a tow.

Arrest Warrant —Patrol was contacted by Burlington County Jail regarding an individual in their custody who had an open arrest warrant in the township's jurisdiction. The individual agreed to extradition and was transported to Northampton Township Police Department to be processed on the outstanding arrest warrant. They were arraigned and transported to the Bucks County Correctional Facility as they were unable to post bail and had additional outstanding warrants in the Commonwealth.

01-25-23

Hazardous Conditions —Patrol responded to East Elizabeth Lane for a report that the creek behind the lane was turning blue and green. The complainant also reported bubbles and foam. Patrol viewed the blue/green color and foam residue. Patrol, with the help of the Northampton Township Fire Department, traced the source back to a local business. DEP was advised of the incident by the fire department. In addition, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission was also notified.

Vehicle Theft —Patrol responded to East Julianna Drive for a report of a vehicle theft. The complainant stated that their unlocked, work truck with the key in it, was missing. It was last seen on the evening of Jan. 24. A check of the area was made for surveillance video. The case was referred to detectives.

01-26-23

Road Hazard —Patrol responded to Bridgetown Pike for a report of a road hazard. The complainant stated that a tree had fallen and was blocking the roadway. Patrol contacted DPW to remove the tree from the roadway.

Traffic Accident —Patrol responded to Stoneyford Road and Paddock Way for a report of a one-vehicle accident. The complainant states they were traveling on Stoneyford Road when a deer ran out in front of their vehicle and they were unable to avoid hitting hit. The vehicle sustained damage but did not require a tow.

Theft —The complainant came into headquarters to report a theft from their doorstep. The complainant reported that they placed a package on their front step to be picked up for delivery on Jan. 23. The complainant reported that an individual in a grey Ford Taurus pulled up in front of their home and took the packages and left. The value exceeds $2,000. Patrol is checking for surveillance cameras in the area.

01-27-23

Fraud —Patrol responded to a bank in the township for a possible fraud in progress. The complainant stated that they have a person looking to withdraw a very large amount of money. The individual indicated while on their computer they had a pop-up advising of a security alert. They were given a phone number to call which they did, at which point a male threatened that they had purchased pornography and drugs and that they needed to pay $40,000 to clear their computer. Patrol explained that this is a scam that is used. While speaking with the individual, they were on the phone with the scammers, when patrol got on the phone and advised they were now speaking with police, the scammers hung up the phone. The scammers then texted the phone stating they were with the bank and to call back, they were not.

Traffic Accident —Patrol responded to the area of Buck Road and Forrest Drive for a report of a one-vehicle accident. The complainant states they were traveling on Buck Road when a deer ran out in front of them, they were unable to avoid hitting the deer. The vehicle sustained minor damage and did not require a tow.

Traffic Accident —Patrol responded to Newtown-Richboro Road and Rock Way for a report of a three-vehicle accident. Unit #1 while traveling on Newtown-Richboro Road, failed to stop for traffic and struck Unit #2 who then struck Unit #3. All vehicles sustained minor damage and no injuries were reported.

Theft —Patrol responded to Richard Road for a report of stolen catalytic converters. The complainant stated that two of their vehicles were robbed of their catalytic converters while parked outside their business. The scene was processed for evidence and the area was checked for surveillance cameras.

01-28-23

Hit & Run —Patrol responded to Holland Road for a report of a mailbox struck overnight. The complainant stated that their mailbox was struck sometime overnight and that the vehicle had also damaged the grass and curb. A check in the area for surveillance video was successful. Patrol is awaiting the video from a neighbor.

DUI Accident —Patrol received multiple calls for a vehicle driving recklessly and into opposing lanes. While searching the area, patrol came across a vehicle into a fire hydrant which matched the description of the reckless vehicle. Through investigation, the driver was arrested for DUI, processed, and released.

01-29-23

Found Property —Patrol responded to Almshouse Road for a report of found property. The complainant advises while taking the trash out to the dumpster, they found a purse, credit cards, and a tablet near the dumpster. Patrol was able to identify two of the property owners and track one down. The property owner indicated their vehicle had been broken into while it was parked in West Windsor, N.J. Officers then contacted West Windsor Police Department to ascertain if any of the other items found came from any other incidents in their jurisdiction.