Plymouth Police Announce the Passing of K-9 Officer Nick, Brad Fox's Partner

Photo Credit: Plymouth Township Police

PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA - Today, via social media, Plymouth Township Police announced the passing of former K-9 Nick. Nick was the beloved partner to Officer Brad Fox who was wounded in the line of duty the same night Officer Fox was taken from us. Nick was a hero who never left Officer Fox's side. Nick enjoyed the final years of his life with Officer Fox's family. Both Plymouth Township Police and Officer Fox's wife, Lyndsay have released statements.

Statement from Officer Fox's wife, Lyndsay "It is with heavy heart that I share that we will be saying goodbye to our sweet Nick. I feel like I could write so much about my boy, but I’ll try to keep it short and sweet. He handled his sudden retirement with grace and although he had many working years left in him, with our family is where he needed to be. He has been with us for almost 10 years now but For the past almost 9 years he has been our family's protector. He has also been so much more than that to me. He saw me at every single moment of my worst days. He was my shoulder to cry on after Brad was killed. He has always been my constant comfort. He is the only one other than me that felt all 4 babies kick inside my belly and were there when all 4 babies came home. You became their instant protective big brother He’s been my snuggle bug. He has been my co pilot for every shore trip, trip down to Penn for his chemo treatments, and any time he wanted to take a car ride to take the kiddos to and from school or sports. Always had to be right in the front seat next to me. Despite his destructiveness, I could never stay mad at him for long, even when I swore I needed a bank account to fund all of the furniture he destroyed he still remained the most loyal, loving boy. Through a graze bullet wound on that dreaded life changing day almost 9 years ago, to 2 rounds of weekly chemo treatments for a total of close to 9 months over the past year and a half for lymphoma, he has remained the strongest and most resilient dog I have ever seen, only to have his bones attacked with more cancer. I’d be selfish at this point to extend his life when for the first time ever, I’m witnessing him in true pain and discomfort. Nick, nobody will ever understand the bond between us, but you have been my rock and I could never repay you for your endless love, protection, and loyalty to our family, especially the kids. I’ve dreaded this day since your first cancer diagnosis, but I know it’s time for you to be back with daddy in heaven. I will never forget the day daddy brought you home and introduced you as his new K9 partner, or the day you finished training, and the day you officially received your badge. He was so excited to work with you, and so proud. We’ve had 10 amazing years with you, but now it’s time for daddy to get the years with you that he was cheated of. Partners again I will miss you so much my little rabbit chasing, bird eating, furniture destroying knucklehead. Always know that you were loved beyond words. Until we meet again.

I want to say thank you to the staff at Penn vet as well as Trooper vet for ALWAYS giving Nick the best care and so much love. Never once have I ever felt that Nick was just another patient. Everyone always knew Nick first hand or of Nick, no matter who was seeing him that day. Everyone loved our Nicky boy and I mean honestly, how could you not?! thank you for loving and caring for him like your own and always being so readily available to answer my emails, questions or concerns. We are so blessed to have had top notch care for our boy from day 1.

Memorial contributions in Nick’s honor can be made to: Penn Vet Working Dog Center by visiting: https://giving.apps.upenn.edu/fund?program=VT2&fund=602320"

Plymouth Township Police added, "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of K-9 Officer Nick. Nick was the K-9 partner of Plymouth Township Police Officer Brad Fox. On the day that Officer Fox was murdered, Nick remained by Brad's side, even after Nick himself had been shot.

Following Nick's recovery, he went on to live with Brad's wife Lyndsay and their children. We are saddened at Nick's passing, but remain ever grateful that he was able to act as a friend, comforter and protector for Brad's Family.

We wish you everlasting peace."

Link to RIP Officer Brad Fox Facebook Page

Link to Plymouth Township Police Facebook Page

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Our Town Alley Issues Statement, Police Identify Suspect

We heard for the first time from the Management at Our Town Alley, where they expressed their dismay at the actions which took place on Saturday night and made a commitment to ensure they take steps to ensure it does not happen again.

"Our Town Alley management and staff are devastated by the violence that occurred at our establishment Saturday evening, February 20, 2021. Our prayers are with the victims, their families, and our entire community, which has been rattled by this unusual incident.

Going back to its days as Facenda Whitaker Lanes, Our Town Alley has always been a safe place where families come to enjoy themselves, a place for friends and camaraderie. As East Norriton Township Chief of Police Brandon Pasquale told news outlets, this incident is an anomaly, an uncommon occurrence in our neighborhood. It follows a year that has been tough on our business, our patrons, and our community because of the pandemic.

Just as we have been recovering from this difficult past year, we will also recover from this event. We affirm our mission to maintain a family-friendly, fun entertainment center. We are committed to working with authorities, security experts, and community leaders to make sure nothing like this happens again at our establishment."

This afternoon we also heard from Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele and East Norriton Police Chief Brandon Pasquale issued the statement below.

"Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and East Norriton Police Chief Brandon Pasquale announce the filing of charges against Jamel Barnwell, 17, of Upper Darby, related to the shooting that occurred inside Our Town Bowling Lanes in East Norriton Township last night that left one person dead and four others injured. The deceased man was identified as Frank Wade, 29, of Philadelphia.

On Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, at approximately 6:43 p.m., East Norriton Police responded to Our Town Bowling Lanes at 2912 Swede Street for multiple 911 calls reporting shots fired inside the business. Upon arrival, East Norriton officers located the victim, Frank Wade, deceased in the bowling alley entrance area, as well as four other victims who had been shot: Yahnirr Brooks, 21; Shamir Jones, 31; Robert Oliver, 26; and Ahmir Simmons, 19. All five victims are related and were at the bowling alley together. At the scene, detectives recovered 15 fired 45-caliber cartridge casings as well as five projectiles—one in the ceiling and four in the floor.

Montgomery County Detectives and East Norriton Police launched a joint homicide investigation. Through video surveillance and witness interviews, the investigation found that three men, one of whom was identified as Barnwell, entered the bowling alley at approximately 6:39 p.m. At 6:42 p.m., a physical altercation involving the victims and the three suspects ensued. Barnwell pulled a firearm with an extended magazine from inside his jacket and begins shooting. Then the three men fled the bowling alley, leaving behind three cell phones, one of which belonged to Barnwell.

“This shooting that left one man dead and another four injured is another act of violence by someone who is not allowed to own or possess a gun,” said Steele. “We are searching for all three men involved and are asking for the public’s help in finding the shooter, Barnwell. If you see him, do not approach him as he is considered armed and dangerous having fled the bowling alley with the gun he used to kill Frank Wade. Call 911 immediately.”

An autopsy on Wade’s body was conducted today by the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office, which determined that the cause of death is multiple gunshot wounds and the manner of death is homicide.

A warrant was issued today for Barnwell to face charges of First-Degree Murder, Third-Degree Murder, Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault, Reckless Endangerment, Possessing an Instrument of Crime and related charges. Detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating Barnwell, who should be considered armed and dangerous. Barnwell is a Black male, 6-feet, 1-inch tall, and weighs approximately 150 pounds.

If anyone has information on Barnwell’s whereabouts or the other two men involved, they are asked to call the Montgomery County Detective Bureau’s Crime Tip Line at 610-278-DOIT (3648). Or submit an anonymous text tip using Montco Crime Tips on the STOPit! app. The STOPit! app can be downloaded for free from the App Store for iPhones or Google Play for Androids, then use code MONTCOPA to get the Montgomery County version of the app.

CRIMINAL CHARGES, AND ANY DISCUSSION THEREOF, ARE MERELY ALLEGATIONS AND ALL DEFENDANTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL AND UNLESS PROVEN GUILTY."

While they would not comment on an existing criminal record, the DA simply said the suspect is not allowed to have a gun, they did have a mug shot of the Barnwell and other pictures of him with his gun they recovered from his cell phone which he left without when fleeing all pictured below.

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East Norriton Police Ask for Calm, Unity, and Patience as Investigation Continues

Shooting at Local Bowling Alley Leaves 4 shot, 1 dead, reports

East Norriton Police Ask for Calm, Unity, and Patience as Investigation Continues

Local Facebook pages are loaded with a ton of information regarding last night's shooting at East Norriton's Our Town Alley. so much so East Norriton Police have asked for community unity, patience, and calm in the wake of such a tragic event, even claiming a lot of what they are seeing shared on their page is false or misleading.

From Roxborough to Lower Providence this story has scared the greater community deep and wide. People have been sharing their stories of escaping from the scene, some even breaking windows to escape. Others have shared details from the scene including one local resident who scooped up a toddler who was alone in the chaos before being reunited with Dad once outside. A mother shared how her two kids were at the alley with a grandparent and she received a text from her daughter saying she did not want to die.

According to 911_Philly, an internet blog that tracks murder victims in the city of Philadelphia, and a supporting post from Haneefa Stanford who identifies herself as the victim's wife, the victim of last night's incident is Frank Wade of South Philadelphia.

Photo Credit: instagram.com/911philly and instagram.com/haneefa__40

Haneefa shared this picture on Instagram with the caption, "I can't sleep, I would do anything to bring you back, please" If you would like to offer words of condolences, you can use this link here.

East Norriton Police have issued the following update, "2/21/2021 UPDATE: I see a lot of posts on here with people attacking one another over what appears to be misinformation in some cases. This is a tragic event outside of the norm for our community. It is shocking and appalling to us all.

I would encourage everyone on here to remember there are victims that have suffered the loss of a loved one and others with injuries that have long-lasting impacts on friends and families. There is also the ripple effect this event has on our community and Our Town Alley. Stay together and support one another.

I am proud of the work of the men and women of East Norriton Township Police Department for how they responded to this incident. This is not the type of incident we are used to seeing but it is something we talk about and train for. We had an outstanding response from our Law Enforcement Partners. Their mutual aid support has been outstanding. You can have confidence, this is a safe community and the men and women in East Norriton Township Police Department were prepared for the events last night. This does not mean we are immune from every evil.

We thank the many neighboring Police Departments, Fire Departments, Ambulance, and County Detectives, and County Emergency Management. We had amazing response from everyone including our local businesses, the school district and private partners. They opened businesses and provided transportation to witnesses and officers who needed to get out of the freezing cold weather and use restroom facilities.

The investigators by East Norriton Township Police, and Montgomery County Detective Bureau worked overnight and are still working diligently to identify suspects. Their work and cooperation has been nothing short of impressive.

Stay tuned...the County will be making a statement and providing additional information and details around noon."

No further update has been released at the time of publishing and there is no indication of who they are referring to when the statement says "I". This is a developing story, please check back. Did you enjoy this article? Take these steps to keep informed

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