Swarthmore Police Department Report - July 8 to 22, 2019

July 8 - 22, 2019

Storm Damage

On July 22 in the late afternoon, the borough experienced a strong storm that also hit other towns in the area. In Swarthmore, the storm took down several trees, tree limbs, and electrical lines. Most notable was a large tree that fell across N. Chester Road, just south of College Avenue, shutting down the entire roadway for several hours. Several houses sustained damage from falling trees, but no injuries were reported. Many Swarthmore residents [about 130 homes at press time on Tuesday] were left without power, mainly in the northern portion of the borough. Residents are encouraged to contact PECO in the event they lose power, and to dial 911 if any hazardous condition exists.

Accidents

• On July 8 at 2:00 p.m., officers were dispatched to the intersection of Yale and Cornell avenues for an accident that had just occurred. It was determined through investigation that one vehicle was traveling north on Cornell Ave. and a second vehicle traveling west on Yale Ave. The vehicle on Cornell Ave. attempted to cross over Yale Ave., failing to yield to the westbound Yale Ave. traffic. This vehicle struck the westbound Yale Ave. car, with both vehicles sustaining disabling damage and requiring towing from the scene. The driver of one car was observed having a minor injury to her head, and was transported to Springfield Hospital for follow up care.

• The next day at 2:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to the intersection of S. Chester Rd. and Westdale Ave. for a motor vehicle crash that had just occurred. Upon officers’ arrival, one vehicle was lodged in the shrubs that line the property of 306 S. Chester Rd. Witness statements, operator statements, and further investigation showed that one car was driving west on Westdale Ave., and attempted to pull out onto S. Chester Rd. At this time another car was driving north on S. Chester Rd., and as it was entering the intersection of Westdale Ave., the two cars collided. The vehicle on Westdale was pushed into the shrubs of the S. Chester Rd. address, with the driver sustaining minor injuries. That car had to be towed due to disabling damage, while the other car involved was driven from the scene. One operator was transported to Springfield Hospital for follow up treatment.

• On July 17 at 12:00 a.m., officers responded to the area of Wharton Building on Swarthmore College campus for an accident involving two vehicles. One vehicle, towing a trailer, attempted to negotiate a parking maneuver and the trailer struck a parked car. The struck car, unoccupied at the time of the crash, sustained minor damage. No injuries were reported; all driver and vehicle information was obtained, and both vehicles were able to be driven from the scene.

Hedge trimming on S. Chester Road.

Medical Emergencies

Swarthmore Borough Police Dept. responded to nine medical emergencies from July 8 to July 22. Officers assisted responding medics and the Swarthmore ambulance for a variety of medical calls.

Service Alarms

The Police Dept. responded to 10 alarm calls during the period, including false burglar alarms, fire alarms, and panic alarms.