Orefield Teen Dies in Lower Macungie Crash

William Bickford, 19, of Orefield was killed in a rollover crash in Lower Macungie on Friday night

An Orefield teen was killed late Friday when he was partially ejected from his car, the car rolled over and he was pinned beneath, according to police. William David Bickford, 19, was driving southbound on Route 309 at 10:59 p.m. when he lost control of his car on a left-hand curve, according to state police at Fogelsville. His 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt went onto the shoulder and struck a concrete barrier of the Interstate 78 overpass. The car continued for about 100 feet before rolling and partially ejecting Bickford. Police said he was not wearing a seat belt. The Lehigh County coroner's office was called, police said. Area roadways were wet because of daylong rain, but police did not say whether that contributed to the accident. Emergency …

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Crime and Fire

Driver Rescued from Tipped Vehicle

He is moderately hurt at Lower Macungie intersection where accident occurred a week before, police say.

A driver was moderately hurt and had to be rescued by firefighters Friday after his car was struck by another and landed on its side in Lower Macungie Township, according to police. Bernard C. Schwindenhammer, 74, of 3120 Diamond Ave., Allentown, was preparing to make a left turn from the northbound turning lane on Route 222 at 9:49 a.m., according to state police at Fogelsville. The traffic light was yellow. Another car, driven by Raymond J. Bleiler, 80, of North Whales, Montgomery County, approached the intersection with Krocks Road on southbound Route 222. Police said Schwindenhammer began to turn left onto Krocks Road, believing that Bleiler was going to stop for the traffic light. Bleiler braked but was unable to avoid a collision …

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Crime and Fire

At Least 7 Reported Hurt in Lower Macungie Crash

Accident with rescue is on Hamilton Boulevard near Interstate 78, scanner reports say.

Seven or eight patients reportedly were hurt Saturday night in a serious accident requiring rescue in Lower Macungie Township, according to scanner reports. At least five ambulances were dispatched about 8:25 p.m. to Hamilton Boulevard and Interstate 78 for a motor vehicle accident with trapped victims, according to scanner reports. An unconfirmed report stated a car was overturned with three children trapped. A transmission from the EMS officer in charge confirmed seven or eight patients, but did not detail the severity or age. A later transmission from the fire officer in charge stated that two victims were extricated. Three vehicles were involved, according to an emergency news service. No details about the cause of the accident were …

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We Remember...Sept. 11, 2001

Macungie Police Chief Traveled to NYC to Help After the Twin Towers Attacks

After the planes hit the World Trade Center, the NYPD called nearby police departments for help.

Just as millions of other Americans, Macungie Police Chief Ed Harry  turned on the television the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, just in time to see a plane hit the second of the Twin Towers. His wife had alerted Harry – who was then the chief of the Hazleton police force – just as he was preparing for a meeting with the mayor. Again just as millions of Americans, Harry stared in disbelief. Then he separated himself from the millions who watched to become one of the few who responded. The New York City Police Department sent out a request to nearby police departments, one of which Hazleton was considered. To be prepared for any eventuality, the New York Police Department asked for help from police in several neighboring states. Harry responded…

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