Collegeville Woman, Limerick Police Commended

Limerick Township Police Chief William Albany presented several commendations at Tuesday night's Limerick Township board of supervisors meeting.

First up was Collegeville resident Regina Phillips, who was recognized for her role in apprehending an from Kohl's several months ago. 

Reading from the Citizen's Commendation, Albany said that Phillips had arrived at Kohl's on the morning of June 18 when she noticed a suspicious man exiting the Kohl's. Phillips later told police that the man was trying to cover his face.

She also saw store employees come out of the store and appear to be searching for someone.

Phillips noted the make and model of the suspect's car and that his license plate was covered with blue painters' tape.

When store employees called police, Phillips relayed what she saw to police. Acting on her description of the car, they were able to stop and arrest David P. Piergrossi.

Albany presented Officer Chris Wienczek with a Commendation of Merit for his role in the Piergrossi arrest. 

According to the commendation, Wienczek saw a vehicle matching Phillips' description and noticed remnants of blue painters' tape on the license plate. 

Wienczek stopped the vehicle and made the arrest. In searching the car, Wienczek found a pellet gun and the stolen items.

Officer Brian Tyler received a Commendation of Merit for his work in arresting James Murray, Jr., who was later determined to be responsible for a in Limerick and Upper Providence townships. 

According to the commendation, Tyler stopped Murray earlier in the day but released him because he was not committing any criminal activity. At that time, Murray had tools in a backpack that he told Tyler were for work.

Tyler continued to observe Murray while reporting the incident to detectives. After it was discovered that Murray had violated probation in another case, an arrest warrant was issued.

At about the same time, Tyler saw Murray exit his home and appear to be hiding objects in the woods. Tyler approached Murray, who then allegedly threatened Tyler with a hammer before being subdued and arrested.

Albany said in the commendation that Tyler's work led directly to the arrest of Murray and later the arrest of a second suspect. 

Finally, Albany presented a Unit Citation to members of Patrol Platoon 1: Sgt. Ed Ciaciak, Officers David Bartok, Chis Iochum, Brian Tyler, and Steven DeAngelis, and Detectives Ernie Morris and Matt Daywalt.

Albany recognized the entire unit for their work on the Murray case. 

Board chairman Kara Shuler thanked Phillips and all the Limerick officers for their contributions.