Charged with murder

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Three men were taken into custody and charged with the beating death of a 22-year-old following Saturday’s Phillies-Cardinals game.

David Sale Jr., of Lansdale, died at 7:39 p.m. at Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where he was taken in critical condition with head and chest trauma, Officer Beth O’Brien of the Police Public Affairs Unit said.

Investigators believe a spilled beer sparked the violence that allegedly began inside McFadden’s Pub at about 7 p.m. and carried over to a Citizens Bank Park parking lot.

Charles Bowers

Charles Bowers, 35, of the 6100 block of Bustleton Avenue in the Northeast; James Groves, 45, of the 800 block of East Almond Street; and Francis Kirchner, 28, of the 1200 block of Palmer Street are accused of holding down Sale and kicking him until he lost consciousness, police said. Groves and Kirchner are both from Fishtown and, according to a police source, Bowers was formerly from that neighborhood.

James Groves

When police arrived, the fight was in progress and officers were able to arrest Bowers and Groves on the spot, Lt. Frank Vanore of the Police Public Affairs Unit said. Kirchner had already taken off in a car, but surrendered shortly before 6 p.m. Monday, police said. All three were charged with murder, aggravated assault, simple assault, criminal conspiracy, recklessly endangering another person and related charges.

Francis Kirchner

Sale was part of a bachelor party of about eight men, while the suspects belonged to a bar tour from Fishtown of about 30 males, police said. It’s unclear who spilled the beverage, but once things heated up inside the eatery, security tossed both parties outside where the confrontation continued in parking lot M at Seventh Street and Pattison Avenue, police said. Vanore said it was unclear who called 911 nor could he say if that call was placed from McFadden’s.

Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey has called the incident "ignorant" and "makes absolutely no sense," citing it as yet another example of the "senseless violence" that plagues Philadelphia.

According to the Police Public Affairs Unit, Sale’s family has asked all media not to contact them because they do not wish to be interviewed.

"As you can imagine this is a very tragic and difficult time for their family," a police spokesperson said.

Shot in the foot

While fleeing from two men on bikes who began firing at him, a 19-year-old sustained a gunshot blast to his right foot.

Police responding to a report of gunshots at Fourth and Greenwich streets were flagged down by the teen in Friday’s incident that occurred shortly before 10 p.m., Detective Danielle Tolliver of South Detective Division said. The wounded man told police he and a friend of the same age were walking in the area when the duo rode up and opened fire on him. A bullet struck the victim as he bolted, while his pal escaped harm. The offenders fled the scene on their bikes, going in an unknown direction.

Medic 43 transported the teen to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in good condition.

To report information, call South Detectives at 215-686-3013.

Pointed encounter

While charging his cellphone in a friend’s kitchen, a man heard a stranger’s voice telling him not to move. When he turned around, the victim spotted a gloved hand holding a silver automatic handgun that was aimed at him through a crack in the ajar rear door of the room. Afraid for his life, the victim ran out the front door and called police.

The bizarre incident occurred at about 4:45 a.m. Monday on the 2000 block of South Bucknell Street, where the 21-year-old and his friend were sitting on the steps of the latter’s home prior to the encounter, Detective Danielle Tolliver of South Detectives said.

Nothing was taken from the residence or the victim and the latter could not see anything beyond the gun because the only illumination in the kitchen was from a stove light.

Arrest in carjacking

Police nabbed a 32-year-old shortly after he allegedly assaulted and carjacked an acquaintance Saturday.

At about 1:15 a.m., the victim and the suspect, later identified as Terry Cornish of the 2500 block of Bellford Street, got into an argument, allegedly prompting Cornish to strike the 46-year-old in the head with an unknown object and then take off in his silver 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix, with keys inside, in an unknown direction. After the wounded man called the cops, a medic took him to HUP in stable condition for a large laceration to the head.

Shortly after the incident, 17th District police in the area of the 1400 block of Hicks Street saw a vehicle matching a description of the stolen wheels, Detective Danielle Tolliver of South Detectives said. Tailing the car east on Dickinson, south on 15th to Moore then west on Moore, police signaled for the driver to pull over at 18th and Moore streets, where Cornish allegedly jumped out and fled on foot, going south on 18th. After a brief foot chase down 18th, the suspect was taken into custody and charged with possession of an instrument of crime, aggravated and simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, robbery, carjacking, theft and unauthorized use of an auto.

Grounded

A group of men wearing dark attire mugged a 29-year-old after they ordered him to the pavement at gunpoint. The victim in Monday’s incident that occurred shortly before 11 p.m. was unharmed, but in the red $80, his house keys and a BlackBerry.

The victim was walking on the 2500 block of South 19th Street when about five men approached on foot, one pulling a black handgun out and ordering him to the ground. The accomplices fished through the victim’s pockets, removing said items, before taking off on foot towards 25th Street.

The men were described as black, in their mid-20s, about 5-foot-8 to 6-foot-2 with medium builds and wearing all black clothing.

Thinking fast

A robbery victim who attempted to run from his attackers — only to be caught and assaulted — threw his wallet to the ground and was spared further harm.

At about 11:30 p.m. Sunday, the 32-year-old was walking on the 1200 block of Morris Street when he heard footsteps behind him, Detective Danielle Tolliver of South Detectives said. Moments later, he was punched in the face and taken to the ground, where the pummeling continued and from where he threw what his muggers wanted. The thugs grabbed his tossed wallet that contained $40, credit and debit cards and other identification and ran from the scene in an unknown direction.

The victim called police from his cellphone and was taken to a local hospital, where he was treated and released for cuts to his face, legs and arms.

Bill would require DNA sample

John Walsh, host of the television show "America’s Most Wanted," co-founder of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and father of a murdered son, joined state Rep. Dennis M. O’Brien July 22 for a press conference at Police Headquarters, Eighth and Race streets, to announce introduction of House Bill 292. The bill would require the collection of a DNA sample upon an arrest for felony crimes.

Family fun festival

The 3rd and 4th police districts are hosting a free Family Day/Community Festival 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 8 in Annunciation B.V.M.’s parking lot, 1100 Wharton St., with games, a moon bounce, entertainment and activities for all ages.

For more information, contact 3rd District Community Relations Officer Juan "Ace" Delgado at 215-686-3033.