Philly PD finds van loaded with explosives Officers recovered propane tanks & dynamite BY JESSICA SCHLADEBECK, NEW YORK DAILY NEWS PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia police uncovered a van packed with explosives and other suspicious cargo following several nights of unrest over the death of Walter Wallace Jr., a Black man with a history of mental health problems, who was fatally shot during a confrontation with police on Monday October 26th. Officers recovered propane tanks, torches and what appeared to be dynamite sticks from the vehicle Wednesday October 28th. The driver, identified as 41-year-old Brian Larue, had a Delaware license, but investigators traced him to a home in the 1500 block of Lindley Avenue in the city’s Logan section. “We executed a search warrant and found 26 additional explosive devices and a number of guns as well,” said Attorney General Josh Shapiro. The passenger was identified as Philadelphia resident Eric Murray, 27. Shapiro said the men will face felony charges for risking a catastrophe and possessing weapons of mass destruction. The city remained on high alert as authorities continued to investigate. A bomb squad also responded to the scene. After two nights of protests and unrest, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney during a virtual press conference on Wednesday declared a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. citywide. He also announced an undetermined number of National Guard soldiers would begin arriving in the city on Friday to assist officers over the weekend. Gov. Tom Wolf just hours before the curfew was scheduled begin, also signed an emergency proclamation in a bid to curb looting and violence. “Hundreds have gathered peacefully to speak out against social injustices. But their voices are being drowned out by others taking advantage of this time to sow mayhem,” he said. “I signed this proclamation so commonwealth resources can be provided quickly to protect lives and property.” While scattered reports of looting were reported overnight, Philadelphia was otherwise without the violent confrontations and chaos it faced in the days after Wallace was killed by police. The deadly incident sparked outrage in city residents, more than 1,000 of who gathered at Malcolm X Park for a demonstration on Tuesday. The protest eventually turned violent, with more than 23 officers injured by the end of the night. Colorado officer killed in crash The Commerce City Police Department is honoring the career and service of CCPD Detective Curt Holland, 37, who was killed in a double-fatal traffic crash on Highway 2 on Friday, Oct. 16. CCPD also recognizes the loss of local resident Francesca Dominguez, 31, a civilian and Commerce City native who also perished in the crash. The incident occurred just after 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, when a southbound F-350 pickup truck crossed into the northbound lanes of Highway 2 and collided head-on with Det. Holland’s unmarked Commerce City Police Department Ford Explorer and a Kia Soul driven by Ms. Dominguez. The Colorado State Patrol is actively investigating the incident and there is no new information to be released regarding the crash at this time. Statement from Commerce City Chief of Police Clint Nichols On Friday, October 16, Commerce City lost one of our dedicated police officers, Detective Curt Holland, who was killed in a traffic crash on Highway 2. For 4 years, Detective Holland served and protected the residents of this community, serving as a patrol officer and a member of the traffic unit before being promoted to detective earlier this year. He previously worked with the Denver Sheriff’s Department. Detective Holland was an exceptional police officer, a devoted husband and father, and a great man. He was an exceedingly bright person with a great attitude. He was one of our most enthusiastic employees and always seemed to have a smile on his face. He was always eager to take on any task handed to him. He brought his “A-Game” every day. Curt leaves behind his wife, Amanda, and two young children. While our entire community shares in this loss, we especially offer our heartfelt condolences to them, all his family and friends, our CCPD family, and all those who were touched by his service. We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from Commerce City residents, from surrounding communities, and law enforcement agencies near and far. We are especially grateful to the Colorado State Patrol and the Colorado Fallen Heroes Foundation. On behalf of the Commerce City Police Department, we ask that you all keep the families in your thoughts and prayers. 26 The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE The BLUES POLICE MAGAZINE 27
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