L.M. Police Stop Ends in Prison Sentence | Increased Holiday Travel

Author

Jamie Buck
December 20, 2023

In Today’s Huntingdon Valley Insider:

📅 Wed Dec 20. Sangria Day
🚔 L.M. Police Stop Ends in Prison Sentence
🚙 Increased Holiday Travel This Week
🚨 Montgomery County Burglary Ring
⛅️ Weather Watch
🏈 Sports Scene
🎭 Events & Entertainment
🎖️ Local Business Directory
💁‍♂️ Feature your Business + Support Local HV Businesses

👀 for best viewing, Read Online

Lower Moreland Police Stop Ends in Prison Sentence for Drug Possession

Aramis Isaiah Matos, a 27-year-old man from Philadelphia, has been sentenced to 2 to 4 years in a state correctional facility following a traffic stop by Lower Moreland police that led to the discovery of heroin in his vehicle. The sentence, imposed by Judge Virgil B. Walker in Montgomery County Court, comes after Matos pleaded guilty to a felony charge of possession with intent to deliver controlled substances related to the November 2021 incident.

A Lower Moreland police officer noticed an Acura sedan without a displayed registration plate on the 2500 block of Philmont Avenue. The officer observed Matos exiting the vehicle, retrieving a registration plate from the rear seating area, and showing it to the officer. Matos and his passenger, from the Kensington section of Philadelphia, were unable to explain why they were in the area.

Upon searching the vehicle, with Matos's consent, police found about 210 suspected heroin packets in the trunk, alongside a catalytic converter that appeared to have been stolen. The discovery of a cordless reciprocating saw with metal shavings in the car led police to suspect involvement in the theft of catalytic converters, a pattern of crime in the area.

Matos indicated that the catalytic converter was stolen from a vehicle in Philadelphia. Given the packaging and volume of heroin found, and the absence of paraphernalia for personal use, it was determined that the drugs were intended for distribution.

Increased Holiday Travel in PA, Amidst Favorable Weather Outlook

Travelers in surrounding region are preparing for their journeys. According to AAA, around 115.2 million people are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home during the 10-day year-end holiday travel period, marking a 2.2 percent increase from last year. The most congested travel day is projected to be Saturday, December 23.

For those traveling in PA through Christmas Day, the weather conditions appear favorable for both road and air travel. High pressure is expected to bring calm weather to major East Coast travel hubs, including Washington, D.C., New York City, Boston, and Atlanta, with limited weather-related delays or cancellations anticipated, as per AccuWeather.

The National Weather Service provides a detailed forecast for the Philadelphia area, predicting mostly sunny days with highs in the low to mid-40s, and lows in the mid to high 20s and 30s leading up to Christmas Day, which is expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 50.

Montgomery County Hit by Well-Organized Burglary Ring; Police Issue Warning

Montgomery County is currently facing a significant challenge with a "well-organized" burglary ring that has been actively targeting the area for several months, according to police warnings. These burglaries, characterized by similar methods and patterns, have become particularly concentrated in Upper Merion Township over the past week.

The burglaries typically occur between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., although there have been instances when they've happened later. The perpetrators primarily gain entry through rear windows and focus on quickly locating and stealing valuables such as safes or jewelry before swiftly exiting the property.

Authorities are urging residents to take several precautionary measures to safeguard their homes:

  1. Keep Exterior Lights On: Illuminating the outside of homes at night can deter burglars who often rely on darkness for cover.

  2. Invest in Home Security Systems: Security systems can act as a significant deterrent to potential burglars and can alert homeowners and authorities of any unauthorized entry.

  3. Monitor Suspicious Vehicles: Residents are encouraged to be vigilant and report any unfamiliar or suspicious vehicles in their neighborhoods.

  4. Maintain Shrubs and Bushes: Keeping shrubbery well-trimmed ensures that burglars cannot use them as hiding spots.

Today is…

National Sangria Day, a day to celebrate the delightful Spanish concoction known as Sangria. This punch, traditionally spiked with wine and infused with fruits, is a refreshing treat enjoyed by many. Whether you prefer red or white Sangria, this beverage is known for its ability to evoke the feeling of a summer day on the sunny beaches of Spain. It's a perfect occasion to indulge in this beloved drink and cherish its refreshing taste.

A Series on Managing The Holiday Season

TIP 48: Ask Good Questions

When you're with your extended family, seize the opportunity to deepen your connections beyond small talk. Engage in meaningful conversations by asking thoughtful questions that show genuine interest in their lives.

For example, you could ask your grandparents about their most valuable marriage advice or inquire about your young nephew's favorite superhero and his reasons for choosing them. If you're looking for inspiration for engaging, fun, or thought-provoking questions, consider using tools like the 'Questions for Humans Conversation Cards' to spark lively and memorable discussions.

🎄Pro Holiday Light Displays:
The Macy’s Christmas Light Show
Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show
Lumino City Holiday Lights Festival
Holiday Garden Railway
A Longwood Christmas
Rose Tree Park Festival of Lights & Holiday Village
Electrical Spectacle Light Show

🎄Local Home Holiday Light Displays:
Brendan Cir & Terwood Rd, Huntingdon Valley
2188 Schaeffer Rd, Abington
600 Orchard Way, Hatboro
Maloney Lights 644 Cypress Rd, Warminster
Overlook Ave, Willow Grove (Lights synched to music every day 5-7pm)

Now Thru Dec 25
Follow The Star: A 2023 Adventure
Month-Long Grand Illumination

Sun Dec 24
Christmas Eve

Mon Dec 25
Merry Christmas!

Have an Event you want us to list?

🏈 Eagles 

Following the Philadelphia Eagles' third consecutive loss, this time a 20-17 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks, quarterback Jalen Hurts expressed concern about the team's commitment level. Post-game, Hurts commented that the team isn't "committed enough" to secure wins.

The Eagles held the lead for most of the game until the Seahawks' Drew Lock led a 92-yard drive, culminating in a late touchdown by Jaxon Smith-Njigba. This put Seattle ahead with just 28 seconds left.

Philadelphia's efforts to tie the game were thwarted when Hurts was intercepted by Seahawks safety Julian Love. This marked Hurts' second interception of the night and his 12th of the season, placing him among the top players in the league for interceptions thrown.

🏒 Flyers

Through 30 games of this season, the Philadelphia Flyers have been a good hockey team. That is a statement that can be made without qualification, as the team has a 17-10-3 record and currently sits firmly in a playoff spot — in second place! — in the thought-to-be-crowded Metropolitan Division.

Their points percentage and goal differential are both 10th-best in the NHL and fourth-best in the Eastern Conference. They’ve been firmly in the top half of the league by any bottom-line performance metric. They have been good.

🏀 Sixers

Why, despite the losses, there are positives from the Sixers’ late-game possessions. The last two times the Sixers had a chance to win or tie a game on the final possession they came up short. The positive: they got great looks both times.

Coming off six straight wins against woefully bad opponents, a mediocre one gave them issues. While Joel Embiid (40 points) and Tyrese Maxey (29 points) did what they were supposed to, the Sixers got little from their supporting cast. Sixers not named Embiid or Maxey combined to shoot just 14-of-37 from the floor.

Want us to Feature YOUR Local Business?

If you OWN a local business and would like to be featured in front of a growing following of Huntingdon Valley area residents OR if you absolutely LOVE a local business we wanna know! Tap your option below👇

✅ OWN a Local Business? Get Featured!

❤️ LOVE a Local Business? Tell Us!

Join the conversation

or to participate.