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Controversy brewing in Collingdale, Pennsylvania, over potential plan to hire new police chief under investigation

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Controversy brewing in Collingdale, Pennsylvania, over potential plan to hire new police chief under investigation


Tuesday’s meeting in Collingdale ended early after a heated debate about Rhaheem Blanden. Read our latest coverage

COLLINGDALE, Pa. (CBS) — A controversy is brewing in Collingdale, Pennsylvania. Some police officers in the Delaware County neighborhood are angry about a possible plan to hire a new police chief.

The Fraternal Order of Police said an applicant for that job is a Chester police corporal, and the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office said that man is under criminal investigation.

But on Tuesday night, it’s unclear why – and the officer is not commenting about that.

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A meeting of Collingdale Borough Council is expected to be a hot one Tuesday night. The meeting started at 7:30 p.m.

The Delaware County FOP is calling foul over the possible appointment of Chester Police Corporal Rhaheem Blanden, whom prosecutors confirm is the target of an active criminal investigation.

Blanden is also on administrative leave from his job with Chester, according to FOP President Chris Eiserman.

“The candidate they want to hire for the police chief, Rhaheem Blanden, is under criminal investigation by the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office and we don’t think he should be in a position of authority, like a chief of police,” Eiserman said. 

 CBS News Philadelphia left messages for council members about the vote. 

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In a statement, the Council President Ryan Hastings wrote in part: “We adhere to all federal, state, and local laws regarding employment and strive to create a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the community we serve. The selection process for the chief of police will be conducted fairly and impartially.”

When asked if Blanden would be the candidate voted on, CBS Philadelphia didn’t hear back. Sources said Blanden, to their knowledge, was one of the only applicants for the job.

When asked if he wanted the job in Collingdale, Blanden said he does and has 20 years of experience, a master’s degree and other training.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen tonight,” Blanden said. “I think he just made that assumption, Mr. Eiserman, assumed that it was me because my name has been talked about for the last four years, five years for that position.”

Eiserman said he believes borough council should hit pause.

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“When you’re hiring somebody of this nature that’s under investigation, we think it’s prudent for them to stop, wait, let the investigation play out,” Eiserman said. “Let’s see what the DA’s office does and if they clear him and don’t bring charges and they want to hire him then, go ahead and do it. We’d have no objection.”

The vote to hire a new chief of police comes at the very end of the council’s new business. It’s agenda No. 23 and says it’s a motion to hire the chief of police for Collingdale subject to finalization of the employment contract by the solicitor.

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Pennsylvania

Powerball winners sold in Pennsylvania as jackpot reaches 6th highest

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Powerball winners sold in Pennsylvania as jackpot reaches 6th highest


(WTAJ) — A $2 million Powerball ticket was sold in Pennsylvania as the jackpot broke $1 billion, making it the 6th largest to date. A Pennsylvania player matched all five white balls drawn Saturday, Dec. 13, but missed the Powerball. They also had Power Play active, making their million-dollar ticket worth $2 million. Another three […]



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Large fire damages apartment building in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania

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Large fire damages apartment building in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania



A large fire ripped through an apartment building in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania Saturday night.

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The fire broke out just after 8:15 p.m. at One Maryland Circle apartments in Whitehall Township, Lehigh County.

Video obtained by CBS News Philadelphia shows firefighters battling heavy flames in an apartment unit, with thick smoke pouring from the building. The footage also shows noticeable damage to the building from the fire.

Firefighters battle flames in an apartment building in Whitehall Township, Pa.

CBS News Philadelphia

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The cause of the fire is unknown, and it is unclear if anyone was displaced or injured.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.



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Man in critical condition after argument turns to shooting in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania

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Man in critical condition after argument turns to shooting in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania


Investigators say the dispute escalated into gunfire.

Saturday, December 13, 2025 2:03PM

Man critical after argument turns to shooting in Lansdowne

LANSDOWNE, Pa., (WPVI) — An argument between two groups turned violent late Friday night in Delaware County, leaving one person fighting for their life.

The shooting happened around 10:45 p.m. along the unit block of South Wycombe Avenue in Lansdowne.

Investigators say the dispute escalated into gunfire, striking one individual who was rushed to the hospital and is now listed in critical condition.

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Police recovered a firearm at the scene, but so far, no arrests have been made.

Authorities have not released the identity of the victim or any details about what sparked the confrontation.

Detectives are continuing to investigate and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Copyright © 2025 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.



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