'Meth Lab' Explosion, Fatal Hit-Run Arrest Top Bethlehem News

Meth Lab Explosion at Greenleaf Street Home: Police

Seven people, including two Bethlehem police officers, suffered injuries Friday morning as a result of an explosion and fire at a suspected methamphetamine lab at 1965 Greenleaf St., police said. The explosion and fire happened about three hours before Bethlehem police planned to execute a search warrant at the house, which was obtained as a result of a two-month investigation into methamphetamine sales in the city and Bethlehem Township, police said.

Manhunt for Driver in Fatal Brooklyn Crash Ends in Bethlehem

A three-day manhunt for the alleged driver in a hit-and-run crash in Brooklyn that killed a young pregnant woman and her husband ended Wednesday in Bethlehem. Julio Acevedo surrendered to New York City police in a Turkey Hill parking lot in South Bethlehem. The couple's child had been delivered premature following the crash but subsequently died.

Lockdown Search at Liberty HS: No Drugs Found

The Bethlehem Police Department conducted what was described as a “lockdown drill” at Liberty High School on Tuesday morning, as eight K9 units conducted a narcotics sweep of the building. No drugs were found, but police said the purpose of the exercise was more about preparing themselves and school personnel for an emergency, should one take place at the school.

Ex-Candidate Allegedly Posed as District Judge

Justin R. Serfass, 24, of Bethlehem has been charged with impersonating a public servant after he allegedly told his insurance company he was a magisterial district judge, according to court documents. Serfass had been a candidate for district judge for West Bethlehem in 2011, but he lost to incumbent District Judge Wayne Maura.

Latoya Sophia Mitchell, 28, picked up a kitchen knife during an argument with her boyfriend about household chores Wednesday night and threatened to “do him like the lady did to her boyfriend on the news," according to a crtiminal complaint made by Bethlehem Township police. She was referring to Jodi Arias, who according to Arizona authorities stabbed her ex-boyfriend 27 times, slit his throat and shot him in the head as he showered in his Mesa home in June 2008.

It was an eventful week at ArtsQuest, which unveiled its annual Musikfest poster and artwork for the 30th festival and announced two headlining acts for this year's festival. Pop and dance music sensation Ke$ha will headline on Aug. 10. Peter Frampton brings his Guitar Circus, starring B.B. King and Sonny Landreth on Aug. 5.