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Police: Driver was drunk in head-on crash with Ashley cruiser

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TOUR 2018: Divisions remain after Froome’s drug case

<p>SUGARLOAF TWP. &#8212; A West Hazleton man was arraigned Monday on charges he fatally shot a 17-year-old boy during what state police allege was a botched drug deal at a Freeland playground last month.</p><p>Brandon Joseph Gambardella, 18, was charged with an open count of criminal homicide in the death of Anthony Bonney on June 18.</p><p>State police allege Bonney and another teen agreed to meet Gambardella to sell cocaine but passed off a mixture of drywall shavings and baking soda. Gambardella allegedly shot Bonney as he ran from the playground.</p><p>Bonney died at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center several hours after he sustained a gunshot wound to the head, the Luzerne County coroner&#8217;s office said.</p><p>Gambardella was initially charged with two counts of aggravated assault, but those were withdrawn by prosecutors Monday before District Judge Daniel O&#8217;Donnell in light of Bonney&#8217;s death.</p><p>According to a criminal complaint:</p><p>Gambardella agreed via Facebook messenger to meet Bonney and James Joseph Shanda to purchase cocaine for $110. Bonney and the other male did not have the drug, but went ahead with the plan anyway.</p><p>Gambardella was driven by two females to the meeting at Freeland Public Park.</p><p>Bonney and Shanda approached the car at about 1:45 a.m. and completed the deal. But then Gambardella said he wanted to test the cocaine, and Bonney and Shanda fled.</p><p>Gambardella chased them.</p><p>Moments later, the females heard gunfire and Gambardella returned to the vehicle and reportedly said he didn&#8217;t mean for the shooting to happen.</p><p>Shanda told investigators he heard the gunshot and saw Bonney fall to the ground on Sabol Street.</p><p>Gambardella was jailed at the county lockup without bail.</p><style>
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<div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_Brandon-Gambardella-06182018-1.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">Gambardella </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_Brandon-Gambardella-06182018-1.jpg</photo0><caption0>Gambardella </caption0><photoCredit0></photoCredit0></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Ed Lewis</p><p>elewis@www.timesleader.com</p></bylineMeta></div>

West Hazleton teen arraigned on criminal homicide charge