Updated on April 17, at 6 p.m.
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Police confirmed there is an active arrest warrant for Pennsylvania state Rep. Kevin Boyle . Philadelphia Police Sgt. Eric Gripp says it stems from an alleged violation of a protection from abuse order, or PFA, by communication.
Police declined to elaborate on the warrant.
In 2021, Boyle was arrested and charged with harassment and violation of a previous PFA filed by his wife. The charges were later dropped. When Boyle's personal ongoing mental health challenges came to light, he agreed to seek treatment.
It is unclear if this current warrant is related to the 2021 PFA.
More recently, in February, Boyle was banned from a bar in Rockledge, Montgomery County after he was seen on camera berating employees . Police said he threatened female staffers and was asked to leave, but he returned. The employees did not press charges.
In response to the arrest warrant, state House Majority Leader Matt Bradford said in a statement that he loves Boyle but had “serious concerns” about his mental health. “It breaks my heart to see him this way. I hope he gets the help he needs,” he said.
Boyle, a Democrat, represents portions of Northeast Philadelphia. He has been a member of the Pennsylvania House since 2010. He is the younger brother of U.S. Congressman Brendan Boyle.
KYW Newsradio's requests for comment from Kevin Boyle's office have so far gone unanswered.
Congressman Brendan Boyle issued a statement on Wednesday:
Kevin’s mental illness has been a nightmare for our family. Like any family who has a beloved member with a serious health issue, we are doing the best we can to help him get better.
In 2021, Kevin started exhibiting symptoms of a very serious mental health condition. With medical treatment and proper medication, Kevin made a full recovery. For the following two years he was completely healthy and exhibited no symptoms whatsoever. He was thriving at work, won re-election overwhelmingly, and rose to become the chairman of an important state legislative committee. We genuinely believed his mental health issue was in the past.
Tragically, several months ago his symptoms returned. In recent weeks his mental health has even further deteriorated. It’s been painful to watch an intelligent, accomplished person with a big heart decline in such a precipitous way. Kevin’s family, close friends, and several colleagues have done everything possible to get him to enter into treatment, but we have been frustrated by a system that gives little power to the loved ones of an adult with a serious mental health condition.
Our sole focus now is for Kevin to get the medical treatment he needs and to make a full recovery like he did previously. Our hearts are with Kevin, as well as all families who are suffering because a loved one is afflicted with a mental health illness.
Boyle’s absence caused significant disruption in the Pennsylvania State House Wednesday.
Republican leader Bryan Cutler objected when House Speaker Joanna McClinton (Philadelphia-D) announced Boyle would vote by designation and would not be placed on leave.
“Multiple media accounts reported that a warrant has been issued for his arrest. Further, I believe his whereabouts are currently unknown," Cutler said.
McClinton read the rule regarding voting by designation, adding paperwork was properly filed.
Cutler called the chair’s ruling “absurd,” asking if votes would be cast on Boyle’s behalf without communicating with him.
“Or is in fact the majority Whip in communication with the good gentleman and know his whereabouts, which should most likely be reported.”
The House voted to continue with business on party-line votes.
McClinton ruled O’Neal’s comments out of order. His motion to adjourn failed, and three hours after the session was gaveled in, business continued as planned with a 196 to 4 vote, passing a resolution naming April “Safe Digging Month.”
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