Arrest warrant issued for Rep. Kevin Boyle; family working to treat "serious" mental health condition
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- An arrest warrant has been issued for Pennsylvania State Rep. Kevin Boyle, Philadelphia police said on Tuesday, April 16.
The warrant is for a violation of a protection from abuse order, police said. Sources said Boyle texted his estranged wife, which is a violation of that order.
Boyle was arrested and charged in 2021 for harassment and violating a protection order filed by his estranged wife. At the time, his attorney called it a domestic issue.
Boyle, a Democrat, represents Pennsylvania District 172, which covers parts of Montgomery County and Northeast Philadelphia. He has represented the district since 2011 and is currently seeking his eighth term.
We've reached out to Boyle's team for a response but have yet to hear back.
Boyle's previously disclosed his struggles with mental health
Boyle told constituents in a letter in 2022 that subsequent treatment at a mental health facility helped save his life.
Two months ago, Boyle went viral on social media after he was seen on camera allegedly threatening staff at the Gaul & Co. Malt House on Huntingdon Pike in Rockledge, Montgomery County. Police said Boyle was reportedly drunk and possibly under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident.
Police said Boyle was asked to leave the bar several times by employees but refused and allegedly threatened the employees. He was never charged for the incident.
Boyle eventually left the bar that night in February and police told him he was banned from the Gaul & Co. Malt House.
Congressmember Brendan Boyle says family working to get his brother "the medical treatment he needs"
Kevin Boyle is the younger brother of Congressmember Brendan Boyle, who represents Pennsylvania's Second District.
In a statement released Wednesday, Boyle called his brother's struggle with mental illness a "nightmare" for their 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," the statement read, in part.
The congressman went on to explain that Kevin Boyle "made a full recovery" after being treated for a "very serious mental health condition" in 2021 and showed no symptoms for the next two years.
"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," the statement continued.
"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."
How Kevin Boyle's arrest warrant is being received in Harrisburg
The incident could have a significant impact on the precarious balance of power in Harrisburg. Democrats currently control the Pennsylvania House with a slim majority and the Pennsylvania primary is coming up soon on April 23.
Boyle faces a stiff challenge in the primary from Sean Dougherty, who has the support of the state party - raising $72,000 from the PA House Democratic Campaign Committee, according to campaign finance reports.
"I love Kevin, but I have serious concerns about his mental health and it breaks my heart to see him this way. I hope he gets the help he needs," House Majority Leader Matt Bradford said in a statement to CBS News Philadelphia.
Republicans are also hoping to flip Boyle's seat in the House in the general election.
The House Republican Caucus has asked Kevin Boyle to go on leave but House Democrats say it's his right to vote by designation, meaning another lawmaker votes on his behalf.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988. CBS News Philadelphia also has a list of mental health resources.
For more information about mental health care resources and support, The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email info@nami.org.