Briefly... CITY/REGION

Bail for cops in graffiti beating

The two officers charged with beating graffiti artist David Vernitsky, 37, last Aug. 26 posted 10 percent of $25,000 bail each yesterday and were released.

On Tuesday, District Attorney Lynne Abraham charged Sheldon Fitzgerald, 29, and Howard Hill III, 30, with aggravated assault and other offenses in connection with the beating of Vernitsky after he spray-painted a wall in North Philadelphia in honor of newlywed friends. The officers have a hearing June 6.

Cop cut out of car in W. Phila.

A police officer from the 18th district, 55th and Pine streets, had to be cut out of his squad car shortly after 7 a.m. yesterday, after it was rammed by two cars at 52nd and Spruce streets.

The unidentified officer, who was on duty at the time, was admitted to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, as were the two other drivers. All three were reported in stable condition. Police are investigating.

Man found fatally shot

A 38-year-old man was found fatally shot in Overbrook shortly before 10 last night. Police said the victim, whose name they withheld, had been shot in the face and head on Wynnefield Avenue near 56th Street and was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators had suspects in the slaying. Tipsters can call 215-686-3334 or -3335.

Call for garden contest entries

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is accepting entries for its 34th annual City Gardens Contest. Categories include flower gardens, vegetable gardens, containers, parks, city blocks,, and gardens at schools, churches, libraries and businesses.

The gardens can be maintained by either community groups or an individual. Deadline for nominations is June 10. For more information, call PHS at 215-988-8897 or go to at http://www.pennsylvania horticulturalsociety. org/events/ city_contest.html.

Guilty plea in brother slaying

A 14-year-old Lansdowne boy pleaded guilty Tuesday to voluntary manslaughter for stabbing his 16-year-old brother to death last summer while fighting over a video game.

Jahmir Ricks was previously charged as an adult, but was recently transferred to juvenile court. He could be in juvenile detention until he is 21 years old.

Cops, citizens to be honored

The Camden Police Department will hold its annual awards banquet tonight to honor police officers and civilian employees who helped make Camden's neighborhoods safer last year.

CBS 3 sports anchor Beasley Reece will do the presenting at the Susquehanna Bank Center. * -Staff and wire reports