Originally published in the Philadelphia Daily News on Thursday November 12, 2009
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
A police canine with only a few months on the job in New Castle County, Del., is being lauded as a hero after being wounded yesterday in the line of duty.
Diablo, a Belgian Malinois trained as a narcotics and patrol dog, was shot at the Chateau Orleans apartments in Wilmington shortly before 1 a.m.
Police responded to the apartments in search of a man who allegedly had made several threats against an ex-girlfriend, said Cpl. Trinidad Navarro, a police spokesman.
The suspect fired at Diablo and at officers, and Diablo was struck in the left hind leg and left shoulder, Navarro said.
Even after getting shot, Diablo locked his jaws on the suspect to help subdue the suspect, Navarro said.
The suspect, identified as Eric Weit, 34, of Wilmington, fired a weapon several times but no officers were injured, Navarro said.
Once Weit was subdued, Diablo was called back to his handler and collapsed.
"The handler picked up Diablo and rushed him to a local animal hospital, where he was stabilized," Navarro said.
He then was transferred with a police escort to the University of Pennsylvania's veterinary hospital for surgery, Navarro added.
David Holt, a surgeon familiar with Diablo's case, said the surgery was to repair a tibia shattered by the bullet.
"He was quite lucky in the way that neither of the bullets penetrated" vital organs, Holt said.
After Diablo's surgery last night, doctors were optimistic about his recovery.
During surgery, they inserted a metal plate in his leg because he lost a lot of bone, said Dr. Elaine Holmes.
Holmes said Diablo's chances of healing were good but could not say if he would return to duty.
"We believe that [Diablo's] actions may have saved the lives of these officers," Navarro said.
Weit faces charges of felony assault, recklessly endangering another person, weapons offenses and related charges, police said.
He was in surgery last night at Christiana Hospital, but no information was available on his condition.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Teen held in attack on school policeman
Originally published in the Philadelphia Daily News on Friday October 30, 2009.
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
A 17-year-old Frankford High School student was arrested and charged with assault and related offenses yesterday morning after a scuffle with a school district police officer who was trying to question him for alleged truancy, police said.
The incident began about 9:45 a.m. on Oakland Street near Fillmore in Northeast Philadelphia, about a block from the school, said James Golden, chief safety executive for the district.
"The young man ran back into Frankford High School and the officers gave chase," Golden said.
The student punched one of the officers in the face and both officers then subdued the youth until Philadelphia police arrived, Golden said.
Officers took the teen to Aria Health, Frankford campus, where he was evaluated for lip lacerations and a bloody nose, Golden said.
The student and the officer did not require treatment, Golden said.
Besides the assault charge, "the young man will face disciplinary action within the district," said Vincent Thompson, a district spokesman.
"It's a serious offense which could result in expulsion," he said.
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
A 17-year-old Frankford High School student was arrested and charged with assault and related offenses yesterday morning after a scuffle with a school district police officer who was trying to question him for alleged truancy, police said.
The incident began about 9:45 a.m. on Oakland Street near Fillmore in Northeast Philadelphia, about a block from the school, said James Golden, chief safety executive for the district.
"The young man ran back into Frankford High School and the officers gave chase," Golden said.
The student punched one of the officers in the face and both officers then subdued the youth until Philadelphia police arrived, Golden said.
Officers took the teen to Aria Health, Frankford campus, where he was evaluated for lip lacerations and a bloody nose, Golden said.
The student and the officer did not require treatment, Golden said.
Besides the assault charge, "the young man will face disciplinary action within the district," said Vincent Thompson, a district spokesman.
"It's a serious offense which could result in expulsion," he said.
Neighbors hold vigil for girl who died of abuse
Originally published in the Philadelphia Daily News on Saturday October 24, 2009
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
Neighbors on the Feltonville block where Charlenni Ferreira lived said yesterday that they planned to keep a constant vigil in remembrance of the girl until Oct. 30, which would have been her 11th birthday.
"We wanted to do that for two reasons: One, so that we won't forget and then by next week it will be old news, but two, because it adds to the tragedy even more that this poor little girl was only a week away from her 11th birthday," said Charles Bednarczyk, 53, who lived a few houses down from Ferreira, on C Street near Louden.
Ferriera, a fifth-grader at Feltonville Intermediate School, died Wednesday of a lung infection caused by a lack of medical care, hours after she was found unconscious in her home where she lived with her father and stepmother, police said.
On Thursday, the District Attorney's Office approved charges of murder, endangering the welfare of a child and related offenses against the little girl's father, Domingo "Anibal" Ferreira, 53, and stepmother, Margarita Garabito, 43.
Police said that Charlenni allegedly suffered serious physical and sexual abuse and called it "one of the worst cases" they had ever seen.
CBS3 reported that five weeks before she died, Charlenni was examined by a school nurse who noted on Sept. 15 that she "had a gait that was unsteady," and that she had six unexcused absences during the last school year due to "parental neglect/noncompliance. "
School district officials could not comment but instead released a written statement that partly read: "The district is unable to comment any further on this case due to the ongoing investigation and the privacy rights of the student and her family. "
"I always thought that something might have been wrong," Bednarczyk said, "because I would see her sitting outside of her house and she would always appear sort of frozen.
"But as soon as she would be allowed to go down the street and play with her friends, it was almost like she blossomed.
People congregating on the block yesterday were still shocked by the tragic end to Charlenni's short life.
"How can you live in these houses next door and not hear anything? The walls are so thin," said Christian Robinson, a neighbor.
"She was a sweet little girl, never disrespected anybody. I don't understand it," said Tauz Marion, 13, a neighbor.
"She liked Hannah Montana just like me," said Charlenni's friend and classmate Merlanny Durah, 10, as her dad dropped her off to place flowers at the growing memorial for Charlenni.
"Sometimes she would talk to me and just cry."
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
Neighbors on the Feltonville block where Charlenni Ferreira lived said yesterday that they planned to keep a constant vigil in remembrance of the girl until Oct. 30, which would have been her 11th birthday.
"We wanted to do that for two reasons: One, so that we won't forget and then by next week it will be old news, but two, because it adds to the tragedy even more that this poor little girl was only a week away from her 11th birthday," said Charles Bednarczyk, 53, who lived a few houses down from Ferreira, on C Street near Louden.
Ferriera, a fifth-grader at Feltonville Intermediate School, died Wednesday of a lung infection caused by a lack of medical care, hours after she was found unconscious in her home where she lived with her father and stepmother, police said.
On Thursday, the District Attorney's Office approved charges of murder, endangering the welfare of a child and related offenses against the little girl's father, Domingo "Anibal" Ferreira, 53, and stepmother, Margarita Garabito, 43.
Police said that Charlenni allegedly suffered serious physical and sexual abuse and called it "one of the worst cases" they had ever seen.
CBS3 reported that five weeks before she died, Charlenni was examined by a school nurse who noted on Sept. 15 that she "had a gait that was unsteady," and that she had six unexcused absences during the last school year due to "parental neglect/noncompliance. "
School district officials could not comment but instead released a written statement that partly read: "The district is unable to comment any further on this case due to the ongoing investigation and the privacy rights of the student and her family. "
"I always thought that something might have been wrong," Bednarczyk said, "because I would see her sitting outside of her house and she would always appear sort of frozen.
"But as soon as she would be allowed to go down the street and play with her friends, it was almost like she blossomed.
People congregating on the block yesterday were still shocked by the tragic end to Charlenni's short life.
"How can you live in these houses next door and not hear anything? The walls are so thin," said Christian Robinson, a neighbor.
"She was a sweet little girl, never disrespected anybody. I don't understand it," said Tauz Marion, 13, a neighbor.
"She liked Hannah Montana just like me," said Charlenni's friend and classmate Merlanny Durah, 10, as her dad dropped her off to place flowers at the growing memorial for Charlenni.
"Sometimes she would talk to me and just cry."
Protesters, but no incidents, greet anti-Islamist at Temple
Originally published in the Philadelphia Daily News on October 21, 2009
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
Amid a firestorm of contention, several hundred people heard Geert Wilders, a controversial Dutch parliamentarian, speak last night at Temple University.
During his approximately 30-minute speech, Wilders called the Quran "an evil book" and said that the United States was facing Islamization.
A question-and-answer session was cut short, and Wilders was escorted out of the lecture hall after some students began shouting insults at him.
Before the speech, held in Anderson Hall, more than 50 protesters had denounced the appearance of Wilders at the school.
Members of All Sides, an organization that seeks to promote peace between Israel and Palestinians, held pink pom-poms and shouted, "Hey Hey, HO, HO, this racist bull----'s got to go." Standing next to them with signs decrying Wilders' views were members of the Student Senate, Democratic Socialists and the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance.
"Wilders speaks out about free speech while at the same time banning the Quran," said Megan Chialastri, vice president of All Sides.
"Banned books are not free speech and there is no way around that," Chialastri said.
"This is hate speech at its core," said Monira Gamal-Eldin, president of the Muslim Students Association.
Inside the auditorium, after going through rigorous security checks, students assembled to hear the Dutch politician speak.
Brittany Walsh, president of the student group Purpose, which had invited Wilders, introduced his 17-minute short film, Fitna - Arabic for disagreement and division among people - in which passages from the Quran are juxtaposed with newspaper clippings and video showing or describing violent acts by Muslims.
Wilders, 46, emerged after the film, flanked by a security detail which he said made him feel as if he was not free but which has been necessary because of numerous threats on his life.
Before he was escorted out, the last student allowed to address Wilders said: "Clearly fascism wasn't defeated, because if it was, a genocide-loving racist clown like you still wouldn't have anything to say. "
As the audience filed out of the auditorium, two Temple students offered their reactions to Wild-ers' visit.
"I'm proud," said Jonas Skovdal. "I think it's a big win for humanity that people stood up to him in there. "
"It was a good experience," said Brian Wisnieski. "What he said was definitely negative, but it was a good experience that he came. "
The event was funded by the California-based David Horowitz Freedom Center, a foundation that promotes conservative scholarship.
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
Amid a firestorm of contention, several hundred people heard Geert Wilders, a controversial Dutch parliamentarian, speak last night at Temple University.
During his approximately 30-minute speech, Wilders called the Quran "an evil book" and said that the United States was facing Islamization.
A question-and-answer session was cut short, and Wilders was escorted out of the lecture hall after some students began shouting insults at him.
Before the speech, held in Anderson Hall, more than 50 protesters had denounced the appearance of Wilders at the school.
Members of All Sides, an organization that seeks to promote peace between Israel and Palestinians, held pink pom-poms and shouted, "Hey Hey, HO, HO, this racist bull----'s got to go." Standing next to them with signs decrying Wilders' views were members of the Student Senate, Democratic Socialists and the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance.
"Wilders speaks out about free speech while at the same time banning the Quran," said Megan Chialastri, vice president of All Sides.
"Banned books are not free speech and there is no way around that," Chialastri said.
"This is hate speech at its core," said Monira Gamal-Eldin, president of the Muslim Students Association.
Inside the auditorium, after going through rigorous security checks, students assembled to hear the Dutch politician speak.
Brittany Walsh, president of the student group Purpose, which had invited Wilders, introduced his 17-minute short film, Fitna - Arabic for disagreement and division among people - in which passages from the Quran are juxtaposed with newspaper clippings and video showing or describing violent acts by Muslims.
Wilders, 46, emerged after the film, flanked by a security detail which he said made him feel as if he was not free but which has been necessary because of numerous threats on his life.
Before he was escorted out, the last student allowed to address Wilders said: "Clearly fascism wasn't defeated, because if it was, a genocide-loving racist clown like you still wouldn't have anything to say. "
As the audience filed out of the auditorium, two Temple students offered their reactions to Wild-ers' visit.
"I'm proud," said Jonas Skovdal. "I think it's a big win for humanity that people stood up to him in there. "
"It was a good experience," said Brian Wisnieski. "What he said was definitely negative, but it was a good experience that he came. "
The event was funded by the California-based David Horowitz Freedom Center, a foundation that promotes conservative scholarship.
4 stores accused of selling counterfeit bags shut down
Originally published in the Philadelphia Daily News on October 3, 2009
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
Prada and Gucci and Coach, oh, my!
Too bad they were fake.
Investigators yesterday removed trash bag after trash bag filled with faux designer accessories from four South Street stores raided for allegedly selling counterfeit goods, police said.
The stores - VV Gift Shop, Discovers Handbags, the Number One Harvest Handbags and Lucky Stone Jewelry, Handbags, and Accessories - were raided about noon after a two-month investigation by a local private firm in conjunction with Philadelphia police.
Three shop owners or managers were arrested and charged, police said, with trademark counterfeiting, deceptive business practices, conspiracy and related offenses: Liu Xin, 32, of Voorhees, N.J., at Lucky Stone; Yi Li, 43, of 5th Street near Fairhill in East Oak Lane, at Number One Harvest; Ping Zhenh, 45, of Arch Street near 9th in Chinatown, at Discovers Handbags.
No arrest were made at VV Gift Shop, which did not open for business yesterday, police said.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections shut down the stores and posted cease-work signs in the windows as investigators were taking inventory of the counterfeit goods.
Stumar Investigations, a private-investigations firm based in Norristown, began looking into whether stores on South Street were selling the counterfeit goods about two months ago, said Stuart Drobny, company president.
The investigation included making undercover purchases, working with companies to verify that the goods were fake, and working with the Philadelphia Police Department's Major Crimes Unit, Drobny said.
Counterfeit umbrellas, scarves, jewelry, wallets and shoes were also seized, Drobny said.
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
Prada and Gucci and Coach, oh, my!
Too bad they were fake.
Investigators yesterday removed trash bag after trash bag filled with faux designer accessories from four South Street stores raided for allegedly selling counterfeit goods, police said.
The stores - VV Gift Shop, Discovers Handbags, the Number One Harvest Handbags and Lucky Stone Jewelry, Handbags, and Accessories - were raided about noon after a two-month investigation by a local private firm in conjunction with Philadelphia police.
Three shop owners or managers were arrested and charged, police said, with trademark counterfeiting, deceptive business practices, conspiracy and related offenses: Liu Xin, 32, of Voorhees, N.J., at Lucky Stone; Yi Li, 43, of 5th Street near Fairhill in East Oak Lane, at Number One Harvest; Ping Zhenh, 45, of Arch Street near 9th in Chinatown, at Discovers Handbags.
No arrest were made at VV Gift Shop, which did not open for business yesterday, police said.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections shut down the stores and posted cease-work signs in the windows as investigators were taking inventory of the counterfeit goods.
Stumar Investigations, a private-investigations firm based in Norristown, began looking into whether stores on South Street were selling the counterfeit goods about two months ago, said Stuart Drobny, company president.
The investigation included making undercover purchases, working with companies to verify that the goods were fake, and working with the Philadelphia Police Department's Major Crimes Unit, Drobny said.
Counterfeit umbrellas, scarves, jewelry, wallets and shoes were also seized, Drobny said.
Think a gun protects you in a fight? Think again
Originally publised in the Philadelphia Daily News on October 2, 2009.
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
If you have a gun during a fight, think twice about the protection it might offer.
Epidemiologists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine yesterday announced the findings of a study about whether guns are protective or perilous during an assault.
It found that those possessing a gun in an assault situation were 4 1/2 times more likely to be shot than those not possessing one, according to the study's author, Charles C. Branas, associate professor of epidemiology.
It was released online this month in the American Journal of Public Health and will be printed in the November issue.
"It's a big question that has been asked for years," Branas said of the reason behind the study.
"One that is a very U.S.-oriented question but that also has applications outside the U.S.," Branas said.
Branas said that along with a team of about a dozen people, including colleagues, members of the Philadelphia Police Department and the city Medical Examiner's Office, he conducted a case control study, or an approximation of an experiment.
From 2003 to 2006, the police notified Branas and his team about all shootings that occurred in the city, he said.
"We would then get the data and pass it along to a survey-research firm to find an individual who had not been shot and ask them what they were doing and where they were at the time of the shooting," Branas said.
On average, they found that guns did not protect those who possessed them from being shot in an assault, he said.
"This study was an excellent way to approximate this experiment and begin to get an idea of how it works," Branas said.
He and his team hypothesized reasons as to why guns didn't protect individuals from being shot in an assault, including feeling falsely empowered and overreacting, possibly instigating something with someone, or entering a dangerous situation that one might normally avoid.
"I don't think this study is the end," Branas said. "I think it should help begin to raise awareness about gun possession and begin to question whether an individual is absolutely safe in possession of a firearm or whether it's promoting a false sense of security."
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
If you have a gun during a fight, think twice about the protection it might offer.
Epidemiologists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine yesterday announced the findings of a study about whether guns are protective or perilous during an assault.
It found that those possessing a gun in an assault situation were 4 1/2 times more likely to be shot than those not possessing one, according to the study's author, Charles C. Branas, associate professor of epidemiology.
It was released online this month in the American Journal of Public Health and will be printed in the November issue.
"It's a big question that has been asked for years," Branas said of the reason behind the study.
"One that is a very U.S.-oriented question but that also has applications outside the U.S.," Branas said.
Branas said that along with a team of about a dozen people, including colleagues, members of the Philadelphia Police Department and the city Medical Examiner's Office, he conducted a case control study, or an approximation of an experiment.
From 2003 to 2006, the police notified Branas and his team about all shootings that occurred in the city, he said.
"We would then get the data and pass it along to a survey-research firm to find an individual who had not been shot and ask them what they were doing and where they were at the time of the shooting," Branas said.
On average, they found that guns did not protect those who possessed them from being shot in an assault, he said.
"This study was an excellent way to approximate this experiment and begin to get an idea of how it works," Branas said.
He and his team hypothesized reasons as to why guns didn't protect individuals from being shot in an assault, including feeling falsely empowered and overreacting, possibly instigating something with someone, or entering a dangerous situation that one might normally avoid.
"I don't think this study is the end," Branas said. "I think it should help begin to raise awareness about gun possession and begin to question whether an individual is absolutely safe in possession of a firearm or whether it's promoting a false sense of security."
Computer snafu riles bank patrons
Originally published in the Philadelphia Daily News on October 2, 2009
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
A computer glitch that has disrupted TD Bank's Web site and delayed transactions from being posted to accounts has angered bank customers.
They have flooded the bank's toll-free customer-service number, and much of the day yesterday they were not connected to a bank employee but were instructed by phone message to call back later.
"We became aware of the problem Monday and are working to update customer accounts as fast as we can," said Jennifer Carlson, a company spokeswoman.
The glitch occurred after a systems conversion over the weekend to merge Commerce Bank and TD Banknorth systems, said Rebecca Acevedo, a company spokeswoman.
TD Banknorth merged with Commerce in March 2008.
Yesterday, customers took to the popular social-networking sites Facebook and Twitter to post and tweet their fury away.
"NOT A FAN of TDBANK!!! What is happening to this bank!!!???" a Facebook user wrote on a so-called "fan page" for TD Bank.
"It's time we started to complain," the user added. "They say they are reorganizing, well in the process you are losing customers!!! What use to be a wonderful bank has now become the worst!!!! " On Twitter, many users kept their messages characteristically short.
Hendy11 wrote, "TD Bank is dead to me. "
Bub19406 tweeted, "I hate you so much TD Bank. "
Carlson said that the bank hopes to resolve the issues by today.
Also, she noted, "Anybody that incurs any fees or penalties as a result of the glitch will be reimbursed."
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
A computer glitch that has disrupted TD Bank's Web site and delayed transactions from being posted to accounts has angered bank customers.
They have flooded the bank's toll-free customer-service number, and much of the day yesterday they were not connected to a bank employee but were instructed by phone message to call back later.
"We became aware of the problem Monday and are working to update customer accounts as fast as we can," said Jennifer Carlson, a company spokeswoman.
The glitch occurred after a systems conversion over the weekend to merge Commerce Bank and TD Banknorth systems, said Rebecca Acevedo, a company spokeswoman.
TD Banknorth merged with Commerce in March 2008.
Yesterday, customers took to the popular social-networking sites Facebook and Twitter to post and tweet their fury away.
"NOT A FAN of TDBANK!!! What is happening to this bank!!!???" a Facebook user wrote on a so-called "fan page" for TD Bank.
"It's time we started to complain," the user added. "They say they are reorganizing, well in the process you are losing customers!!! What use to be a wonderful bank has now become the worst!!!! " On Twitter, many users kept their messages characteristically short.
Hendy11 wrote, "TD Bank is dead to me. "
Bub19406 tweeted, "I hate you so much TD Bank. "
Carlson said that the bank hopes to resolve the issues by today.
Also, she noted, "Anybody that incurs any fees or penalties as a result of the glitch will be reimbursed."
5 arrested in drug raid in SW Phila.
Originally Published in the Philadelphia Daily News Thursday October 1, 2009.
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
Five men were arrested yesterday on drug offenses, including one who was charged in connection with the robbery of a deliveryman at an Upper Darby pharmacy, Philadelphia police said.
Antonio Martin, 30, of Lindbergh Boulevard near 80th Street; Curtis Brown 29, of Millick Street near Elmwood Avenue; Jamar Johnson, 25, of Windsor Avenue near 58th Street; John Curley, 40, of Osage Avenue near 46th Street; and Salim Shabazz, 39, of Whitby Avenue near 57th Street, were charged with possession with intent to deliver, conspiracy, assault and related charges.
Acting on a tip, police set up surveillance Friday on a house on Buist Avenue near 75th Street in Southwest Philadelphia and executed a warrant shortly after 5 p.m., said Capt. Debra Frazier of the Narcotics Field Unit.
All five suspects were arrested in the house and officers seized about $35,000 worth of drugs, including marijuana, codeine syrup and prescription pills, Frazier said. Police also found about $3,900 in cash and eight counterfeit $10 bills, he said.
The pills were stolen earlier that day from a delivery truck destined for the Upper Darby Pharmacy on Long Lane, said Upper Darby Superintendent Mi-chael Chitwood. Shabazz allegedly was involved in the truck robbery and faces additional charges, Chitwood said.
By CHRISTINE OLLEY olleyc@phillynews.com 215-854-5184
Five men were arrested yesterday on drug offenses, including one who was charged in connection with the robbery of a deliveryman at an Upper Darby pharmacy, Philadelphia police said.
Antonio Martin, 30, of Lindbergh Boulevard near 80th Street; Curtis Brown 29, of Millick Street near Elmwood Avenue; Jamar Johnson, 25, of Windsor Avenue near 58th Street; John Curley, 40, of Osage Avenue near 46th Street; and Salim Shabazz, 39, of Whitby Avenue near 57th Street, were charged with possession with intent to deliver, conspiracy, assault and related charges.
Acting on a tip, police set up surveillance Friday on a house on Buist Avenue near 75th Street in Southwest Philadelphia and executed a warrant shortly after 5 p.m., said Capt. Debra Frazier of the Narcotics Field Unit.
All five suspects were arrested in the house and officers seized about $35,000 worth of drugs, including marijuana, codeine syrup and prescription pills, Frazier said. Police also found about $3,900 in cash and eight counterfeit $10 bills, he said.
The pills were stolen earlier that day from a delivery truck destined for the Upper Darby Pharmacy on Long Lane, said Upper Darby Superintendent Mi-chael Chitwood. Shabazz allegedly was involved in the truck robbery and faces additional charges, Chitwood said.
Suspect in vehicular homicide turns self in
Originally Published in the Philadelphia Daily News Saturday September 26
A North Philadelphia man turned himself in to police yesterday afternoon to face additional charges for allegedly intentionally hitting a pregnant woman with his car outside a South Philadelphia bar last Saturday, police said.
The victim, Kamilah El-Amin, 22, died Monday.
Duane Crump, 23, of Judson Way near 23rd and Oxford streets, surrendered at the Criminal Justice Center, 13th and Filbert Streets, with his attorney Louis Savino, Homicide Capt. James Clark said.
Last Saturday, Crump was driving near 22nd and Titan streets in Point Breeze about 2 a.m. when he got into an argument with El-Amin and three of her friends as they were leaving the 22nd Street Cafe, Clark said.
"From that he took his vehicle and directed it at them," Clark said, adding that Crump also hit one of El-Amin's friends, then backed up to hit them again.
Clark said several patrons from the bar had tried to help El-Amin, who was trapped under Crump's car after he fled from his vehicle.
He was captured nearby, and charged with aggravated assault, and driving under the influence. He was later released after posting bail, Clark said.
A murder charge was added after El-Amin, of 21st Street near Reed, died at Crozer Chester Medical Center, in Upland, Delaware County, police said.
El-Amin's friend is in stable condition at the same hospital.
Clark said that Crump and El-Amin may have known each other but that the motive for the attack remained unclear.
"This was very much an intentional act, but as far as the reason why we're not sure," Clark said.
He said police also were investigating a claim by El-Amin's mother that her daughter had been shot at on Sept. 11.
Police have no evidence connecting the incidents, Clark said.
A North Philadelphia man turned himself in to police yesterday afternoon to face additional charges for allegedly intentionally hitting a pregnant woman with his car outside a South Philadelphia bar last Saturday, police said.
The victim, Kamilah El-Amin, 22, died Monday.
Duane Crump, 23, of Judson Way near 23rd and Oxford streets, surrendered at the Criminal Justice Center, 13th and Filbert Streets, with his attorney Louis Savino, Homicide Capt. James Clark said.
Last Saturday, Crump was driving near 22nd and Titan streets in Point Breeze about 2 a.m. when he got into an argument with El-Amin and three of her friends as they were leaving the 22nd Street Cafe, Clark said.
"From that he took his vehicle and directed it at them," Clark said, adding that Crump also hit one of El-Amin's friends, then backed up to hit them again.
Clark said several patrons from the bar had tried to help El-Amin, who was trapped under Crump's car after he fled from his vehicle.
He was captured nearby, and charged with aggravated assault, and driving under the influence. He was later released after posting bail, Clark said.
A murder charge was added after El-Amin, of 21st Street near Reed, died at Crozer Chester Medical Center, in Upland, Delaware County, police said.
El-Amin's friend is in stable condition at the same hospital.
Clark said that Crump and El-Amin may have known each other but that the motive for the attack remained unclear.
"This was very much an intentional act, but as far as the reason why we're not sure," Clark said.
He said police also were investigating a claim by El-Amin's mother that her daughter had been shot at on Sept. 11.
Police have no evidence connecting the incidents, Clark said.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
