Upper Darby police ID 2 suspects wanted for carjacking father with children in the vehicle
Police say a SEPTA bus heading eastbound on West Chester Pike was shot during the altercation.
UPPER DARBY TWP., Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Police in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, are searching for two suspects who carjacked a father with his children still inside the car.
The suspects have been identified as 23-year-old Phillis Fugah and 21-year-old Ian Dean.
Video obtained by Action News shows two suspects walking up to a white Honda SUV and fighting to take control of the vehicle around 3:15 p.m. Thursday on the 7200 block of West Chester Pike. A father was inside with his two children -- a 2-month-old and a 5-year-old.
According to Upper Darby Police Superintendent Timothy Bernhardt, the entire altercation happened while the mother of the children was inside a nearby store.
At some point, police say Fugah was able to get control of the car and took off with a 2-month-old child inside.
Chopper 6 was overhead as officers and a police K-9 could be seen swarming the area.
Fugah, who was wearing all dark clothing, made it to State Road and West Chester Pike, where she fled officers on foot. She was last seen running down North State Road near the Cobbs Creek Golf Club in Philadelphia.
The 2-month-old was found unharmed and reunited with family members at the police department.
Police say Dean, described as wearing a dark gray shirt and a distinctive pink arm cast, was last seen running toward the 69th Street Transportation Center.
Around 8 p.m., a tip led Upper Darby police and a SWAT team to New Street, where authorities say Fugah's mother was present.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, clothing and a pistol possibly used by Fugah during the carjacking were found in the residence.
The mother told police that Fugah lived at the residence with her but she wasn't home. She also allegedly said that earlier in the afternoon, her daughter sent her a text message that said too many things were going on and that if someone is knocking on the door, don't open the door, the affidavit stated.
"I'm pleading with the two individuals, our two suspects, turn yourselves in," said Bernhardt.
Police say a SEPTA bus heading eastbound on West Chester Pike was shot during the initial altercation with the father. A single bullet went through the window of the bus but no one was struck.
"This was a harrowing incident. We are thankful that there were no injuries to the bus operator or the 25 customers on board the vehicle. We commend the bus operator for reacting immediately to help keep passengers safe," said a SEPTA spokesperson in a statement.
A fully loaded (15) round Glock handgun magazine was recovered in the driver's seat of the family's vehicle, which was towed away from the scene.
Police say the father suffered minor injuries during the struggle with the suspect.
Fugah, of Upper Darby, is facing charges of criminal attempt murder, kidnapping, robbery of a motor vehicle, and related offenses.
Dean, of Philadelphia, is facing charges of robbery of a motor vehicle and related offenses.
Anyone with information on the suspects is asked to dial 911 or call the Upper Darby Police Department.
