Man accused of escaping police custody captured after hours-long search in Powelton
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A 26-year-old man accused of escaping police custody prompted a large-scale search in the Powelton neighborhood, before officers took him into custody hours later.
"I don't think I've ever seen this many police cars in one place, let alone on my block, so that was kind of shocking," said Elaine Simon, a Powelton resident.
Officials said Henry Abdula had been involved in a shooting earlier that morning in Kingsessing and was being treated for a gunshot wound at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.
"When he was being released from the hospital to get transferred to police headquarters, he managed to escape from the officers," said Inspector Kpana Massaquoi of Southwest Police.
The search began around 10:20 a.m., with officers canvassing homes and alleyways throughout the neighborhood. Authorities said Abdula was found around 1:15 p.m. in a backyard on the 3400 block of Baring Street.
"Apparently, my neighbor spotted him going over the fence," said Bob Roomet, who lives nearby.
Video from the scene shows officers breaking through a fence and surrounding a shed where Abdula was believed to be hiding.
"It's a little upsetting, apparently the fellow was in the shed. Police showed up, kicked in the gate, knocked down the fence, and got their man," Roomet said.
Police said neighbors played a key role in helping officers locate the suspect.
"While we were searching door to door, basically in the rear, someone spotted him and gave information that he was in this area."
One witness said Abdula attempted to get help escaping moments before police moved in.
"He told us to get the attention of a red car to come pick him up, and didn't have a chance to do anything, hundreds of cops swarmed in," said Brandon Malinski of Perkasie.
Police praised the coordinated effort to safely take Abdula into custody.
"They did a very great job dedicated to trying to keep our residents safe," an official said.
