A Levittown man who got into verbal altercation in Philadelphia and is forbidden, due to a felony robbery conviction almost 25 years ago, is facing serious charges from Falls Township Police.
Police were dispatched, on June 24 at approximately 1:30 p.m., to Poplar Lane in Levittown to assist the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) with an armed subject investigation, according to court records,.
The officer said he was informed by PPD that the sole occupant of a white 2020 Honda Odyssey, bearing Pennsylvania registration “JCK 7288”, got into a fight with another subject, pulled a firearm from the rear seat area, and pointed it at the victim.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:20 p.m. in Philadelphia. FTPD said, the operator was described to them as a black male, with a beard, wearing a white shirt and black pants, The officer researched the Honda, found it was registered to a Poplar Lane address, and using the a License Plate Reader search application, he learned the Honda was on Bristol Pike at Levittown Parkway at 1:14 p.m.
The officer said, he arrived at Poplar Lane and Pinewood Drive and observed the Honda parked in the driveway of the Poplar Lane residence. He also observed the subject, later identified as Jamal Harper, 48, entering the driver seat of the Honda, reverse out the driveway, and drive towards the patrol vehicle. The officer exited the patrol vehicle and waved at Harper, who stopped the Honda and spoke to the officer, said the probable cause.
The officer informed Harper of the investigation, which Harper admitted being involved and stated he was approached by a Spanish speaking male who displayed brass knuckles. Harper denied pointing a weapon and denied possessing any weapons. Twice Harper was asked for his consent for a search of the vehicle and agreed both times. After opening the rear driver sliding door, the officer observed the rear seat area to be wide open, as it is outfitted for wheelchair accessibility. Directly behind the two front seats, was a camouflage backpack, positioned in the open floor area. The officer opened the backpack, observed a black polymer handgun and multiple glass jars containing suspected marijuana, said FTPD.
Researching Harper’s criminal history, Police learned he was convicted in 1996 of felony robbery in Philadelphia, which Harper confirmed. Harper does not have a valid permit to carry a firearm. The officer re-entered the Honda, took possession of the black polymer handgun and observed it was an authentic 9mm Taurus handgun. The officer ejected the extended magazine and observed it to be fully loaded with 17 9mm rounds. He pulled the slide to the rear and ejected one live round from the chamber, according to the affidavit.
Harper was arraigned on two felony firearm counts and two lesser degree drug offenses and was released on unsecured bail. His next court date is scheduled for August 6, court documents show.