2 Abington Police Officers Commended For Capturing Suspect

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA —The Abington Township Police Department is recognizing two officers for their heroics in helping to capture a dangerous suspect.

On Oct. 2, 2023, Officers Ed Howley and Robert Steck were assigned to a proactive policing detail, operating as a two-officer team.

The objective of such assignments is to uphold public safety through preemptive measures. Proactive policing encompasses a range of strategies, including heightened patrols in high-crime areas, community engagement initiatives, targeted enforcement based on crime analysis, and collaboration with other agencies and community stakeholders.

While on patrol, Officers Steck and Howley noticed an older model Honda Accord with Texas registration parked at the dead end of Old Huntingdon Pike, near Lorimer Park and the Pennypack trail.

The vehicle appeared suspicious to both officers, prompting them to conduct a closer examination.

Their investigation revealed that the vehicle was associated with a wanted individual from Georgia for an armed robbery, Khalil Hamilton.

Hamilton, the registered owner of the vehicle, was reported to be armed and dangerous.

Additional information from the originating agency indicated that during the robbery, Hamilton had forcibly restrained a family in their residence and committed robbery at gunpoint.

Officers Steck and Howley maintained control of the vehicle until additional units arrived. A drone was deployed to inspect the car, revealing it was unoccupied.

Inside, officers observed ammunition and zip ties, consistent with the items used during the Georgia robbery to restrain the family.

Subsequently, officers initiated a thorough search of Lorimer Park and its vicinity but failed to locate anyone matching Hamilton's description.

Officers Steck and Howley transitioned to an unmarked vehicle and continued surveillance of the area where the Honda had been discovered.

Several hours later, the officers spotted a male who resembled Hamilton emerging from the walking path. Hamilton had altered his appearance by cutting his hair, making immediate identification challenging.

As the officers approached Hamilton, Officer Dwyer arrived to provide assistance, and they conducted a pedestrian stop. It was observed that Hamilton was carrying a t-shirt tucked against his body with his forearm.

Approaching Hamilton, all three officers engaged him in conversation. Hamilton's responses to their inquiries were evasive, prompting the decision to detain him and confirm his identity. As the officers attempted to apprehend Hamilton, he resisted immediately, initiating a struggle with the officers as he attempted to break free.

In the midst of the scuffle, Hamilton was brought to the ground, causing a concealed firearm, hidden underneath the T-shirt he carried, to dislodge and fall to the ground.

Despite the ongoing struggle, officers managed to prevent Hamilton from reaching for the firearm, which had fallen within his reach. Hamilton was subsequently subdued and taken into custody without injury to himself, the officers, or any bystanders. Upon examination, the firearm was found to be loaded.

"Officers Steck and Howley demonstrated unwavering determination in their pursuit of a dangerous wanted felon," the department said. "Their efforts and quick action, along with Officer Dwyer, resulted in a dangerous armed felon being removed from our community. This was a great job by all involved and exemplified the importance of teamwork."