Delco Homicide Suspect Found Hiding In Ceiling: DA

CHESTER, PA — A man accused of a fatal Delaware County stabbing was taken into custody by US Marshals and Chester police recently after he was found hiding in the ceiling of a Delaware basement, authorities said.

Sherriff Potter, 25, of Chester, has been charged with criminal homicide, first- and third-degree murder, and possession of a criminal instrument in connection with the July 8 death of Kevin Canty.

On that day, Chester Police officers were called to the 1600 block of Edgmont Avenue for the report of an accident with entrapment.

On scene, officers found a one-vehicle accident.

Paramedics from Crozer Chester Medical Center determined the victim, later identified as Canty, was suffering from serious lower extremity wounds. Canty, succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The medical examiner subsequently determined that stab wounds to the thigh were the cause of death. Surveillance video showed the crime scene of the stabbing was in the area of Edgmont Avenue and West 21st Street.

The video footage showed a confrontation, and multiple witnesses subsequently identified Potter as the person who stabbed Canty.

Potter was taken into custody in Wilmington, Delaware, Monday by Officer Frank Myers of the Chester Police Department and members of the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force.

Potter was found hiding in the basement ceiling of the property.

Myers also recovered a fully loaded SKS assault rifle which was later found to have been stolen out of Cecil County Maryland.

"This case marks yet another life lost because of a dispute over drugs and turf," Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said. "It is my sincere hope that the excellent work by the detectives and officers in this case which led to the prompt arrest of this defendant sends a clear signal to the community that violence will not be tolerated. Violence is not, and will not be, treated as routine. I want the residents of the City of Chester to know that we will continue to solve these crimes and arrest the perpetrators."

Potter waived extradition and was transported back to Chester Police headquarters for processing.

He was committed to George W. Hill Correctional Facility after being denied bail and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Aug. 9.