The Abington Township Police Department highlighted Officers Ed Howley and Robert Steck for their efforts in apprehending Khalil Hamilton, an armed felon, on October 2, 2023.

While carrying out a proactive policing detail that day, the officers noticed an older model Honda Accord with Texas registration parked at the end of Old Huntingdon Pike near Lorimer Park and Pennypack Trail.

The vehicle appeared suspicious to both officers, and an investigation revealed that the vehicle was associated with Hamilton, an individual wanted in Georgia for an armed robbery and 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 held them at gunpoint.

Officers Steck and Howley maintained control of the vehicle until additional units arrived. A drone was deployed to inspect the car, and officers observed ammunition and zip ties, consistent with the items used during the Georgia robbery to restrain the family, inside the vehicle.

The officers later spotted a male resembling Hamilton emerging from a walking path at Lorimer Park. The suspect had altered his appearance by cutting his hair, and three officers engaged him in conversation. His responses were evasive, and he resisted detainment. During the struggling, a concealed, loaded firearm was dislodged and fell to the ground, police said.

Hamilton was subsequently subdued and taken into custody without injury to himself, the officers, or any bystanders.

“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!”

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