70739615
A Southwest Philly teen could remain in jail until his 35th birthday for firing shots at a cop in Queen Village last summer.
Devon Marcus, 17, who was tried as an adult, pled guilty to aggravated assault, a firearm violation for not having a license, possession of an instrument of crime and conspiracy of aggravated assault Feb. 17 and was sentenced to nine to 18 years in prison April 16 followed by two to five years on probation. Court of Common Pleas Judge Benjamin Lerner recommended a state correctional institution in Pine Grove, a western Pennsylvania-based maximum-security facility specializing in young adults.
“It was the appropriate sentence and the commonwealth and [3rd District Officer Michael] Alice are pleased,” Assistant District Attorney Paul Goldman said.
Officers dispersed a crowd of teens on the South Street Bridge at 11:11 p.m. July 16, 2011 and directed the group south on the 600 block of South Front Street, according to police. Marcus attempted to head north when Alice redirected him. He obliged, but when Alice trailed him distantly, Marcus spun around and fired four times at the officer before fleeing west on Bainbridge. Alice was unharmed, pursued Marcus and arrested him less than two blocks away.
The conspiracy charge stemmed from a July 6 assault in Southwest Philly, Goldman said.
It does not seem the shooting was tied to the string of flash mob incidents that occurred last summer, he said.
“Marcus appears to have acted completely independently,” Goldman said.
Contact Managing Editor Amanda L. Snyder at asnyder@southphillyreview.com or ext. 117.
Also in April’s Court Report:
Familial tensions
Convicted of slaying boyfriend
In this week’s Police Report:
Time of need
Fatally pierced
Evening walk turns violent
Almost captured
No entry allowed
Stop, rob and run
70739605
