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Police in Clifton Heights are searching for a Folcroft man, Birchett L. King, who allegedly shot and killed another man after an argument about vehicle repairs. King has been charged with criminal homicide and first- and third-degree murder. The shooting took place on East Baltimore Ave and King fled the scene in a Dodge Durango. The victim, James Ford, was found unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene. King is considered armed and dangerous, and the public is advised to use caution. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the police. Alex Rose reported
Authorities in Clifton Heights are currently conducting a search for a suspect from Folcroft who is believed to have fatally shot another individual following a dispute regarding vehicle repairs. Birchett L. King, a 25-year-old resident of Taylor Drive, has been charged with criminal homicide, as well as first- and third-degree murder, in relation to the incident that occurred on East Baltimore Ave. The incident was reported to the police at approximately 4:42 p.m. on Thursday, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.
According to an affidavit provided by Clifton Heights Sgt. Ryan Berry, the suspect, described as a Black male wearing an orange shirt, managed to flee the scene in a dark gray Dodge Durango. Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered the victim, identified as 39-year-old James Ford, lying on his stomach on Marple Street, near ATP Motors. Ford had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was unresponsive. Tragically, despite the arrival of paramedics from Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, Ford was pronounced dead at the scene.
During their investigation at the scene, authorities received a call from a witness who reported that the suspect, King, had contacted them and admitted to shooting Ford following an argument over vehicle repairs. The witness was able to identify King from a photo array. Additionally, investigators obtained video footage from ATP Motors, which allegedly captures King and Ford entering the garage after engaging in a verbal dispute. Shortly thereafter, the victim is seen fleeing the garage towards Lindbergh Bridge, with King closely following in his distinctive orange T-shirt and black pants. Subsequently, the surveillance footage shows King entering the Durango, which was parked in front of the business, with a black handgun. He then drives away in an eastbound direction on Baltimore Avenue, heading towards Lansdowne.
It is worth noting that King does not possess a permit to carry a firearm, according to Sgt. Berry. The vehicle in question, described as a newer model Dodge Durango with a sunroof, tinted windows, air-intake scoops on the hood, and possibly a tinted license plate cover, is still at large. King is considered to be armed and dangerous, and the public is advised to exercise caution. Authorities urge anyone with information regarding King’s whereabouts to contact Sgt. Berry at 610-623-3242 or email rberry@cliftonheightspolice.com..
