Driver Gunned Down on Schuylkill Expressway Over Stolen Phone: Cops

On April 8, around 2:30 a.m., Kareem EL was driving on I-76 East near mile marker 341.1 when he was shot and killed.

Pennsylvania State Police arrested two men who they say gunned down a driver on the Schuylkill Expressway last April because of a stolen phone.

On April 8, around 2:30 a.m., Kareem EL was driving on I-76 East near mile marker 341.1 when he was shot and killed. Police say El was driving in the center lane when an unknown vehicle pulled alongside him. The passenger of that vehicle allegedly fired at least five shots at El’s car, a 1997 light blue Buick Le Sabre Custom. One of the rounds struck EL in the head, killing him. Police say the unknown vehicle then continued east on I-76 while the passenger inside EL’s car, who was not injured, managed to gain control of the vehicle and bring it to a stop.

Pennsylvania State Police officers responded to the scene where they found EL dead, prompting an investigation.

Kareem El, Credit: Family Photo

On May 18, James Alston of Philadelphia was arrested in a separate shooting incident. During that incident, police say Alston discarded a black CZ 75, 9mm firearm which was recovered. The weapon was registered to Brent Coleman of Philadelphia, according to investigators. The CZ 75 was sent to the Pa. State Police ballistic laboratory which revealed that the weapon matched the one used in the murder of EL, according to investigators.
Police say witnesses identified Coleman as the driver that pulled alongside EL and Alston as the passenger and shooter. Investigators believe they killed EL because of a stolen phone. 

Coleman was arrested on January 8 and is currently being held without bail. Alston was arrested on Wednesday and is awaiting arraignment. Police say Alston has been detained in a Pennsylvania State Prison since May 18 for a probation violation. Both are charged with 1st and 3rd degree murder, conspiracy to murder and other related offenses.

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