Top ranking Philadelphia law enforcement officials and Mayor Jim Kenney made headlines Tuesday announcing the arrest of 28 year old Jonathan Abuku in a series of carjackings, murders and shootings linked to what appears to be an organized group that’s been terrorizing drivers across the city and nearby suburbs.
Abuku, who has a lengthy arrest record, was taken into custody over the weekend after Philadelphia Homicide detectives, the city’s carjacking task force and the FBI and ATF joined together to track Abuku down following two murders and a shooting several weeks ago.
The arrest comes in the wake of over 800 carjackings in Philly in 2021 and over 250 attempted carjackings and carjackings so far in 2022. Sources say a gun was used in 169 of those carjackings.
Abuku, from the 3800 block of Plumstead Avenue in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, has been charged with two counts of murder, arson, conspiracy, carjacking and aggravated assault in connection with three violent crimes.
Robbery/Carjacking- 7600 Elmwood Avenue
On Friday, February 4, 2022, at approximately 12:12 A.M., A 45 year old female was parking her Toyota RAV4 on the 7600 block of Elmwood Avenue. The victim attempted to enter her home when three suspects attempted to grab her bag from her. The victim screamed and a male victim from inside the property opened the door. One of the suspects fired a gunshot at the victim, only striking the door. The suspects were able to take the keys from the victim and flee in her vehicle. The vehicle was last seen heading eastbound on Elmwood Avenue. No injuries to the male or female victim.
Homicide by Shooting-2100 Afton Street
On Sunday, February 6, 2022, at approximately 8:12 P.M., officers responded to a radio call report of a “Person with a Gun” at 2100 Afton Street. Upon arrival, the officers observed an unresponsive male victim later identified as 60-year-old George Briscella from the 1800 block of Lansing St., suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen and back. Medics responded and transported the male to Jefferson-Torresdale Hospital where he was pronounced at 9:02 P.M. The scene was held, no weapon recovered.
Homicide by Shooting- 8100 Grovers Avenue
On Saturday, February 12, 2022, at approximately 7:25 P.M., Officers from the 12th District responded to a radio call for a “Person with a Gun/ Report of a Shooting” at 8100 Grovers Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located the victim who was unresponsive and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Medics pronounced the victim at 7:35 P.M. The victim was later identified as Aiah Gbessay from the 6300 block of Kingsessing Avenue.
Detectives believe Abuku is the ringleader of a carjacking crew that targeted Toyotas including RAV4s and a Toyota Highlander. They tracked Abuku down after his 2021 Camry was linked to all three crimes. Police believe Abuku and his accomplices also set fire to a Ford Transit van stolen from one of the victims.
Police recovered an AK47style assault weapon and a unique FN 5.7 handgun worth almost $8,000 that had been stolen in an armed carjacking back on December 2nd on the 7000 block of Greenway Avenue. The victim in that case was also shot. His 2021 RAV4 was taken and the victim was shot in the shoulder.
Police say Ballistics have linked the 5.7 caliber weapon to shell casings recovered at several of these crime scenes.
Abuku has prior arrests for aggravated assault, robbery and rape. He also has four prior arrests outside the city.
Police have not disclosed why the carjackers were targeting RAV4s, but sources tell Mobtalksitdown.com the vehicles made be being shipped overseas. Their investigation is ongoing and active.
