Threats to Law Enforcement

Case # 19-019072

On May 13, 2019, at 12:00 PM, an on-duty Abington Township Police Officer came into contact with a male who had been sleeping in his car in the parking lot of Lorimer Park, 183 Moredon Road in the Huntingdon Valley section of Abington Township. At one point during the encounter, the male donned what appeared to be a ballistic vest and threatened the officer, telling him that the next time he saw him “it would be bloody”.  A subsequent investigation resulted in the male being identified as 31 year old Joseph E. Ankrah, last known to reside in the 5800 block of Sylvester St. Philadelphia. It was learned that Ankrah had attempted to purchase an assault rifle and a handgun back in March, 2019, but was denied. As a result of this incident, Abington Police obtained an arrest warrant for Ankrah for Terroristic Threats. Abington Detectives attempted to locate Ankrah at his last known address, but were unsuccessful. Abington Police requested assistance from the United States Marshals in locating Ankrah.

On May 22, 2019, federal agents located Ankrah inside his vehicle in Northeast Philadelphia. Ankrah was arrested and transported to Jefferson Frankford Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during his arrest. Ankrah is awaiting arraignment on the Abington warrant. For questions please contact Patrick Molloy, Chief of Police at pmolloy@abington.org.

CRIMINAL CHARGES, AND ANY DISCUSSION THEREOF, ARE MERELY ALLEGATIONS AND ALL DEFENDANTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL AND UNLESS PROVEN GUILTY.

 Released by: Lt. Steve Fink
Approved by: Chief Patrick Molloy