Parking is limited, so fugitives should be dropped off by a friend or family member.
By 9 this morning, about 30 fugitives from justice had shown up at a South Philadelphia church, ready to get a hearing before a judge. By 10, the lineup had grown to 50.
They had passed a police perimeter to be greeted by several dozen
officials and volunteers wearing blue shirts reading "Fugitive Safe Surrender."
That's the name of a federal program being tried for four straight days - from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - at True Gospel Tabernacle Church, a large, old brick house of worship near 16th Street.
The first person processed was Nelson Figueroa, 41, of Logan, who had been wanted on DUI and drug possession charges.
"I just seen a judge," he said on his way out. "My warrants were lifted, and I'm free to go." He was also given a date to appear in court.
For some people, a church is a less intimidating place than a police station or a courthouse, according to Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey. Public defenders were expected to be on hand to provide legal help to those turning themselves in.
In Philadelphia, about 30,000 people are wanted for allegedly committing felonies, and another 38,000 people are sought on misdemeanor charges, authorities said at a recent news conference announcing the program.
So far, more than 13,000 fugitives have come forward nationwide because of the programs.
Parking is limited, so fugitives should be dropped off by a friend or family member.
They had passed a police perimeter to be greeted by several dozen
officials and volunteers wearing blue shirts reading "Fugitive Safe Surrender."That's the name of a federal program being tried for four straight days - from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - at True Gospel Tabernacle Church, a large, old brick house of worship near 16th Street.
The first person processed was Nelson Figueroa, 41, of Logan, who had been wanted on DUI and drug possession charges.
"I just seen a judge," he said on his way out. "My warrants were lifted, and I'm free to go." He was also given a date to appear in court.
For some people, a church is a less intimidating place than a police station or a courthouse, according to Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey. Public defenders were expected to be on hand to provide legal help to those turning themselves in.
In Philadelphia, about 30,000 people are wanted for allegedly committing felonies, and another 38,000 people are sought on misdemeanor charges, authorities said at a recent news conference announcing the program.
So far, more than 13,000 fugitives have come forward nationwide because of the programs.
Parking is limited, so fugitives should be dropped off by a friend or family member.
2 comments:
Hilarious
T-Bag???
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