PHILADELPHIA, PA – A multi-district crime spree ended in a dramatic crash Tuesday afternoon when a stolen utility truck slammed into the playground of S. Weir Mitchell Elementary School.
The Crime Spree
The incident began around 2:13 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, near the 6300 block of Grays Avenue. According to Philadelphia Police, an 18-year-old suspect first attempted to carjack a female driver before stealing a white utility truck that had been left running nearby.
Surveillance footage captured the truck jumping curbs and driving along sidewalks before reaching the intersection of 55th Street and Kingsessing Avenue.
The Intersection Collision
Witnesses say the suspect ran a red light at high speed, T-boning another vehicle. The impact triggered a chain reaction, striking two parked cars before the truck careened through the school’s perimeter and flipped onto its side inside the playground.
The driver of the vehicle that was struck was transported to a local hospital and is currently in stable condition.
Viral Heroism
Jamele Ransom, a local crossing guard, has gone viral following the incident. In an interview with local news while calmly eating an ice cream cone, Ransom described the harrowing moment he had to “bob and weave” to avoid the truck.
Ransom also reported helping a child exit one of the impacted vehicles. While the Philadelphia School District confirmed that no students were in the courtyard at the time, the community is praising the quick actions of bystanders.
Suspect Arrested
Police apprehended the driver, identified as Robert Littlepage, 18, of Douglasville, Georgia. Littlepage faces multiple charges, including:
- Attempted carjacking
- Aggravated assault
- Reckless driving
The Philadelphia Police Department is continuing its investigation into the full scope of the afternoon’s events.
