LANCASTER, PA — A 15-year-old Lancaster city teen accused of firing a gun at a man in an alleged ambush outside a city residence has waived his preliminary hearing, advancing the case to county court.
Key Points
- Amari Poole, 15, waived his preliminary hearing on March 27 before Judge Jodie Richardson.
- Poole is charged in connection with a Dec. 13 ambush shooting in the 400 block of Green Street.
- He remains held at the Lancaster County Youth Intervention Center on $500,000 bail.
Case details emerge after surveillance footage
Amari Poole, of the first block of West New Street, faces multiple charges including attempted criminal homicide, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm by a minor. The charges stem from a Dec. 13, 2024 incident in which Poole allegedly participated in a targeted shooting outside a Green Street residence shortly before 4:30 p.m.
Lancaster Safety Coalition surveillance footage reportedly captured Poole and two others wearing face coverings as they exited a vehicle and waited near the residence. When the male victim arrived and stepped onto the porch, Poole and a second suspect, identified as Willito Colon, opened fire.
Traffic stop leads to key evidence
Police officers patrolling nearby responded immediately upon hearing gunfire. They soon stopped a vehicle reportedly driven by Poole’s mother, Lindsay Colon, after observing it reversing at high speed on Dauphin Street.
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Upon initiating the traffic stop, officers detected the smell of recently fired ammunition. After Lindsay and Willito Colon exited the vehicle, police observed a handgun in plain view on the rear passenger floorboard. The home sustained visible damage from the gunfire.
Prohibited from firearm possession
Authorities stated that Poole is legally barred from possessing a firearm due to his juvenile status and prior criminal history. He now faces charges including conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, discharge of a firearm into an occupied structure, and recklessly endangering another person.
Poole is currently detained at the Lancaster County Youth Intervention Center with bail set at $500,000. Court proceedings will continue at the county level.