A violent January incident in Pennsylvania has led to federal custody after local release raised questions about notification gaps between agencies.
Philadelphia, PA – A Jamaican national accused of running over a pedestrian and fleeing the scene is now in federal custody after being released on bond posted by his brother, a Philadelphia police officer, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Christopher Leon Bailey, who authorities say overstayed a 2009 tourist visa, was arrested by ICE officers March 16 when he appeared in court in Delaware County. The arrest followed his earlier release on Feb. 8 after a cash bond was posted without notification to federal immigration officials.
ICE detailed the allegations, stating, “Bailey, who overstayed a 2009 tourist visa, allegedly nearly hit two pedestrians crossing the road in January before chasing them down in a parking lot and nearly hitting them again.” The agency added, “Kicked to the ground by the victim after exchanging words, Bailey allegedly pulled a knife on the two before chasing them down again with his car and running over the victim before fleeing the scene.”
Key Points
- Jamaican national accused of attempted murder arrested by ICE on March 16
- Suspect released on Feb. 8 after bond posted by Philadelphia police officer brother
- ICE says no notification was provided before release from local custody
Arrest follows court appearance with officer brother
According to ICE, Bailey was taken into custody by Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia officers and Homeland Security Investigations agents during a court appearance where his brother was present in full uniform.
“ICE ERO Philadelphia officers and HSI Philadelphia agents arrested him before he was remanded to the Delaware County Prison — in a sanctuary jurisdiction — March 16,” the agency stated.
Officials said Bailey will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings until a judicial writ is issued by the county.
Prior conviction and multiple new charges
Authorities said Bailey has a prior firearms conviction in New York. In Pennsylvania, he now faces a series of charges tied to the January incident.
Those charges include felony aggravated assault, multiple counts of aggravated assault involving serious bodily injury and use of a deadly weapon, reckless endangerment, simple assault, disorderly conduct, and reckless driving.
ICE said, “Previously convicted of a firearms offense in NY, Jamaican national Christopher Leon Bailey is now accused of running over a pedestrian in PA and fleeing the scene.”
Federal officials have not released additional details about the victim’s condition. The case remains pending in both local and immigration proceedings.
