HUNTINGTON VALLEY, PA — A chaotic scene unfolded at a Wawa convenience store in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, on December 4th, 2023, resulting in the arrest of a man who now faces an array of criminal charges.
According to the Lower Moreland Township Police Department, officers were dispatched to the Wawa location at 2500 Philmont Avenue in response to reports of an “armed subject”. The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Armand Xhelo, was reported to be wielding a bat.
Upon arrival, officers found a large group engaged in a heated argument outside the store, with several individuals pointing at Xhelo. Initial observations suggested that a traffic accident had occurred and Xhelo, identified as the driver responsible, was allegedly threatening other parties involved.
Police reports indicate that Xhelo quickly became combative when officers attempted to intervene. He attempted to reach into his front right pants pocket and physically resisted efforts to handcuff him, grabbing onto his vehicle’s roof rack and kicking at officers, even dislodging a Taser from an officer’s hand.
Despite Xhelo’s resistance, officers managed to secure him in handcuffs and place him in a patrol car. However, while in custody, Xhelo reportedly continued his aggressive behavior, kicking at the patrol car’s interior window in an attempt to break it and being generally uncooperative.
Xhelo has since been charged with multiple counts, including one count of aggravated assault, one count of attempting to disarm a law enforcement officer, three counts of terroristic threats with intent to terrorize another, and one count of simple assault attempt. Additional charges include resisting arrest, harassment, disorderly conduct, causing damage in an accident involving an attended vehicle or property, obscene language or gestures, reckless driving, and criminal mischief causing property damage.
It is important to note that these charges are allegations at this time. Like all defendants, Xhelo is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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