WEST CHESTER, PA — A Chester County jury recently found Kareem Harper-El, 39, of Philadelphia, guilty of robbery, burglary, conspiracy, aggravated assault, and related charges for a 2018 home invasion robbery in Pennsbury Township, announced Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan. A co-defendant, Renada Myers, was found guilty in Oct. 2021 of conspiracy to commit robbery, burglary, and related offenses.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on August 8, 2018, Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Avondale received a call about a home invasion robbery on the 500-block of Baltimore Pike. The 40-year-old victim told police that the co-defendant texted him to arrange a sexual encounter at his home on August 7, after which the defendant and an unidentified accomplice forced their way into the house. The victim was physically assaulted, held at gunpoint, restrained with extension cords, and forced to unlock his gun safe. The men stole five firearms, $200 in cash, watches, and the victim’s iPhone and car keys.
The victim suffered significant injuries to his head, face, and ear but managed to escape out a bedroom window and call the police after the men left.
Philadelphia Police arrested the defendant on August 10, during a traffic stop for a stolen vehicle, finding one of the stolen handguns in his possession.
“The victim thought he was going to die at the hands of the defendant and his accomplice during this brutal assault in his own home,” said Deb Ryan. “This unimaginable nightmare was premeditated and calculated by the defendant and his co-conspirators. We thank law enforcement for their swift response, especially the Pennsylvania State Police, for their tireless dedication to ensure we got justice. Chester County is safer with the defendant off the streets.”
The defendant will be sentenced later. The Pennsylvania State Police conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Harper-El. Assistant District Attorneys Kate Lewis and Alyssa Amoroso prosecuted the case.
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