Phila. Police: No Indication Accused FB Killer In Our Area
By Alicia Nieves and David Spunt
PHILADELPHIA (CBSAP) -- Police say they received multiple reports this afternoon from people claiming a person matching the description of alleged Facebook shooter Steve Stephens is in the Fairmount Park area.
Police tell Eyewitness News so far, they have no indication that Stephens is in the area.
Statement on police activity in Fairmount Park regarding Cleveland Ohio homicide suspect Steve Stephens pic.twitter.com/qYkd2DzxbP
— Philadelphia Police (@PhillyPolice) April 17, 2017
Dozens of schools in West Philadelphia were placed on lockdown while police investigated the claims.
School District spokesman H. Lee Whack Jr says, "More than 30 schools in West Philadelphia were on a Philadelphia Police Department ordered lockdown Monday. The School District of Philadelphia fully cooperated with the Police Department in this matter and the lockdown was lifted at 2:55pm. Schools that were on lockdown dismissed according to their regular schedule."
Stephens is suspected of allegedly shooting an elderly man in Cleveland, Ohio yesterday, videotaping the killing and then posting that video on Facebook.
#FBI seeks info regarding the location of Steve Stephens, wanted for allegedly murdering a man in Cleveland, OH: https://t.co/boMjv0P7L7 pic.twitter.com/EshkaGn8n5
— FBI Most Wanted (@FBIMostWanted) April 17, 2017
Stephens said on that video he will keep killing people until he is caught.
Chopper 3 was live over Fairmount Park as police searched the area. But, again police tell us so far there is no indication that Stephens is in Philadelphia.
Search Widens For Facebook Murder Suspect
Earlier today police issued a warning to people in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and New York to be on the lookout.
Stephens was last seen wearing a dark blue and gray or black striped polo shirt. He is about 6'1", 244 pounds with a full beard, a bald head, and was driving a white or cream colored Ford Fusion.
Police Urge Man Who Livestreamed Homicide To Turn Himself In
Detectives talked with Stephens by cellphone Sunday after he allegedly shot 74-year-old Robert Godwin Sr. but haven't had contact since.
Police are urging Stephens to surrender before anyone else is hurt.
