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.
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.