LANCASTER, PA — A Philadelphia man has been sentenced to up to 12 years in state prison for leading police on a high-speed chase through Lancaster that ended with him crashing into a gas line, causing a severe leak, all to avoid a traffic ticket.
Waleem Felder, 46, was sentenced on March 5 by Judge Margaret Miller to a term of three years and nine months to 12 years. Felder was found guilty in January on multiple charges, including risking catastrophe, fleeing police, and evading arrest.
The November 13, 2023, incident began when police attempted to stop Felder for an illegal window tint at South Ann and East Mifflin streets. Instead of complying, Felder sped away, running multiple stop signs and red lights, and reaching speeds so high that officers could not safely pursue him. Surveillance footage later helped police track his movements.
During the chase, Felder nearly hit pedestrians and forced a bicyclist to jump out of the way. The pursuit ended when he crashed into a home on the 300 block of West Mifflin Street, severing a gas line. Fire officials testified that the leak was severe enough that any ignition source, including Felder’s still-running vehicle, could have caused an explosion. Nearby homes were evacuated until crews secured the scene.
Felder then fled on foot but was arrested less than an hour later inside a bar. In addition to his prison sentence, he was ordered to pay more than $8,000 in restitution to the homeowner and the gas company.
Key Points:
- Waleem Felder, 46, was sentenced to up to 12 years for a high-speed chase that ended with a gas line crash.
- The pursuit endangered pedestrians and forced evacuations due to a severe gas leak.
- Felder was arrested inside a bar less than an hour after fleeing the crash scene.