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Waleem Felder, 46, of Philadelphia, was sentenced to three years and nine months to 12 years in state prison on Tuesday, March 5, after being convicted on multiple charges, including risking catastrophe and fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, according to the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office.
The chaos began in November 2023 when Lancaster police attempted to pull Felder over for an illegal window tinting violation at South Ann and East Mifflin streets. Instead of stopping, Felder hit the gas, weaving through the city at reckless speeds, ignoring stop signs and red lights, and forcing pedestrians to dive out of the way, authorities said.
The pursuit ended in disaster when Felder attempted to turn onto the 300 block of West Mifflin Street but lost control and slammed into a home, severing its gas line. The impact caused a severe leak, with Lancaster City Bureau of Fire officials warning that even a spark from Felder’s abandoned, still-running vehicle could have triggered a deadly explosion. Nearby homes were evacuated as emergency crews worked to contain the hazard.
Despite the life-threatening situation he created, Felder bailed from the wreckage and took off on foot, according to officials. He was tracked down and arrested at a bar on the 300 block of West Walnut Street less than an hour later.
During sentencing, Felder pleaded for leniency, saying he wanted to return to his family and “put this behind me.” But prosecutor Kyle Linardo argued that his reckless decisions warranted severe consequences, emphasizing how his actions could have led to mass casualties.
Lancaster County Judge Margaret Miller agreed, condemning Felder’s “wanton disregard” for police commands and public safety. “The thing that strikes me the most is that no one is dead,” she said before handing down his sentence.
In addition to prison time, Felder was ordered to pay over $8,000 in restitution to the homeowner and UGI for damages. Lancaster City Bureau of Police Officer Joseph Good filed the charges.
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