The manhunt intensifies as U.S. Marshals up the ante with a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Asir Boone, the 17-year-old suspect implicated in the shooting incident that wounded eight high school students at a SEPTA bus stop in Philadelphia. Boone, who has been on the run since a warrant for attempted murder and related charges was issued on March 12, is now the target of a widespread search by the U.S. Marshals Service Eastern Pennsylvania Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force.
The fugitive, described as 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing around 140 pounds with black hair and brown eyes, has so far eluded capture. The authorities have warned that the clock is ticking for Boone to surrender and have made clear that anyone found aiding his escape will face stern justice. "A deadline has come and gone for Asir Boone to turn himself in. We are now asking for the public’s assistance to further our investigation while also warning that anyone supporting Boone’s flight will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law," Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Clark said in a statement obtained by the U.S. Marshals Service.
Tipped to be frequenting the Olney section of Philadelphia, Boone's last known address was the 500 block of West Manheim Street in Germantown. Acknowledging the gravity of the crime and the urgent need to apprehend Boone, the Marshals emphasize the immediate processing of the reward upon the fugitive's arrest, not contingent upon a conviction.
To coax information from the public, authorities have established a dedicated tipline. Tips can be called in to the U.S. Marshals Philadelphia Tipline at 1-866-865-TIPS (8477) or submitted through the USMS Tips App. The Eastern Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force, comprising numerous law enforcement agencies including the Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania State Parole Officers, and Pennsylvania State Police, continues it's relentless pursuit of violent crime fugitives like Boone.
