Jackson Roberts, 22, a Drexel University student, has been arrested in connection with a Monday morning shooting in the 900 block of West Dauphin Street in North Philadelphia. 6abc Philadelphia, citing sources in the District Attorney’s Office, reported that Roberts faces charges including attempted murder and aggravated assault and that bail was set at $2 million.
The arrest came after an earlier report from NBC Philadelphia said officers arrived at about 9:20 a.m., found a man who had been shot and took him to a nearby hospital, where he was listed in stable condition. NBC said no arrest had been made at the time of that report. In its later account, 6abc, citing District Attorney’s Office sources, reported that Roberts and the victim were at a friend’s house and alleged that Roberts shot the man once in the head. The outlet also reported that the victim had a fractured neck vertebra, with a projectile still lodged inside, and might face lasting mobility problems; he was able to speak with detectives.
The allegations are not a finding of guilt. The reports do not specify why bail was set at $2 million. Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 523 directs bail authorities to consider information relevant to a defendant’s appearance in court and compliance with bail conditions; Rule 528 says that when monetary bail is imposed, the authority must also consider those release criteria and the defendant’s financial ability. Neither rule establishes the reasoning in Roberts’ case.
The Philadelphia Municipal Court’s guide says a felony preliminary hearing determines whether there is enough evidence for a case to proceed; if it clears that stage, the case is transferred to the Court of Common Pleas. The available reports do not give a hearing date or say how the charges will be resolved.
Drexel said it was taking steps under university policies and cooperating with law enforcement, 6abc reported. The university’s Code of Conduct says conduct that violates the code, including off-campus conduct, is subject to its Student Conduct Process; that policy does not establish whether Roberts has been found responsible or what action the university will take.
Sources: 6abc Philadelphia; NBC Philadelphia; Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 523; Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 528; Philadelphia Municipal Court guide; Drexel University Code of Conduct.
