Jilani Bakhari.
An accused killer who has been on the run for almost two years has been captured by the Montgomery Township Police Department, following an early-morning traffic stop on Oct. 5.
Jilani Bakhari, 30, of Sandy Springs, GA, is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges in connection with the traffic stop, in addition to charges of murder, aggravated assault and violation of the Georgia Gang Act in relation to an incident that occurred on Dec. 29, 2016, in Chamblee, GA.
According to the criminal complaint, police initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of Welsh Road and Park Drive at 12:29 a.m. on Oct. 5, after an officer allegedly observed a vehicle driving with its high-beams on. Police then spoke to the driver—identified as George Oge, 41, of Bronx, NY—and the passenger—identified as “Jacob Linneman Bauserman,” 28, of North Carolina—who said they were in the area to visit a cousin. The complaint notes that Oge appeared to be nervous when speaking to police, adding that he was breathing heavily and his hand was shaking when he turned over his license. Police then returned to their vehicle in order to verify their identifications and check for warrants.
The report states that when “Bauserman’s” information was entered into the National Crime Information Center, it returned with an image of a white male, which did not match the appearance of the black male that was sitting in the passenger seat. When asked for his real name, “Bauserman” continued to assert that his real name was on the identification card, though the complaint states that he misspelled his middle name when asked.
At that point, another officer arrived with a mobile fingerprint scanner, and after having “Bauserman” submit a print of his left thumb, his identity was determined to be Jilani Bakhari
Bakhari was arraigned on the local charges by Magisterial District Judge Andrea Duffy, who set bail at $200,000 cash. Bakhari was then remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility after failing to post bail. Additionally, Bakhari is being held on an additional charge of being a fugitive from justice under Title 42 Section 9134 for the murder charge, which carries an additional bail requirement.
According to Montgomery Township Police Chief Scott Bendig, the state of Georgia and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office will work out an agreement regarding the timing for extradition on the murder charge.
Driver Facing Charges as Well
In addition to the arrest of Bakhari, Oge is also facing numerous felony and misdemeanor charges in connection with the incident.
Following a search of the vehicle, police discovered a large bag of marijuana, packaging materials, nine unopened iPhones and other Apple merchandise, a CI card imaging printer, a laptop, cell phone, a Bodno box with several dozen blank security cards, multiple state driver’s license holograms and several dozen blank microchip credit cards.
Both Oge and Bakhari were charged with conspiracy - manufacture, deliver or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver, conspiracy - use or possess drug paraphernalia, conspiracy – unlawful device making equipment possession, conspiracy – possession of an instrument of crime with intent, conspiracy – hinder apprehension / false statements to law enforcement and more.
Like Bakhari, Oge was remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility after failing to post $200,000 cash bail.
The Homicide in Georgia
Bakhari is facing murder charges in Chamblee, GA in connection with an incident that occurred at a convenience store along the 4000-block of Buford Highway on December 29, 2016.
According to a report by the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the incident began inside the store with an argument about hot dog buns. The victim—identified as 30-year-old Andrew Spencer—continued the argument with Bakhari outside the store, at which point Bakhari and another man, Leroy Copney, began shooting at Spencer.
The two alleged gunmen then fled the scene in a Maserati, as Spencer’s friend held him until he died moments later.
Mobile Fingerprint Scan Proves Worthy
When asked if a mobile fingerprint scanner was common equipment for police, Montgomery Township Police Chief Scott Bendig said not to his knowledge.
The Montgomery Township Police Department was able to secure the equipment via a one-year grant through the Pennsylvania Police Chief’s Association. After the first year, the funding for the equipment then falls on the department.
“[It’s a] very useful piece of equipment, as you can see,” Bendig said.
(Editor's note: All suspects and defendants are innocent until proven guilty. Should the defendant choose to issue a public statement, or is later found not guilty or has the charges dropped, we will update this article accordingly.)
See also:
Lansdale Man Allegedly Recorded Women in Century Plaza Bathroom
Phone Spoofing Used to Steal Identities from Local Credit Union
Grocery Theft leads to Felony Charges for Two Men
Weekend Checkpoint Results in Four Arrests
‘Boogieman’ Arraigned on Felony Drug, Weapons of Mass Destruction Charges
