URGENT UPDATE: A man from Sharon Hill has been arrested on serious gun and drug charges following a swift police intervention in Folcroft. Mark Baxter, 30, was taken into custody after a vigilant officer observed suspicious behavior while monitoring traffic at approximately 10:00 AM on October 24.
Authorities report that Cpl. Thomas Kesser of the Folcroft Police Department praised the incident as a demonstration of “outstanding vigilance and proactive policing.” Kesser emphasized that the prompt identification of suspicious activity allowed officers to act decisively, enhancing community safety.
Baxter, who resides in the 1000 block of Pine Road, was spotted driving a blue Toyota Prius that halted at a green light, obstructing traffic flow at the intersection of Hook Road and Folcroft Avenue. After exiting his vehicle, he approached a nearby bus stop and disposed of an item in a trash can.
When Officer Nicholas Matty confronted Baxter, he detected a strong odor of burnt marijuana. Despite Baxter claiming he had just purchased the vehicle and denied having marijuana inside, the situation escalated. Matty removed Baxter from the Prius and noted that the vehicle was unregistered and had a suspended registration.
As Baxter was being patted down, he reportedly admitted, “wait, there may be weed in here,” while unzipping a satchel. Inside the satchel, police found 44 pills identified as oxycodone, along with additional suspected MDMA pills.
While securing Baxter in the patrol vehicle, Officer Matty discovered a pink-and-silver SCCY 9 mm handgun in the trash can. The firearm was loaded, featuring one round in the chamber and ten additional rounds in the magazine. Police also seized $423 in cash and multiple packages of suspected marijuana from Baxter’s jacket and the Prius.
Baxter has been charged with multiple offenses, including possession of a firearm prohibited, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and possession of drug paraphernalia. After failing to post 10% of $125,000 bail, he has been remanded to county jail and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on October 28 before Magisterial District Judge Steven A. Sandone.
The swift actions of the Folcroft Police serve as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance and proactive law enforcement. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
