One of Philadelphia's Most Wanted Violent Crooks Caught in Maine

A man wanted in connection with a homicide in Philadelphia was arrested during a traffic stop in Maine.

How Did Police Identify Hassen?

What started as a routine traffic stop for an expired registration turned out to be a lot more, including arresting Earl Hassen, 43, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who was wanted on a murder charge. Auburn Police pulled the vehicle over at approximately 11:00 Tuesday night on Kittyhawk Avenue. During the traffic stop, they asked for identification from one of the passengers, who originally gave them a Delaware ID, which police determined was fake. When they were able to confirm Hassen's identity, they took him into custody on a homicide warrant out of Philadelphia.

Get our free mobile app

Were There Drugs Involved In This Arrest?

In addition to the warrant arrest, Auburn police seized crack cocaine and $25,000 in suspected drug proceeds from Hassen. Further information gathered during that stop prompted police to get a search warrant for a nearby residence. When police searched the home, they found approximately a pound of cocaine, as well as drug paraphernalia. As a result of the search, police say Hassen will be referred for federal drug charges for cocaine possession.

He was taken to the Androscoggin County Jail without bail pending an extradition hearing. Once that process is completed, Hassen will be transported to Philadelphia to face the murder charge.