In a string of criminal incidents that shook Philadelphia between August and September, a duo believed to be behind the mayhem has been apprehended and indicted, as per information from the District Attorney’s Office.
The Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner revealed the suspects’ identities as Maurice Allen and Christina Kolenda. The duo was taken into custody in October following their suspected involvement in a robbery that transpired in September.
The DA outlined that Allen and Kolenda were implicated in robberies at two distinct nail salons. These incidents occurred within a narrow window of three hours on Saturday, September 23.
One of the nail technicians found herself amidst a robbery-turned-shooting that took place at half past seven in the evening. The incident, as reported by the District Attorney, resulted in the technician receiving two gunshot wounds to her leg while she courageously pursued one of the perpetrators.
This valiant attempt at confronting the assailant has left her temporarily incapacitated. The victim finds herself dependent on crutches for mobility and unable to continue her profession till her recovery. The incident is a stark reminder of the risks that ordinary people may encounter in extraordinary circumstances and the brave faces they put on in the face of adversity.
The DA’s report also linked the pair to a series of alarming incidents:
On August 11, 2023, Allen was allegedly involved in a shocking incident where a pregnant mother was threatened at gunpoint on the 1900 block of Bainbridge Street. The connection was made possible through anonymous tips.
A few days later, on August 21, 2023, two individuals robbed an ice cream parlor at the 5400 block of Ridge Avenue in Roxborough, holding two employees hostage at gunpoint. It was discovered that Kolenda’s vehicle was used for their escape.
On August 28, 2023, a pair of men robbed a Dunkin’ outlet on the 5000 block of Rising Avenue, menacing a cashier at gunpoint. The exact vehicle was used to flee the crime scene.
Detectives were able to tie the two suspects to the crimes using advancements in technology. Surveillance footage, license plate recognition technology linked to Kolenda’s vehicle, and telephone forensics were instrumental.
The DA announced that both Kolenda and Allen would face multiple charges, including robbery, conspiracy, aggravated assault, simple assault, possession of a crime instrument, and reckless endangerment of another person – five counts each.
While the investigation is ongoing, officials confirmed that the duo remains in custody.
