WHITE PLAINS, NY — A routine traffic stop on February 15 led to the capture of a fugitive wanted for homicide in Philadelphia.
New York State Troopers Charko and Pelaez attempted to stop a vehicle reported stolen from Virginia. While the driver initially complied, he fled at a high speed, prompting a brief pursuit that lasted about one minute and covered a distance of approximately one mile. The chase ended when the suspect crashed the stolen vehicle and fled on foot.
Troopers quickly apprehended the suspect a short distance from the crash site. Upon arrest, the suspect provided false identification and was found in possession of several fraudulent IDs. He was taken to Westchester Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries sustained during the crash.
Following fingerprint analysis, the suspect was identified as Geovanni Otero, who was wanted by the Philadelphia Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service for homicide and other charges. Otero was being sought in connection with the November 8, 2024, discovery of a 29-year-old woman found bludgeoned to death in a shallow grave.
In addition to being a fugitive from justice, Otero faces charges including criminal possession of stolen property, obstructing governmental administration, false impersonation, unlawful fleeing, and reckless driving.
Otero remains in custody, pending extradition proceedings back to Philadelphia for further legal action.
