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Lansdowne Today
By the People, for the People
Man Arrested on Weapons Charges in East Lansdowne
Authorities say Stephon Dowden was found on a roof holding a handgun without a license.
Published on Feb. 28, 2026
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Police in East Lansdowne, Pennsylvania arrested a 38-year-old man named Stephon Dowden after responding to a report of a person with a gun. Officers found Dowden on the roof of a residence holding a handgun, and he was taken into custody without further incident. Dowden did not have a license for the firearm and was also in violation of two separate Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders that prohibited him from possessing firearms.
Why it matters
Illegal firearm possession and violations of PFA orders are serious public safety concerns in the East Lansdowne community. This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to address gun violence and enforce laws designed to keep dangerous individuals from accessing weapons.
The details
According to the report, East Lansdowne Officers Todd Olin and Owen Cosgrove responded to a residence on Beverly Avenue around 9:46 p.m. on February 12th for a report of a person with a gun. Upon arrival, they found Stephon Dowden on the roof of the home holding a handgun. Dowden claimed that numerous people with guns were attacking him, but no other individuals were located in the area. With assistance from Lansdowne, Yeadon and Upper Darby police, Dowden was removed from the roof and the firearm was recovered. Authorities determined that Dowden did not have a license for the weapon and was also in violation of two separate Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders that prohibited him from possessing firearms.
- On February 12, 2026, police responded to the incident around 9:46 p.m.
The players
Stephon Dowden
A 38-year-old Pennsylvania resident who was arrested for illegally possessing a handgun while also violating two separate Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders.
Todd Olin
An East Lansdowne police officer who responded to the incident.
Owen Cosgrove
An East Lansdowne police officer who responded to the incident.
What’s next
Criminal charges for violation of PFA orders and weapons violations were filed against Stephon Dowden with the local magistrate court.
The takeaway
This arrest highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing illegal firearm possession and enforcing protective orders designed to keep dangerous individuals from accessing weapons. It underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to public safety that addresses the root causes of violence while also holding offenders accountable.
