Robbery leads to gun probe

A home-invasion and pistol-whipping attack in Northeast Philadelphia last week has led authorities into a wider investigation in which a Germantown man has been arrested in connection with an alleged straw-purchasing gun scheme.

Philadelphia police, working with the state and District Attorney's Office, yesterday announced the arrest of Sean Kelley, 28, of the 100 block of West Logan Street. Kelley was charged with illegal transferring of firearms, records tampering, conspiracy, and related offenses stemming from the home invasion.

In the attack, authorities say, five men barged into the residence of Harry Navas, 37, where they pistol-whipped him and stole $2,000.

Kelley and Malik Hayes, 19, of the 8400 block of Williams Avenue, were charged with robbery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment and related offenses. Seventh Police District officers said they found three guns - a 9mm Glock 19, a .45-caliber Ruger, and a 9mm Ruger - nearby. The discovery of the weapons led to the wider investigation.