Minutes after announcing $1,000 reward in murder case, cops got a tip that led to suspect’s arrest

A Pennsylvania murder suspect was captured just 15 minutes after authorities offered a $1,000 reward for information on his whereabouts, according to the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.

Ryan Grace, 37, was taken into police custody shortly after authorities issued an arrest warrant, and offered the reward for information leading to his location.

Investigators said a tip was received within 15 minutes of the announcement, allowing detectives to locate and apprehend the suspect.

Grace is charged with first-degree murder over the fatal stabbing of Shaquille Kare Nicholas, 33, in Pottstown Wednesday.

The charges stem from an incident on the afternoon of May 6. Pottstown police responded to a local residence at approximately 2 p.m., following reports of a stabbing.

Ryan Grace is charged with first-degree murder over the fatal stabbing of 33-year-old Shaquille Kare Nicholas in Pottstown, Pennsylvania (Montgomery County District Attorney's Office)

Upon arrival, officers discovered Nicholas unresponsive with a stab wound to the chest. He was transported to Pottstown Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to Montgomery County officials.

Grace is awaiting arraignment on the murder charge. Under Pennsylvania law, first-degree murder is a non-bailable offense, and Grace is expected to be remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility following his initial court appearance.

A joint investigation by Montgomery County Detectives and Pottstown Police, which included witness interviews and surveillance video, found that Nicholas and Grace were arguing in Nicholas’ bedroom. A witness told investigators they had seen Grace run from the bedroom and out of the apartment, after which Nicholas emerged bleeding from his chest.

An autopsy confirmed the cause of death was a stab wound to the chest and ruled the manner of death a homicide.

Before his arrest, authorities had described Grace as a homeless man living in the Pottstown area with a “vagabond” tattoo on his right forearm.

Following his capture, Grace was arraigned May 7. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for the morning of May 12.