2 Philadelphia officers shot, suspect critically injured after pursuit, shootout: police
PHILADELPHIA - Another act of gun violence in Philadelphia has left two police officers injured, along with the man officials say fired the terrifying shots.
Police say two highway patrol officers were responding to reports of shots fired when they noticed a possible suspect and suspected vehicle on 7300 block of Brous Avenue around 2:30 a.m.
A police pursuit ensued for a couple miles, until police say the suspect rammed their patrol vehicle at the intersection of Frankford Avenue and Welsh Road during an attempted traffic stop.
Gunfire erupted as both officers exited their vehicles, striking one officer in the ankle and grazing him in the head, and grazing the other officer on the bridge of his nose.
Two more highway patrol officers arrived at the scene as all four officers returned fire on the suspect, according to authorities.
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Both officers were transported to a local hospital in stable condition and one was released Sunday and the second was released from Jefferson-Torresdale Hospital Monday afternoon.
The suspect, a 40-year-old man, was also struck. He is said to be in critical condition.
'We are very blessed and lucky to be able to know that they're going to recover from this incident physically," said Interim Police Commissioner John Stanford.
The identities of the officers have yet to be released. However, Philadelphia police provided the following information:
- A 32-year-old man and a 9-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department assigned to the Highway Patrol. He suffered a graze wound to the bridge of his nose, and has since been released from the hospital.
- A 31-year-old man and a 6-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department assigned to the Highway Patrol. He was struck once in his ankle and grazed in the head.
- A 34-year-old Philadelphia Police Department Highway Patrol Officer with 12 years on the job was not injured.
- A 40-year-old Philadelphia Police Department Highway Patrol Officer with 18 years on the job was not injured.
Stanford also said that this is the second time one of the officers has been shot on the job.
"Having to be involved in something like this again after returning and, you know, from the first ordeal, again, you shouldn't have to deal with this, you know. But that's the oath that they swear to in terms of protecting and serving," he said.
All discharging officers have been placed on administrative duty pending an investigation.
Police say the suspect, who has also yet to be identified, has multiple prior offenses, including violation of the Youth Firearms Act.
A firearm was recovered from the suspect.
It is also unclear how many shots were fired during the shootout. However, police say the first patrol vehicle was struck multiple times.
The FOP released the following message in support of its officers Sunday afternoon:
