3 Philadelphia officers injured in Wynnefield shootout; suspect dead
3 Philadelphia officers injured in Wynnefield shootout
A suspect is dead and three Philadelphia police officers were hospitalized after a shootout near 54th and Arlington streets in Wynnefield late Saturday night.
PHILADELPHIA - A suspect is dead and three Philadelphia police officers were hospitalized after an exchange of gunfire near 54th and Arlington streets in the city’s Wynnefield neighborhood late Saturday night.
What we know:
Police say officers responded around 10:30 p.m. on June 13, to a report of a person with a weapon and shots fired in the area of 54th and Arlington Streets.
When officers arrived, they began investigating the scene, where a vehicle had been struck by gunfire.
While officers were canvassing the area and speaking with witnesses, an armed adult male later identified as 57-year-old Eric Franks approached the location being treated as an active crime scene at 2000 N. 54th Street.
3 Philadelphia police officers shot; suspect dead
Three Philadelphia police officers are expected to recover after they were shot during an encounter that left a suspect dead late Saturday night.
According to police, Franks became increasingly agitated during the interaction as officers attempted to explain the situation and secure the area. During the encounter, Franks shoved a sergeant and officers then reportedly attempted to detain him.
Police say the situation escalated rapidly when Franks produced a 9mm handgun despite repeated commands from officers not to draw the weapon. Franks then fired at police, prompting officers to return fire.
Four officers discharged their weapons during the exchange. Three officers were struck by gunfire and transported to a local hospital. A fourth officer was not injured.
The three injured officers include a sergeant and two patrol officers. All are expected to recover, according to police officials.
Franks was also struck multiple times, including in the chest and leg, according to police. He was transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Officials confirmed that Franks held a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms.
What they're saying:
"These are husbands, fathers, sons, brothers who came to work today and almost didn’t make it home," Mayor Cherelle Parker said during an early Sunday morning press conference. "I ask you to do the most important thing that we, as a city, can do right now: support these officers and their families."
"Today, we won. Today, I have three officers who, because of their training, because of their understanding of the situation they were in…were able to return fire, protect themselves, and they will survive," Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel added.
What we don't know:
The names of the officers and suspect have yet to be released.
Police say they are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the original shooting, and the police-involved shooting.
The Source: Information from the Philadelphia Police Department and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker.