Man accused of non-fatal shooting, pointing gun at officer in Port Richmond
PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia man is facing charges after prosecutors say a car crash lead to a non-fatal shooting and a police pursuit during which he pointed a gun at an officer and spat on another.
Rodney Smith, 31, was charged with several crimes, included attempted murder and aggravated assault, when police say he went on a violent rampage through Port Richmond on Wednesday.
Investigators say at around 9 p.m. Rodney drove a gray minivan at four Philadelphia Police bike cops, causing them to swerve to avoid being struck.
A short time later, police believe Rodney slammed the minivan into a parked Jeep on the 2100 block of East Lippincott Street. The owner of the Jeep is alleged to have punched Smith during a confrontation, after which police say Smith fired four times striking the man in the neck and chest.
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At the scene immediately following the shooting, Chief Inspector Scott Small said investigators believed the two combatants were next door neighbors. Prosecutors did not provide Smith's last known address when they provided updated information.
Smith is accused of speeding away from the shooting in the minivan and crashing near the intersection of Emerald and Elkhart streets. Police say he abandoned the van and continued to flee on foot during which he pointed a gun at an officer before being taken into custody.
Smith is also accused of spitting in the face of an officer while being placed under arrest. Prosecutors say Smith is currently under state probation and not eligible for bail.