Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Two police officers were injured in a shootout in Philadelphia, marking another instance of gun violence in the city. The suspect, a 40-year-old man, also sustained injuries and is currently in critical condition.
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The shooting incident occurred around 2:30 a.m.
According to the police, the officers were responding to calls about a gunfire incident at around 2:30 a.m. when they noticed a potential suspect and suspected vehicle in the 7300 block of Brous Avenue. A police chase ensued for several miles until the suspect rammed into their patrol vehicle at the intersection of Frankford Avenue and Welsh Road.
Shortly after, gunfire began, where one officer was shot in the ankle and in the head, and the other received a gunshot graze on his nose. Two additional highway patrol officers arrived at the scene, and all four officers returned fire, reportedly hitting the suspect.
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Both officers hospitalized and stable
Both injured officers were rushed to a local hospital in stable condition, with one of them already discharged. Interim Police Commissioner John Stanford said, “We are very blessed and lucky to be able to know that they’re going to recover from this incident physically.”
The officers’ identities remain undisclosed, though the Philadelphia Police Department provided certain details. One of the injured officers, a 32-year-old man, has served for nine years in the Philadelphia Police Department.
The other injured officer is a 31-year-old man who has served for six years. Two other uninjured officers at the scene include a 34-year-old who has served for 12 years and a 40-year-old with 18 years of service. All officers who discharged their weapons during the incident have been placed on administrative duty pending an investigation.
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The suspect is not yet identified
The suspect, not yet identified, reportedly has multiple prior offenses, including violations of the Youth Firearms Act. A firearm was recovered from the suspect’s possession. The exact number of shots fired is unclear, but the officers’ patrol vehicle had several bullet marks.
In a statement on Sunday, the Fraternal Order of Police extended their support to the injured officers and their families and acknowledged the daily risks officers face in the performance of their duties.