A Philadelphia police officer was shot in the neck and was in critical condition Saturday night, officials said.
The 31-year-old officer was in critical condition and undergoing surgery at Temple University Hospital, Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said during a news conference outside the hospital.
The officer, a veteran of more than six years on the force, and his partner stopped a car with four people inside shortly before 8 p.m. The officers saw a person with a gun holster and the suspect fled, firing three times at the officers, Bethel said.
The wounded officer’s partner returned fire, but it was not immediately clear if the officer who was shot fired his weapon.
The shooting suspect and all the people who were in the car are in custody and are considered “persons of interest” at this time, Bethel said.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker asked residents to pray for the officer, whose name was not released.
“He didn’t expect that he would be in a fight for his life,” Parker said.
A Philadelphia police officer is currently in critical condition after being shot by a fleeing suspect. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening in the Kensington neighborhood of the city.
According to reports, the officer was responding to a call about a disturbance when he encountered the suspect, who was wanted on outstanding warrants. As the officer attempted to apprehend the suspect, he opened fire, striking the officer multiple times.
The injured officer was rushed to a nearby hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. He is currently in critical condition and fighting for his life.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face on a daily basis. Police officers put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve their communities, and incidents like this highlight the risks they take in the line of duty.
The Philadelphia Police Department has launched a manhunt for the suspect, who remains at large. The department is urging anyone with information on the suspect’s whereabouts to come forward and assist in the investigation.
In response to the shooting, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney issued a statement expressing his support for the injured officer and his family. He also called for an end to gun violence in the city and emphasized the need for stricter gun control measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
The shooting of the Philadelphia police officer has sparked outrage and concern among residents and law enforcement officials alike. It serves as a sobering reminder of the risks that police officers face in the line of duty and the importance of supporting and protecting those who serve and protect our communities.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, our thoughts and prayers are with the injured officer and his family. We hope for a speedy recovery and justice for those responsible for this senseless act of violence.
