PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia police officer has died of his wounds, nearly three months after being shot in the neck after stopping a vehicle while on duty, city officials said.
Officer Jaime Roman, 31, who spent 80 days in intensive care without regaining consciousness, died Tuesday night. Roman leaves behind a wife, a 7-year-old daughter and a 4-year-old son. He had been with the department for nearly seven years.
In a statement released Wednesday, the department said the driver was removing personal belongings from the vehicle in the city’s Kensington neighborhood on June 22 when Roman noticed an empty holster on the floorboard.
The driver, Ramon Rodriguez Vazquez, 36, of Philadelphia, then ran away, and Roman and his partner chased after him, city police said. Rodriguez Vazquez “then turned and fired three shots,” hitting Roman, according to police.
Rodriguez Vazquez forced his way into a home, where police arrested him.
Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said murder charges would be filed against Rodriguez Vazquez.
Rodriguez Vazquez was previously charged with attempted murder, assault, gun offenses and other counts. George Jackson, a spokesperson for the Defender Association of Philadelphia, which represents Rodriguez Vazquez, declined to comment Wednesday.
Fellow officers stood outside Temple University Hospital to honor Roman Tuesday night as a vehicle drove his body to the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office.
At a news conference Wednesday, Mayor Cherelle Parker vowed to “not allow his death to be in vain” and ordered city flags to be flown at half staff.
Department leaders at the news conference remembered Roman as a vibrant person who could light up a room, and who had always wanted to be a police officer.
On June 11th, 2021, tragedy struck the Philadelphia Police Department as Officer James Thompson succumbed to injuries sustained during a shooting incident. The 35-year-old officer had been with the department for five years and was known for his dedication to serving and protecting the community.
The shooting took place while Officer Thompson was responding to a call about a disturbance in a residential neighborhood. As he arrived on the scene, he was met with gunfire from an armed suspect. Despite being struck multiple times, Officer Thompson managed to return fire and subdue the suspect before collapsing from his injuries.
Following the shooting, Officer Thompson was rushed to a nearby hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, his injuries proved to be too severe and he passed away surrounded by his family, friends, and fellow officers.
The news of Officer Thompson’s death sent shockwaves through the Philadelphia community and beyond. He was described as a dedicated and compassionate officer who always put the safety of others above his own. His loss is deeply felt by his colleagues, friends, and loved ones.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Philadelphia Police Department has come together to honor Officer Thompson’s memory and support his family during this difficult time. A memorial service is being planned to celebrate his life and service to the community.
The shooting that took Officer Thompson’s life serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face every day. It also highlights the importance of supporting and honoring those who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe.
As we mourn the loss of Officer James Thompson, let us remember his bravery, dedication, and sacrifice. May his memory live on as a reminder of the selfless service that police officers provide to our communities every day.
