A day after police said a drug suspect said he didn't "want to have to do this" before opening fire on a Philadelphia Police bicycle officer in West Philadelphia, that officer left the hospital while being escorted by his fellow officers.
Officer Daniel "Danny" Kostick was pushed out of Presbyterian Hospital shortly before 2 p.m. Friday -- police said the bullet remained lodged in his arm.
"I'm feeling good," Kostick said as he left the University City Hospital. He told reporters he looked forward to seeing his children.
The father of two was shot after he and his partner approached a man inside a white van in the area of Wilton Street and Girard Avenue around 10:15 p.m., said police.
The man, suspected of drugs, then backed up and took off. Kostick caught up to the suspect, later identified as William Nobblen, around 51st and Master streets.
Deputy Commissioner Richard Ross explained what happened next: "They're having a brief discussion... the male turns to him and says, 'I don't want to have to do this' and then he fires at Officer Kostick. Kostick returns fire, striking the male."
Nobblen fired multiple shots -- one bullet struck Kostick in the right arm, said police. Kostick returned fire, striking Nobblen in the arm. After the shooting, the 35-year-old suspect ditched a 9 mm Ruger and fled -- police eventually caught up to him about a block away.
After the shooting, fellow officers rushed Kostick to Presbyterian Hospital for treatment. Ross said Kostick, a six-year veteran assigned to the 19th District, was in "good spirits" during treatment.
Officers rushed Nobblen to Hahnemann Hospital in critical condition. Police said Nobble, who has 13 prior arrests including DUI, assault and narcotics will be charged with attempted murder, assault and weapons violations when he is released from the hospital, said police.
