An off-duty Philadelphia police officer became the victim of a carjacking overnight. Police said the officer fired at the suspect during the ordeal.
An off-duty Philadelphia police officer opened fire while becoming a victim of a carjacking overnight.
The incident happened shortly around 12:15 a.m. Friday at South 56th and Pentridge streets in the Kingsessing neighborhood, Philadelphia police said.
The officer told police investigating that he was parking his silver 2020 Toyota Highlander when a person pointed a gun at him and reached into his pockets to steal his keys, Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said.
"During this robbery, point of gun, there was gunfire from the off-duty officer, however we're not sure if the individual ... was shot," Small said.
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In total, the officer fired seven shots, striking the SUV multiple times on the driver's side, police said.
The carjacker crashed into two parked cars while driving off from the scene, investigators said. He was last seen fleeing down Willows Avenue.
The officer wasn't injured, Small said.
It wasn't clear if anyone was struck by the officer's gunfire, police said.
A few hours later and less than 2 miles away, the officer's burning silver SUV was found near South 59th and Delancey streets in the Cobbs Creek section of West Philadelphia, police said. Firefighters put out the fire.
Internal affairs would investigate the shooting since it involved an officer.
No arrests were made as of Friday morning.
There are additional resources for people or communities that have endured gun violence in Philadelphia. Further information can be found here.
