Three people are in custody while a possible fourth suspect is being sought after a gunman fired at a police car during a traffic stop in West Philadelphia on Thursday, investigators said. NBC10’s Leah Uko has the details.
Three people are in custody while a possible fourth suspect is being sought after a gunman fired at a police car during a traffic stop in West Philadelphia on Thursday, investigators said.
The ordeal began on 55th and Summer streets at 7:41 p.m. when police pulled over a Chevy Tahoe. At least one person inside the Tahoe then pulled out a gun and fired at the two 19th District officers who were still inside their vehicle, investigators said. One of the officers fired back at the gunman.
Police said one person then got out of the Tahoe and fled on foot but was apprehended. Two other suspects remained inside the Tahoe and drove off but lost control of the vehicle and crashed into another car about a block away, investigators said. Those two suspects were also taken into custody.
Police said they were initially searching for a fourth possible suspect. No one was injured during the incident.
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Police recovered a gun with an extended magazine along the 5400 block of Summer Street. Footage from SkyForce10 showed a bullet hole in the windshield of the police cruiser though it's unknown at this time if the bullet came from one of the suspects or from the officer who fired at the suspects while still inside the vehicle, investigators said.
Police have not yet revealed the reason for the initial traffic stop.
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The shooting occurred less than two weeks after Temple University Police Officer Christopher Fitzgerald was shot and killed in the line of duty and less than a month after 19th District Police Officer Giovanni Maysonet was shot twice during a traffic stop.
"It's been a difficult time for the police department. But honestly I also look at it, it's a difficult time for the neighborhood," Philadelphia Police Deputy Commissioner Krista Dahl-Campbell said. "If people are willing to fire at armed police officers, full uniformed police officers, it shows a disrespect for the neighborhood and for the people who live here. So it's concerning on multiple levels."
There are additional resources for people or communities that have endured gun violence in Philadelphia. Further information can be found here.
