Police Release Identity Of Detective Who Shot Unarmed Man Panhandling In Kensington
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia police have released the identity of the plainclothes detective who shot an unarmed man who was panhandling. Police say the officer is 29-year-old Francis DiGiorgio.
DiGiorgio fired four shots at Joel Johnson, hitting him once in the stomach, through his unmarked patrol car in Kensington on Monday night. Police say DiGiorgio told investigators he thought Johnson had a firearm and was going to rob him because he approached the car with his arms extended and hands together.
Johnson remains in the hospital after undergoing surgery. Relatives say Johnson has a mental disability and a misunderstanding nearly cost him his life.
DiGiorgio, who is assigned to the East Detectives Division, is on desk duty as the investigation continues.
"We are confident that investigators will do a thorough and transparent investigation of the incident, and we urge the public to reserve judgment until the investigation is completed," Fraternal Order of Police President John McNesby said.