Police: Officer Fatally Shoots Man After He Runs Down Cop During Traffic Stop
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia police say a man was shot dead after he allegedly ran down an officer with his vehicle in Germantown.
It happened around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at 19th and Nedro Streets.
Police say two plainclothes officers attempted to pull over a car a few blocks away that matched the description of suspect's vehicle in a homicide about a week earlier.
Authorities say during the stop, the driver, identified as 25-year-old Dennis Plowden, struck one of the officers with the car and sped off.
Police say the suspect struck two parked vehicles, then exited the car with his hands in his pockets and gestured to officers as if he was going to point something at them.
Authorities say that's when one of the officers fired his weapon, striking the suspect in the head.
Plowden was taken to the hospital where he died Thursday morning.
Police say they did not find a weapon on Plowden or in his car.
"We take these very seriously, the use of deadly force," said Philadelphia Police First Deputy Commissioner Myron Patterson. "We're going to make sure the investigation is conducted appropriately, very thoroughly. As we stand now, the DA's office, as normal with these type of incidents, the case is under review there."
The officer who was hit by the car was treated and released from a local hospital.
A woman who was inside the car that crashed was also treated for minor injuries.
Authorities say the man killed by police does not appear to be connected to the Kensington murder.
Mayor Kenney released the following statement Thursday night:
"My prayers are with the family and friends of Dennis Plowden. It is always tragic to lose someone you love. I am relieved there were no serious injuries to the officer or to the other passenger in the car. The Officer Involved Shooting Investigation Unit will do a full investigation. I look forward to them coming to a speedy resolution for the sake of Mr. Plowden, his family, the officers and for Philadelphia."