Bucks County Shooting Suspect Killed By Police In Philadelphia After Pursuit, DA Says
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A shooting suspect in Bucks County was shot and killed by police on Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia after leading authorities on a chase Wednesday afternoon, according to Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub.
According to authorities, the suspect, a 29-year-old man from Philadelphia, shot a man in the face and neck at an apartment complex in Middletown Township, Bucks County. The victim was flown to St. Mary Medical Center in critical condition.
Police say the pursuit started in Middletown Township and ended at a Sunoco gas station 17 miles south in Philadelphia's Crescentville neighborhood, where the suspect was shot and killed.
Around 3 p.m., the suspect crashed his vehicle at Roosevelt Boulevard and Whitaker Avenue and began running toward the Sunoco. He then exited the vehicle and began firing shots, officials say.
"He began to fire shots at the Bucks County Police Department units that were in pursuit," Philadelphia Police Sgt. Eric Gripp said. "Our officers had their weapons drawn, told him to drop his weapon, at which point he then turned the toward our officers. I do not know if he fired a shot but at least one of our officers discharged one time."
Police say officers had their weapons drawn and told the suspect to drop his weapon. At that point, he allegedly turned toward officers when one officer fired and struck the man in the head.
Ilyaas Ibraheem was working at the Sunoco station and saw the shootout.
"A young man running by waving a gun. In fact, one of our customers, he actually turned his gun on him. You know, he was scared," Ibraheem said.
"I heard bullets all over, four or five at least," witness Nitess Pandey said.
No officers or bystanders were hurt.
"And we're shopping in a known shopping district. It could've just hit anybody. I just thank God that nobody else was hurt," Tenea Trippet said.
Chopper 3 was live over Roosevelt Boulevard, where several Philadelphia and Bucks County police vehicles converged near the intersection of Adams Avenue along with the suspect's smashed gray sedan.
It all began at the Racquet Club Apartments in Levittown, where police sources say emergency calls came in just before 2 p.m. on Wednesday for a person shot.
Multiple agencies responded, including Newtown Township, Penndel and Middletown Township Police, who are told are leading the investigation.
When Eyewitness News arrived at the apartment complex, an area was blocked off as K-9 units continue to investigate.
Neighbors say a male who lives on the first floor of the apartment complex was shot.
"I wanted to come out for a walk and, all the sudden, I see all the police cars down here and all the sudden they're starting to rope it off. And I asked the officer, 'What happened?' and he said he really can't say but there was a shooting," resident Sandy Czyzewski said.
There is no word on the suspect's identity at this time but his family has been notified. Police say they know of the suspect.
As for the officer who shot the suspect, he has been placed on administrative leave.
CBS3's Alicia Roberts and Wakisha Bailey contributed to this report.
