Officers Injured Pursuing Suspect In Northeast Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Two police officers were injured -- one of them seriously -- after chasing down a shoplifter in Northeast Philadelphia Tuesday night.
One of the officers ended up at Wills Eye Hospital for what's described as a serious eye injury, after he was hit in the face with a baton.
Police say 21-year-old Patrick Harris from Trenton, New Jersey was spotted shoplifting several items from the Target department store near Cottman and Bustleton Avenues around 9 p.m. Wednesday.
Two cops chased Harris down, but that's when authorities say he got hold of a baton, and hit one of the officers in the side of the face.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey says his thoughts are with the injured officer.
"Obviously, we want to see him fully recover. I'll find out later today (Thursday) the extent of his injuries, and it's going to take him awhile, probably, but hopefully it's something he'll fully recover from."
The other officer needed a taser to subdue Harris. That officer was treated for a broken finger.
Harris is in custody and is facing a long list of charges, including aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and theft.
Reported by Jim Melwert, KYW Newsradio
