Driver fires shot at Philadelphia officer after traffic stop, chase in East Germantown, police say
A Philadelphia police officer was nearly shot as he tried to arrest a man in East Germantown following a traffic stop and chase on Monday night.
Police said the officer was lucky he did not get struck by a bullet because the man he was trying to arrest fired his gun from point-blank range.
The incident started just after 10 p.m. when officers pulled over a 45-year-old man along Morton Street, who they say was driving a 1999 Buick Park Avenue, and the license plate "appeared to be partially detached."
Police later said the man was Shahlem Groover, of Philadelphia.
Officers asked Groover for his license and registration, which he provided, but the documents did not match the license plate on the car, police said.
Police said the officers asked Groover to step out of the car, which he did, but he then jumped back into his car and sped off. Officers pursued Groover to the 300 block of Mechanic Street, where they say he jumped out of his car and ran away.
When officers caught up to Groover, they say he struggled as they tried to arrest him.
Chief Inspector Scott Small said that's when Groover pointed his gun at one of the officers and fired. The bullet narrowly missed the officer.
"So the police officer is very, very lucky. No injuries to either officer," Small said. "The officers also showed a lot of restraint because they did not return fire. They were immediately able to overpower the suspect and take him into custody."
Small said the evidence detectives are processing includes a loaded semi-automatic handgun, a spent shell casing and the man's cellphone.
Investigators also found "multiple packets of narcotics" inside the car, according to police.
Groover is facing multiple charges including attempted murder, assault on law enforcement, aggravated assault and evading arrest.
