Suspect dead after Philadelphia officer shot, saved by bulletproof vest, police say
A Philadelphia police officer was shot outside Friends Hospital Thursday, but avoided serious injury because his bullet-resistant vest stopped the bullet, officials said.
The 30-year-old officer and his partner were dropping off a man at the hospital to be committed for mental health issues when the man began struggling with them, got ahold of an officer's gun, and fired it at them, Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said.
One officer was shot just an inch from the bottom of the vest. Their partner then fired at the shooter, who was struck multiple times.
The suspect was taken to Jefferson Einstein Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Bethel said.
The officers were rushed to Temple University Hospital for treatment, and both have been released, Bethel said.
The names of the suspect and the officers were not made public Thursday.
What led up to deadly encounter Thursday
Police first encountered the 36-year-old suspect around 12:30 p.m. near Torresdale Avenue and Wakeling Street, where he was "running through the traffic," Bethel said. The suspect was having a mental health crisis and agreed to a voluntary commitment, so officers put him into a van, according to Bethel. The man was not handcuffed because it was a voluntary commitment, he said.
When they arrived at Friends Hospital, the suspect got out of the van and attacked the officers. Eventually after "a significant battle" between the officers and the suspect, Bethel said, the suspect got an officer's gun. There was an exchange of gunfire and the officer was struck. It's not clear yet how many shots were fired.
"We are very fortunate, extremely fortunate that the officers were able to survive this encounter," Bethel said. The officer who was shot is doing "extremely well," he added.
Bethel described the situation as an "innocent" one that turned tragic. The investigation is still active, police officials said.
"But for an inch, we could be here right now with a very different set of circumstances and facts," Mayor Cherelle Parker said outside the hospital.
"I strongly support our Philadelphia police officers who are on the front lines protecting and serving the people of our great city," Parker said. "They deserve our gratitude and respect, and they definitely have that from this mayor."
Councilmember Quetcy Lozada represents the district where Friends Hospital is located and said she is "closely monitoring" the situation.
"I am saddened and concerned for the officer who was wounded today in the line of duty," her statement said in part. "I commend them for their bravery in the midst of this chaotic situation. I am praying for them, their family, friends, and fellow officers. I am incredibly grateful for the bravery of this and every officer in our city and thank them for upholding their commitment to protecting our community."
Friends Hospital is located at Adams Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard in the Crescentville neighborhood.
