Police Search For Suspect In Shooting Of Philadelphia Officer
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Officer Kevin Gorman, a three-year veteran, is now home recovering with his wife and two small children after being shot in the shoulder early Friday morning as he chased a suspect along the 3300 block of North Hope St. in Kensington.
An arrest warrant has been issued for the gunman, Nasuil Martinez, 20, (right), charging him with attempted murder and other offenses.
Detectives say, 33-year old Gorman and his partner stopped a car for speeding along Allegheny Avenue, when one of four occupants jumped out and ran. Gorman was shot as he began climbing a fence the suspect had just scaled.
Police say, only a moment before the suspect turned and fired two shots, officer Gorman twisted his body, one of the bullets going through his shoulder missing vital organs by inches.
He was released from Temple University Hospital less than three hours after being wounded.
Captain Frank Vanore, Gorman's commanding officer, who was at his side in the emergency room, says he was relieved the officer's wound was not more serious. The news, he says, is a great relief to then officer's family who rushed to the hospital.
Gorman, in his three years on the force, already has two commendations and a pending citation for making arrests.
Detectives say, as of now, they have no clear motive for why the Martinez opened fire, although they believe he did not want to be caught while illegally possessing a high-powered, dangerous weapon.
In March of 2009, Martinez was arrested on charges of Aggravated Assault and Reckless Endangering. In September of this year, an arrest warrant was issued for Martin on charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance and Reckless Endangering of Another Person, he should be considered armed and dangerous.
The search continues for Martinez.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334 / 3335 or call 9-1-1.
Watch the video...
Reported By: Walt Hunter, CBS 3; Ben Bowens, CBS 3
