Police Officer Shot In NE Philadelphia Expected To Be Okay; Suspect Killed
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Philadelphia police officer was rushed to the hospital early Wednesday morning after being shot in Northeast Philadelphia.
It happened around 6 a.m. at Northbrook Apartments in the 800 block of Riverside Drive near Woodhaven and Thornton Roads.
Police say the 17-year veteran officer was shot in the lower part of the bullet-proof vest while trying to serve an arrest warrant for Devon Guisherd, who was wanted for the murder of 25-year-old Megan Doto late last summer as she sat outside her home in Frankford. She was eight months pregnant; the baby also died.
Officer with family at hospital & has nasty bruise on abs, but otherwise ok. Suspect was wanted for murder of preg woman last fall (2)
— Dan Wing (@dwingKYW) July 22, 2015
Officials say the officer confronted Guisherd inside an apartment when he reached for something and then took off running. A chase ensued, and officials say Guisherd then turned around and allegedly opened fire on the officer, striking him in the lower abdomen. Fortunately, authorities say, the officer was wearing SWAT gear that offers a little extra protection, which likely saved his life.
"Had it been a patrol officer we'd be having a different discussion," said Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, "because the bullet was low enough where this particular vest has an extra flap that goes down and that's what caught the round."
The police officer was rushed to Aria Torresdale Hospital where was treated for a nasty bruise and released a few hours later.
Police confirm this is the second time the officer, who is a married father of two, was shot in the line of duty.
Authorities say Guisherd was shot at the scene when police returned fire. He was pronounced dead a short time later.
"That's why he ran because he knew he didn't stand a chance," said Guisherd's father. He has maintained his son's innocence and said his son was at home when the September shooting happened.
Police did not immediately release the identity of the wounded officer.
