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2 Philadelphia police officers shot responding to West Philadelphia call
Two Philadelphia police officers are in critical condition after they were shot multiple times while responding to a call in West Philadelphia. A suspect is in custody, and three guns were recovered from the scene.
PHILADELPHIA - Two Philadelphia police officers are fighting for their lives in critical condition after an on-scene officer said they were ambushed and shot multiple times while responding to a call early Saturday morning in West Philadelphia.
What we know:
Officers were called to the 100 block of North 52nd Street just after midnight for a report of a person with a gun. When officers arrived, they were met with a barrage of gunfire in what an officer at the scene described as an ambush.
Responding officers found the two wounded policemen on a porch with serious gunshot injuries. A 33-year-old officer, who is a father of five, was shot 12 times. His partner, a 40-year-old officer and father of two, was shot three times. Both officers were rushed to a local hospital and are in critical condition, with one officer remaining in surgery.
After the initial shooting, the suspect ran away and fired at additional officers in a nearby alley, though no other officers were hit. The suspect then climbed a tree to hide and eventually surrendered after SWAT units arrived on the scene.
Investigators have recovered three firearms connected to the incident, including two handguns and a shotgun.
What they're saying:
In a statement, Parker said Philadelphia’s prayers are with the wounded officers, their families and the department.
The mayor also thanked first responders and medical staff at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel addressed the shooting, confirming that both officers are alive but noting they face a long road to recovery.
The Source: This article was written using information from Mayor Cherelle Parker and investigators at the scene.