Two Philadelphia police officers wounded in early-morning shooting, suspect detained
Two officers were injured after a gunman opened fire on them in West Philadelphia early Saturday; the suspect was later arrested and three firearms were recovered.
Police said two Philadelphia officers were shot multiple times around 1 a.m. on North 52nd Street in West Philadelphia. The officers responded to a call reporting an armed man on a porch, approached the residence and were met with heavy gunfire, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said.
One officer, a 40-year-old father of two, was hit three times, while a 33-year-old father of five sustained twelve gunshot wounds, Bethel added. Both were taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center for surgery; their conditions were not immediately released.
Additional officers arrived, engaged the suspect, and eventually pulled him from a tree, taking him into custody. Police recovered three weapons at the scene—a shotgun and two handguns, one of which had been taken from an officer during the attack.
"I want to be very clear, I am grateful for their service," Mayor Cherelle Parker said, adding that the incident underscores the risks police face and urging the public to pray for the officers' recovery.
Authorities said the investigation into the circumstances of the shooting is ongoing.