PHILADELPHIA, PA – An off-duty Philadelphia police officer was grazed by a bullet during an attempted robbery on Thursday morning. The incident took place just after 5:00 AM on the 2100 block of E. Westmoreland Street.
The 31-year-old officer, a seven-year veteran assigned to the 16th District, was standing by his white Tesla when approached by an armed suspect.
The suspect, described as a White male wearing a black “Off-White” brand hooded sweatshirt, demanded the officer’s belongings. After complying, the officer fled west towards Amber Street, prompting the suspect to fire multiple shots.
The officer responded by firing back with his personal weapon.
The assailant then escaped eastbound on Westmoreland Street, entering a gray Chrysler 300 and heading south on Collins Avenue towards Allegheny Avenue. The officer sustained a minor shin abrasion, treated at Temple Hospital and has been released. It remains unclear if the suspect was injured during the shootout.
The officer involved has been placed on administrative duty as Internal Affairs and the Officer-involved Shooting Unit conduct their investigations. Police are actively searching for the suspect.
