PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia police officer was shot Tuesday night after a suspect opened fire on responding officers during a vehicle investigation, authorities said. The suspect was later found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The incident began around 8:56 p.m. when 39th District officers attempted a vehicle stop near 23rd Street and Lehigh Avenue. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Brandon Williams of Philadelphia, fled the scene and crashed into a parked vehicle near 23rd and Clearfield streets before abandoning his car.
Williams then encountered Highway Patrol officers on the 2300 block of Indiana Avenue and opened fire as they exited their vehicle, striking a 38-year-old officer in the right hand and chest. The suspect continued fleeing and fired again at responding 39th District officers near 23rd and Cambria streets, hitting their patrol vehicle.
Police ultimately found Williams on the 2900 block of North 23rd Street with a gunshot wound to the left side of his head, believed to be self-inflicted. A black Glock Model 17 handgun was recovered at the scene.
The injured officer, assigned to the Highway Patrol Unit, was treated and released from Temple University Hospital. Authorities confirmed that no Philadelphia police officers discharged their firearms during the incident. Portions of the encounter were recorded on body-worn and dash cameras.
