Philadelphia, PA – A knife-wielding man was shot by a Philadelphia police officer early Thursday morning after officers responding to a report of a person screaming were led inside a North Philadelphia home by a child and encountered an apparent domestic violence scene unfolding inside.
The shooting happened at approximately 2:51 a.m. on the 1800 block of North Bailey Street when two uniformed officers assigned to the 22nd District arrived in a marked patrol vehicle following a 911 call. Both officers activated their body-worn cameras as they approached the residence, where they heard arguing and a woman yelling from inside.
After knocking and receiving no response, the officers attempted the door handle. A child then opened the door, allowing officers to enter to check on the safety of the occupants.
Once inside, officers observed a 31-year-old Black male standing over a 30-year-old Black female who was lying on the floor. The man was armed with a knife. Officers issued multiple verbal commands for him to drop the weapon.
According to police, the man looked toward the officers and moved in their direction while still holding the knife, jumping over a sofa. One officer fired a single shot, striking the man in the chest.
The man was transported by police to Temple University Hospital, where he underwent surgery and remains in critical condition. The woman was not injured, and neither officer reported injuries.
The officer who fired the shot, a 26-year-old Black male assigned to the 22nd District, has been placed on administrative duty in accordance with department protocol.
The incident remains under active investigation by the Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation Unit, the Internal Affairs Bureau, and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.