Philadelphia, PA — A Philadelphia police sergeant shot an armed suspect during a struggle over a loaded handgun in Kensington after being flagged down about a disturbance involving a man reportedly carrying a firearm, authorities said.
The incident occurred at approximately 10:22 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, near Kensington Avenue and Hart Lane. According to a preliminary investigation by the Philadelphia Police Department, Sergeant William Kolb was serving as the street supervisor for the Kensington Police District when a bystander alerted him to a man allegedly involved in a disturbance and reportedly armed with a gun.
Foot Pursuit Led to Struggle Over Firearm
Police said Sergeant Kolb, who was in full uniform and driving a marked patrol vehicle, approached the suspect to investigate the reported disturbance.
During the encounter, a brief physical altercation occurred between the suspect and the complainant before the suspect fled south on Kensington Avenue.
Kolb pursued the suspect on foot into the rear of a property in the 2800 block of Kensington Avenue.
According to investigators, the suspect fell while running and dropped the firearm he was carrying. Police said he then retrieved the weapon, leading to a struggle between him and the sergeant over control of the gun.
Officer Fired as Suspect Allegedly Raised Weapon
Authorities said Sergeant Kolb repeatedly ordered the suspect to drop the firearm during the confrontation.
The preliminary investigation indicates that as the suspect began raising the weapon during the struggle, Kolb fired a single round.
The bullet struck the suspect in the wrist and chest, police said.
Responding officers immediately rendered aid before transporting the suspect to Temple University Hospital.
Police said the suspect was listed in stable condition. No officers or civilians were injured during the incident.
Key Points
• A Philadelphia police sergeant shot an armed suspect during a struggle over a handgun in Kensington.
• Investigators say the suspect dropped and retrieved the firearm during a foot pursuit.
• Police recovered a loaded handgun containing 11 rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber.
Loaded Gun Recovered at Scene
Investigators recovered the firearm at the scene following the shooting.
According to police, the handgun contained 11 live rounds in the magazine and one live round in the chamber.
The weapon’s condition has become a key piece of evidence as investigators review the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Video and Body Camera Footage Part of Investigation
The Philadelphia Police Department said body-worn camera footage was activated during the incident.
Investigators have also recovered video from the area that allegedly shows the suspect falling during the pursuit, dropping the firearm, retrieving it, and then struggling with Sergeant Kolb over control of the weapon.
The footage is expected to play an important role as authorities continue examining the encounter.
Multiple Agencies Reviewing Shooting
The investigation remains active and is being conducted by the Philadelphia Police Department’s Officer-Involved Shooting Investigations Unit, Internal Affairs Bureau, and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.
As required under department policy, Sergeant Kolb has been placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigations.
Police have not released the suspect’s identity or announced any charges stemming from the incident.