PHILADELPHIA — A 25-year-old man was fatally shot by two Philadelphia police officers on May 21 following a foot pursuit and physical altercation in North Philadelphia, authorities said.
The incident began around 6:39 p.m. when Officers Edward Lane and Matthew Galdo observed Bruce Harry Garcia carrying a black bag near Front and Somerset Streets. When the officers attempted to conduct a pedestrian stop, Garcia fled on foot westbound on Somerset Street. Officer Lane pursued on foot while Officer Galdo followed in a marked patrol vehicle.
Officers caught up with Garcia at the intersection of Mutter and Somerset Streets, where they tackled him to the ground. During the struggle, Garcia attempted to retrieve a firearm from inside his bag. Investigators say he discharged the weapon — identified as a Privately Manufactured Firearm (P-80 9MM) — through the bag as he tried to draw it.
Both officers fired their service weapons, striking Garcia in the chest. He dropped the firearm and the bag during the confrontation.
Garcia was transported by officers to Temple University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:55 p.m.
An examination of Garcia’s weapon showed that a malfunction occurred, preventing the firearm from ejecting the cartridge casing after discharge. Investigators believe the discharge from inside the bag interfered with the gun’s ability to recoil, causing a stoppage.
Both officers suffered scrapes to their knees but did not require medical attention. Body-worn cameras worn by the officers captured parts of the incident, though they were dislodged during the struggle. Additional footage from a responding officer and nearby surveillance cameras was recovered.
Officer Edward Lane, 32, is an 11-year veteran of the department, and Officer Matthew Galdo, 29, has served for five years. Both are assigned to the 25th District and have been placed on administrative duty pending investigations by the Internal Affairs Bureau, the Officer Involved Shooting Investigation Unit, and the District Attorney’s Office.
