PHILADELPHIA – A routine traffic stop in the city’s Germantown section escalated into a pursuit and shooting late Monday night, ending in the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of a firearm and narcotics, police said.
Officers from the 14th District attempted to stop a gray 1999 Buick Park Avenue on Morton Street around 10 p.m. after noticing its partially detached license plate, which was found to have expired in August 2021. Before pulling over, the driver was seen leaning toward the passenger side, then quickly sitting upright again, according to police.
Upon stopping, the driver appeared visibly nervous but provided registration and insurance documents matching the vehicle. However, officers determined the displayed license plate did not correspond to the paperwork. When informed of the discrepancy, the driver asked to inspect the plate himself and began sidestepping away from officers.
A safety check of the vehicle revealed a locked glove compartment. When officers requested the driver unlock it, he refused, became agitated, and suddenly fled the scene, leading officers on a pursuit to the 300 block of Mechanic Street. The suspect then abandoned the vehicle and ran on foot.
During the chase, police saw the suspect stumble while holding a firearm. When an officer attempted to apprehend him, the suspect turned and fired a single shot, missing the officer. The officer subdued the suspect after a struggle, and the discarded firearm was recovered. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered multiple packets of narcotics.
