PHILADELPHIA — A police officer was assaulted Tuesday evening while performing crowd control duties during a protest in the city, authorities said.
The incident occurred at approximately 7 p.m. as the officer, assigned to the 2nd District and wearing full bicycle uniform, was maintaining a perimeter with a department-issued bicycle while an unrelated arrest was underway. During the operation, a male from the crowd, which police estimate consisted of 100 to 150 people, threw an orange traffic cone, striking the officer in the head.
The officer was wearing a bicycle helmet and was not injured in the assault, officials reported. A second officer on the scene witnessed the attack and was able to detain a male suspect without incident.
Investigation ongoing to identify suspect
The detained individual was transported to the Police Detention Unit but was later released without charges after investigators determined he was not responsible for the assault.
Authorities are now seeking public assistance in identifying the person believed to have thrown the traffic cone. A photo of the suspect has been released as part of the investigation.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact the Central Detective Division or call 911 as the search for the suspect continues.
