New police commissioner Charles Ramsey says one of his top priorities is to reduce officer involved shootings. Since January 1st he now has three of them.
The officers had seconds to react, both suspects allegedly pulled handguns with little reservation. Lt. Frank Vanore says, "It's frightening for a police officer every day when he goes out on the street that he's going to encounter somebody with a gun, and he's going to need to utilize deadly force."
At 9 p.m. Friday night narcotics officers tried to bust Timothy Goode for dealing dope in Germantown. He ran, and then allegedly pulled a 9mm. One officer fired twice killing Goode, who Police say is relative of former Mayor Wilson Goode.
A few hours later, police say officers were trying to break up a large group in West Philadelphia. Two officers were questioning Trevar Cephas when he allegedly pulled a 38 caliber revolver out of his waistband.
"The male then began to raise his arm, and (the police officer) fired one time and struck him in the abdomen," said Vanore.
Newly inducted Mayor Michael Nutter defended the officers saying the shootings appear justified. The mayor said Saturday night, "Citizens have to stop pointing weapons or shooting at Philadelphia Police officers. It must come to an end."
But Police have come under fire for the fatal shooting of Abel Isaac on New Years Day. A police officer opened fire on an armed suspect outside a house in Germantown, but bullets pierced the home. Abel, whom police describe as an innocent victim, was shot several times. A young boy also suffered a graze wound.
The officers involved are on paid administrative leave. Internal Affairs is investigating.
