Man shot by Philadelphia police during robbery investigation
COBBS CREEK (WPVI) -- Officials said a plainclothes Philadelphia police officer shot and critically wounded a man after a pursuit following a robbery in a deli and an earlier carjacking.
Police said it was around 3 a.m. when the suspect's crime spree began. They say the suspect struck in the 5200 block of Church Road - stealing a vehicle from a woman unloading Christmas gifts.
The victim's mother told Action News the man held a gun to her head. She was able to slide her cell phone into her pocket before he took off with the Chevy SUV, Christmas gifts, and her insulin - the victim is diabetic. She immediately called 911 and ran into her house.
Police said the man struck again around 9 a.m., robbing someone inside a deli at 52nd and Irving. The robbery was caught on the store's surveillance video.
The suspect, wearing a red coat, can be seen holding someone at gunpoint inside the deli.
Police said the suspect then left in the stolen black Chevy Trax. Police said that vehicle was spotted by another officer nearby.
"He saw the vehicle in the area of 5200 Hazel," said Philadelphia Police Capt. Sekou Kinnebrew. "The vehicle at the time was unoccupied. But later, someone did enter that vehicle and proceed from that location."
Police said officers followed and tried to stop the suspect for a few blocks until the SUV collided with a burgundy car at Locust and 49th streets.
"At that time one of the plainclothes officers approached the driver of the SUV and identified himself, gave him commands, and the operator would not comply with the officer," said Kinebrew.
Police said the suspect reached towards his waistband and that's when the officer fired, hitting the suspect in the chest.
The suspect was taken to Penn Presbyterian where he is in critical condition.
His name has not been released but police said they do plan to charge him with both the carjacking and the robbery at the deli.
The name of the officer who shot the suspect has not yet been released. Police said he is a four-year veteran of the 18th district.
Police said as is protocol, the officer will be placed on administrative duty until an internal investigation is conducted.
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