Another arrest made in attack on off-duty Philadelphia officer; 2 others sought

Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Another arrest made in attack on off-duty Philadelphia officer; 2 others sought

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Two suspects have been arrested and two others are being sought in connection with an attack on an off-duty officer over the weekend in North Philadelphia.

The officer's personal gun was stolen during this incident, but it was recovered Tuesday.

The first suspect arrested in this case has been identified as Yusef Coleman. He is charged with aggravated assault, assault of a law enforcement officer, robbery, and other offenses.

Yusef Coleman
Yusef Coleman

A second suspect, known only as "Duke," was taken into custody on Tuesday night, according to police.

Police say a third suspect in connection with this incident is now being sought, as well as an unidentified woman.

Authorities identified the third male suspect as 38-year-old Arthur Jones. He is considered armed and dangerous, and he is currently wanted on an arrest warrant.

Arthur Jones
Arthur Jones

Investigators are also asking for the public's help in identifying a woman wanted for questioning in regards to the attack.

Woman wanted for questioning about off-duty Philadelphia officer attack
Woman wanted for questioning about off-duty Philadelphia officer attack

The attack happened around 7 a.m. Sunday on Oxford Street near Ridge Avenue.

The 42-year-old off-duty officer, who was heading home after his shift, became stuck in traffic behind another vehicle as an after-hours club let out.

After waiting through several red lights, police say he honked his horn.

That's when the suspect known as "Duke" approached the off-duty officer and punched him while he was still inside his vehicle.

Pictured: The suspect known as "Duke."
Pictured: The suspect known as "Duke."

The off-duty cop got out and identified himself as a police officer, authorities say, and that's when "Duke" pulled out a tan-colored gun and held it at his side.

There was a struggle between the officer and "Duke," and that's when Coleman allegedly approached the officer from behind and put him in a headlock.

Coleman was armed, police say, and there was a struggle over the gun. The officer pushed the gun away and the magazine fell out.

Police say the officer then fired the remaining round in the gun. No one was struck by the gunfire.

"Duke" then allegedly pointed a gun at the officer and told him to drop the weapon. The officer was then beaten by multiple people and his personal gun was stolen from its holster.

An on-duty officer arrived at the scene and people in the crowd fled.

Police have not stated how Jones is connected to the incident.

Coleman took off in a black BMW, police say, and struck the off-duty officer's leg.

The officer was treated for a black eye, facial bruises, and a leg injury.

He is a nine-year veteran and is assigned to the 22nd District. He remains on administrative leave pending the outcome of an Internal Affairs and an officer-involved shooting investigation.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Jones or the unidentified woman is asked to contact Philadelphia police at 215-686-TIPS (8477).

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