The crash happened around 1:40 p.m. at the building on the 7300 block of Castor Avenue in the city's Rhawnhurst neighborhood.
"It is clearly an absolute deliberate act," Bethel said during a news conference.
Commissioner provides update on crash into 2nd District police building
Police said five people were inside the lobby waiting for police assistance when the vehicle crashed into the building. None of the victims suffered serious injuries.
According to Bethel, officers had responded earlier in the day, around 11:45 a.m., to a disturbance involving the suspect and his father.
At some point later, police say the suspect was seen driving southbound on Castor Avenue before making a hard right turn and crashing into the district headquarters.
Video from Action Cam and Chopper 6 showed the vehicle stopped inside the building.
Chopper 6 video of crash at Philadelphia Police 2nd District
Further details about the incident leading up to the crash have not been released.
A witness says the driver tried to run from the scene, but he was tackled and arrested.
Castor Avenue remains closed in the area as the investigation continues.
Stay with Action News and 6abc.com as this story develops.