Man facing attempted murder charges for trying to shoot Philadelphia officer: DA

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A man is facing attempted murder charges after authorities say he tried to shoot a Philadelphia police officer in the head during an altercation in Kingsessing on Tuesday night.

It happened just before 11 p.m. on the 1200 block of South 56th Street.

According to Captain Scott Drissel, the officer "narrowly escaped a very serious injury" after the suspect tried to shoot him in the head while he and fellow officers were responding to a 911 call.

Drissel said the officer and his partner disarmed the suspect, without firing their weapons, and made the arrest.

"This is yet another example of the relentless and heroic work Philadelphia police officers do every day during unprecedented times," Drissel said on social media. "We are thankful for a positive outcome tonight and proud of their actions."

The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office says 19-year-old Devon Smith will be charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and other related offenses.

Authorities say the officer suffered gunpowder burns to his face and was treated at the hospital.

"We are grateful that these officers emerged from this dangerous incident alive and largely uninjured. The allegations against this defendant are serious, and he will be held accountable by my office and the courts," District Attorney Krasner said. "Anyone who would fire a shot at a police officer is someone who has no business owning a gun.