Police officer hurt in Port Richmond crash

PORT RICHMOND (WPVI) -- A Philadelphia police officer is hospitalized in stable condition after a crash in the city's Port Richmond section.

It happened after 9 a.m. Thursday at East Allegheny Avenue and Jasper Street as the officer was responding to a call.

Officials say the 38-year-old officer's vehicle struck a pole after colliding with a white Toyota Camry.

In the moments after the crash neighbors jumped into action to make sure the officer was okay.

"We all heard the sirens coming down the street," Anthony Joyner told Action News. "The officer was on a call. And all of a sudden the guy made an illegal turn and hit the officer. And the officer hit the pole, and we all helped him, and pulled him out of the car."

Joyner was one of the neighbors who helped move the officer to safety. They were worried about sparking wires above.

Medics arrived, and the officer was taken to Temple University Hospital in stable condition.

"He was banged up a little bit but he was conscious, and he asked if the guy got away," Joyner said.

The driver of the Toyota Camry car did remain on the scene.

He was taken to an area hospital in stable condition to be treated for back pain.

"We all couldn't believe that he didn't hear the cop, because we all heard the cop flying," said Joyner.

There was no immediate word if charges would be filed against the driver.