Police: Officer shoots knife-wielding man in West Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- An investigation is underway after Philadelphia police shoot a knife-wielding man suspected of a robbery on Wednesday night.

It happened on the 4900 block of Hazel Avenue in West Philadelphia.

Police say the incident began around 7 p.m. when a call came in for a report of a knife and a stabbing in West Philadelphia.

When the officers arrived, police say a man emerged from his home on the north side of the block, carrying a kitchen knife with a five-inch blade.

Police said the man approached the officers who retreated while warning the man to drop the knife.

According to police, the man kept moving toward the officers and that's when one of the officers fired four shots, hitting the man in the chest.

Police were initially called to the scene for reports of a stabbing, but officers did not find a victim.

"Officers that responded did survey and scour the house in search of a stabbing victim. At this point we have not produced anyone that is stabbed," said Philadelphia Police Captain Seikou Kinebrew.

Officials said the officer who opened fire is 27 years old. He's been on the force for about four years and has been assigned to the 18th District since 2016.

The man was transported to an area hospital where he's currently listed in critical condition.