Police shoot armed man at traffic stop in Kensington

KENSINGTON (WPVI) -- A highway patrol officer shot a man in the Kensington section of Philadelphia after police say he tried to take an officer's gun.

It began around 10:45 p.m. Saturday on Hart Lane in Kensington. Police say they saw a 2013 Hyundai Sante Fe traveling in the wrong direction.

Officers stopped the Santa Fe in the 2800 block of Kensington Avenue.

While one officer was speaking with the 26-year-old male driver, a second officer was speaking to the 22-year-old male passenger.

The officer noticed a bulge in the passenger's waistband, and the officer opened the passenger door and patted the object.

The officer felt a handgun. Police say the officer alerted his partner and then drew his firearm.

Police say the 22-year-old male passenger attempted to pull the weapon from his waistband while trying to exit the vehicle.

At the same time, two other Highway Patrol Officers stopped to assist. As they exited their vehicle, they heard the one officer on the passenger side of the suspects' vehicle yelling for help.

That's when, police say, the 22-year-old passenger exited the Santa Fe and pulled the firearm from his waistband.

The second officer discharged one round at the passenger as he began to run away.

One of the responding patrol officers saw the passenger, running, armed with the weapon; the officer fired four rounds at him.

The 22-year-old suffered gunshots wounds to the torso and face. Police say he dropped his firearm, a 9MM semi-automatic pistol loaded with 33 rounds, and fell to the ground.

The second offer took possession of the suspect's firearm; he was arrested without further incident.

The 22-year-old male was taken to Temple University Hospital where he is listed in critical condition.

The 26-year-old male driver was not charged with any offense, police say.

The investigation is ongoing.

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