NJ officer involved in crash while chasing suspects in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Surveillance video shows a police pursuit ending in a crash along Torresdale Avenue in the Holmesburg section of Philadelphia.
The crash happened on Monday outside the home of Rosaida Del Rosario, who said her immediate concern was for her neighbors, including children who were outside at the time.
"There were kids playing around and all that. So, yeah, I was scared," Del Rosario said.
According to sources, the chase began in Trenton after a Trenton police officer assigned to a New Jersey State Police task force initiated a traffic stop.
The stop was reportedly connected to a weapons investigation. The dark-colored vehicle that had been pulled over fled the scene, crossed state lines, and traveled south on Interstate 95 before exiting onto Torresdale Avenue.
Sources said the suspect vehicle swerved to pass a white Toyota Highlander. The officer, driving an unmarked police SUV, attempted to do the same. The Highlander then veered too far to the left and collided with the police vehicle.
Del Rosario said it appeared the driver of the Toyota Highlander was injured in the crash.
"He was just crying. They were trying to move him and get him into the ambulance. He was crying, like in a lot of pain," she said.
The vehicle being pursued was able to get away. Action News was told the officer suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital for observation.
Some neighbors said chases and crashes near the highway are not unexpected in the area.
"It came from Jersey, I heard. So, we're right next to 95, so things happen right close to the highway. So, it's expected. I mean, that's life," said Barry Shandlin of Holmesburg.
The officer has since been treated and released from the hospital. No additional information has been released about the suspect or the vehicle involved.
