Off-duty Philadelphia officer fires shots at suspected car thieves in Eastwick

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police are investigating after an off-duty officer fired shots at suspects who allegedly stole his car Monday morning in the city's Eastwick section, sources said.

Investigators believe the suspects got away in a red Lexus ES 350, which was reported stolen, according to officials. They then ditched the red Lexus and jumped into blue Lexus that was also reported stolen.

The red Lexus getaway vehicle was later recovered in the Philadelphia's Parkside section, police say.

Crime scene investigators have an area taped off at S. 70th Street and Waxming Place, near Lindbergh Avenue.

Sources said the suspects allegedly broke into a Dodge Charger that belonged to an off-duty officer just after 3 a.m. on Monday.

The suspects apparently pushed the vehicle around the block and then attempted to start the car, according to sources.

At some point, the off-duty officer encountered them at S. 70th St. and Waxming Place, and fired several shots.

At least five shots were fired along 70th St., where investigators have drawn chalk circles around each shell casing.

The suspects were unsuccessful in stealing the car and got away in a stolen vehicle, sources said.

Police have not said where the Charger was initially stolen. It's unclear how the off-duty officer became aware of the theft.

The officer was not injured.