Suspect charged after patrol officer shot in leg during traffic stop in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A man is facing charges after a highway patrol officer was shot in the leg Monday night following a traffic stop in North Philadelphia.
Police have identified the suspect as 26-year-old Rashid Walker.
Investigators say the officer and his partner were conducting a traffic stop around 7:40 p.m. near 17th and Cumberland streets.
Walker was a passenger in the vehicle, according to police.
As Walker being searched, investigators say the officer felt a handgun inside his jacket pocket. That's when the gun discharged, striking the officer in the upper right leg.
It's unclear what caused the gun to discharge.
The 53-year-old officer was taken to Temple University Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.
"We're fortunate he received a gunshot wound to his leg, but he's doing extremely well," said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel.
Walker was taken into custody at the scene.
Bethel said the injured officer and his partner were in the area responding to reports of gunfire prior to the traffic stop.
"We had some gunshots and gun activity up in that area. As a normal process, we send our special team in there, Highway Patrol, to settle things down," stated Bethel.
Police say the injured officer has been with the department for 20 years. He is also a husband and father of three.
No other injuries were reported.
Walker has been charged with Violations of the Uniform Firearms Act.
The incident remains under investigation.
