Suspect arrested in Philadelphia's Bridesburg section after police pursuit involving stolen vehicle
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A 29-year-old man was taken into custody in Philadelphia's Bridesburg neighborhood after allegedly fleeing police in a stolen vehicle and leading officers on a pursuit, according to investigators.
The suspect was arrested shortly before noon Wednesday on the 2900 block of Hedley Street.
Video from Chopper 6 showed Philadelphia police officers surrounding the man before taking him into custody.
The footage also showed officers jumping a fence and locating the suspect hiding inside a carport tent in a neighbor's backyard.
Resident Cammie Delph described the scene in the neighborhood.
"The news helicopters, the police officers, the lights, the yelling, it was crazy. It was like watching an episode of 'Cops,'" Delph said.
Investigators said the incident began around 11:15 a.m. when officers spotted a vehicle that had previously been reported stolen on the 4100 block of Elbridge Street.
Police said officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver ignored commands to stop. According to investigators, an officer deployed a Taser in an attempt to detain the driver, but the driver sped away.
"Nothing like this ever happens in our neighborhood. You hear about it, you see it on TV," Delph said.
Police said the driver then led officers on a chase spanning several miles and neighborhoods.
At one point, investigators said the driver traveled the wrong direction on Interstate 95, prompting officers to end the pursuit. Shortly afterward, police located the stolen vehicle on Croydon Street, approximately a half mile from where the suspect was ultimately found.
"I'm truly curious as to how he even got to our neighborhood. I mean, we're just this little tiny tucked-in piece of the city," Delph said.
Police said charges against the suspect were still pending.
