Suspect fires at Upper Darby officers responding to prowler call: Police

UPPER DARBY, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Police say a man began shooting at police officers in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania after they were called out for a report of a prowler.

It all began around 1 a.m. Friday in the area of Terrace Avenue near North Lynn Boulevard.

A homeowner said that's when a suspect was trying to break into his house through the back door.

The homeowner says he was upstairs with his grandmother for safety while on the phone with police.

We spoke with his uncle, Jim Rogan, who arrived shortly after.

"My nephew, he was watching the cameras on his phone and relaying everything to 911," he said.

We're told police arrived within minutes and began searching with flashlights.

Once they reached a car in the back driveway, the homeowner says the suspect fired at least four shots at the unsuspecting officers who were on the other side of the car.

Bullet holes could be seen all along the driver's side. The homeowner tells us the car belongs to his grandmother.

One bullet went through the kitchen window and landed on the floor.

It's unclear if officers returned fire.

Neighbors captured the response on their cell phones. Video shows officers lined up along Terrace Avenue with guns drawn while shielding themselves behind patrol cars.

"I grew up here and it just doesn't happen. Nothing happens around here. There is no crime. Not in this area," Rogan said.

Upper Darby Police Superintendent Timothy Bernhardt said officers used heat-seeking technology from a police chopper to find the suspect.

He was hiding under a swing set and did not give up easily.

"When officers were able to make contact with him he violently fought with them and resisted arrest," Bernhardt said.

One officer is still in the hospital after suffering a hand injury.

Another officer was also treated after coming under gunfire but has been released.

Bernhardt was not ready to give out any details about the suspect but tells us he is an adult.