The veteran cop was checking a suspect’s pockets during a traffic stop when the weapon discharged. Here’s what police say happened.
A Philadelphia police officer is recovering in the hospital after a gun discharged during a routine traffic stop Monday evening, shooting him in the right leg.
The incident happened around 7:40 p.m. on the 1700 block of Cumberland Street in North Philadelphia. Two officers had pulled over a car with two people inside and asked them both to step out of the vehicle.
As one officer began frisking a suspect, a firearm in the man’s pocket discharged — striking the officer in the right leg.
“One of the officers, a 53-year-old officer with highway 10, married with three children — he goes to frisk the individual, there’s a gun on him and that gun discharges.”— Commissioner Kevin Bethel, Philadelphia Police
The injured officer is a 53-year-old man with 20 years on the force. He is married with three children, according to Commissioner Bethel.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker visited the officer at Temple University Hospital, where police cars were spotted outside the emergency room. He is listed in stable condition.
Commissioner Bethel posted a statement on social media, thanking responders for their quick, professional reaction and expressing gratitude that the officer survived.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
