Delco Cop Shot Saturday Released From Hospital

CHESTER, PA — The police officer who was shot Saturday by a gunman who officers fatally shot is home from the hospital and in good spirits, officials said.

Chester Police Det. Steven Byrne was wounded by Torraize Armstrong, 40, during an incident Saturday in Chester.

Chester Mayor Stefan Roots said he was in the hospital with Byrne, who was joined by his family, when he received his release information and that Byrne was in good spirits and thankful for the thoughts and prayers he's received from the community.

Byrne was shot once in the left flank, leaving an entry and exit wound, Chester Police Commissioner Steven Gretsky said.

The incident began at about 11:30 a.m. Saturday at 900 Canal Street in Chester.

Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said gunfire erupted from the driver's side of a black Taurus, striking a person.

Authorities quickly identified Armstrong as the vehicle's owner, and while on his day off, Bryne located the Taurus and tried to stop it in Chester.

Armstrong fled the stop, leading a chase into Upland, then back into Chester, the DA said.

While trying to navigate a turn, the Taurus blew a tire, leading Armstrong to get out of the vehicle.

Authorities said that's when Armstrong began shooting at Byrne and three other officers from Upland and Chester.

Bryrne was struck, but so was Armstrong.

Authorities said he was hit several times by the officers who returned fire and was pronounced dead Saturday night. Stollsteimer said all the shots fired by officers were completely justified.

The gun Armstrong used to fire at the officers was confirmed through ballistics testing to be the same firearm used in the drive-by shooting earlier Saturday, according to the DA.

Authorities said Byrne and the other officers are heroes in that they were able to subdue a "dangerous individual" in Armstrong.

Stollsteiemer said Byrne's shooting is the third time a Delaware County police officer has been shot in the last two weeks and cited a "culture of affinity for weapons" as well as guns ending up in the wrong hands.

Authorities are still investigating the shooting.