Bullet Grazes Off-Duty Cop During Robbery, Shooting: Philly Police

PHILADELPHIA — An off-duty Philadelphia Police officer was grazed by a bullet after a robbery suspect opened fire on him Thursday morning, authorities said.

The incident started at about 5 a.m. on the 2100 block of East Westmoreland Street.

Police said the 31-year-old off-duty officer was standing by his white Tesla when a white man wearing a black "Off-White" brand hooded sweatshirt came up to him with a gun and announced a robbery.

After handing over his belongings to the man, the officer ran westbound towards Amber Street and the suspect chased him, firing at the officer, police said.

The officer fired back with his personal weapon, police said.

The suspect then ran east on Westmoreland Street and got into a gray Chrysler 300 before driving south on Collins Avenue toward Allegheny Avenue, police said.

It's unclear if the suspect was injured by the officer's returning gunfire.

The officer sustained a minor abrasion to his shin, possibly a graze wound, and was treated at Temple Hospital. He has since been released.

The involved officer, a 7-year-veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department assigned to the 16th District, will be placed on administrative duty pending investigations by Internal Affairs and the Officer-involved Shooting Unit.

Anyone who has information on the incident should contact Philadelphia Police at 215-686-8477.