Drunk Philly Cop Pulled Gun On Driver After Crash: DA

PHILADELPHIA – A Philadelphia Police officer has been arrested and charged in connection with a 2016 Christmas Eve incident when, while off duty, he allegedly struck a vehicle while driving under the influence and pointed his service weapon at the driver whose vehicle he struck.

Philadelphia District Attorney Kelley B. Hodge announced Wednesday, Dec. 20 that Philadelphia Police Officer Kevin Klein is in custody for his involvement in a Dec. 24, 2016 incident on the 6100 block of Passyunk Avenue.

Klein, 36, faces two counts of simple assault, one count of driving under the influence, and one count of leaving the scene of an accident in connection with the incident, the DA's office said.

Klein, who joined the force in August 2008, has been suspended for 30 days with the intent to dismiss by the Philadelphia Police Department.

During the Christmas Eve incident, Klein was off duty when he allegedly struck an occupied vehicle and fled the scene while driving under the influence, the DA's office said.

The vehicle he struck then followed him for what the DA's office said was several miles, with the following vehicle's occupants reporting Klein's vehicle was swerving and struck a concrete median, according to the DA's office.

Klein eventually pulled over and the DA's office said he appeared intoxicated.

It's alleged Klein refused to show his driving credentials and then pulled his service weapon on the people whose vehicle he struck, the DA's office said.

Klein then drove off, according to the DA's office.

"We all know the dangers of driving under the influence, but as an off duty Philadelphia Police Officer, Kevin Klein certainly knew the dangers of his actions to himself and his fellow bystanders," Hodge said. "And then, to use his service revolver during the course of his criminal behavior is deplorable. We expect more of those members of our community who take an oath to protect and serve, and when anyone acts criminally, they will be held accountable for their actions."

Klein's next court appearance has not been scheduled, according to the DA's office.

"I’d like to thank the Philadelphia Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office’s Special Investigations Unit for their professionalism and dedication during this investigation," Hodge said.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jahlee J. Hatchett of the Office’s Special Investigations Unit.

Klein's arrest and pending dismissal brings the number of Philadelphia Police officers who were charged and dismissed from the force to eight total in 2017.

See Patch's coverage of previous Philadelphia Police officers being arrested and dismissed below:

• Philly Cop Arrested On Animal Cruelty Charges
  
• Philly Cop Facing Child Porn Charges
• Philly Cop Charged In Fatal Off-Duty Accident
• Philadelphia Cop Chased Wife In Patrol Car, Caused Accident: Police
• Philadelphia Cop Arrested For Shooting At Driver Who Struck Him: Police
• Cop Charged After Making Gun Threats: Philadelphia Police
• Cop To Be Fired For Slamming Handcuffed Suspect: Philadelphia Police

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