Off-Duty Cop Shoots Erratic Driver In South Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA – An off-duty Philadelphia Police officer shot and killed a driver who allegedly hit a pedestrian and then began targeting other pedestrians on Monday morning in South Philadelphia, according to police.

The incident occurred at Broad and Bigler streets in South Philadelphia at about 7:35 a.m. after the driver allegedly hit a man then began attempting to hit more pedestrians, police said.

An off-duty officer was in the area and responded when he heard the radio call.

A good Samaritan blocked the suspect's vehicle, which had Maryland license plates, with his own vehicle.

Police said the driver chased the good Samaritan on foot after the Samaritan told the driver he hit a person.

Then the off-duty officer arrived and tried to subdue the driver, but the driver attacked the officer, police said.

The officer pulled out his service weapon, fired on the driver, striking him in the head, according to police.

The pedestrian who was struck was not seriously injured.

Police are investigating the shooting and said they are questioning the necessity of the amount of rounds fired.

Patch file photo