Man Sought After Off-Duty Officer Assaulted, Gun Stolen: Philly Police

PHILADELPHIA — An off-duty Philadelphia police officer was assaulted and had his personal gun stolen by a man Sunday morning, authorities said. At least one man is still being sought by police in connection with the incident.

The incident occurred at about 7:12 a.m. Sunday at 2100 West Oxford Street.

Police said the off-duty officer saw a crowd in the street with a black BMW blocking an intersection.

The officer waited about four minutes for the vehicle to move, and eventually honked at the BMW to get it to move, police said.

A woman then started arguing with the officer, and a man who goes by "Duke" came up to the officer's vehicle, continuing the argument, police said.

That's when "Duke" assaulted the officer, according to police.

The officer was hit several times in his face before getting out of his vehicle and identifying himself as a police officer, police said.

"Duke" then pulled out a firearm and the officer alerted an on-duty officer to the situation, saying he needed assistance, police said.

Another man, seen below, got into an altercation with the officer, police said.

The officer pulled his personal gun out during the fight, but put it back in the holster, according to police.

The two were fighting for a gun that that man had in his waistband, and eventually the officer was also able to remove the gun's extended magazine and fire the chambered round, leaving it empty of bullets, police said.

That gun was recovered and was found with an obliterated serial number, police said.

Police said it was likely during that struggle that the officer's personal firearm, a Glock, was taken by someone at the scene. It has not been found.

No one was hurt when the gun was fired.

The struggle continued, and the gun fell to the ground. At least a dozen people were involved in the incident, police said.

The man was able to get away and fled in the black BMW, police said. Police said the vehicle struck the officer as it drove off.

Other people involved also fled the area.

The man who struggled with police was eventually found and taken into custody Sunday afternoon at G and Hilton streets by 25th District Officers.

Police then sought the women seen here in connection with the incident after police said they were suspected of interfering with the officer as he tried to detain the man. They eventually showed up to a police district building to give interviews. It's unclear if they will be charged.

The man identified as "Duke" is still wanted by police for assaulting the officer and for brandishing a firearm.

"Duke" is believed to be in his mid 20s to 30s and was described as a heavyset black man with a beard.

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

The officer who was involved is 42 years old and an 8-year veteran of the force. He suffered injuries to his face, a concussion, and bruising. He was released after being taken to a hospital for treatment.