Man Killed By Cops Tuesday Was Sitting In Vehicle: Philadelphia Police

PHILADELPHIA — Police in Philadelphia now say the man who was shot and killed by officers Monday was sitting in a vehicle when an officer opened fire on him, police said.

According to police, the incident began at about 12:28 p.m. Monday when officers tried to stop a Toyota Corolla on B Street near Westmoreland after seeing the vehicle drive erratically.

The vehicle turned on Westmoreland, then left onto Lee Street, and finally left onto Willard Street heading against traffic, police said.

Eventually, the vehicle pulled into a parking spot in the middle of the block.

The two officers who were in a marked patrol vehicle got out and approached the Corolla.

One went up to the driver's side, and the other to the passenger's side, with one officer trying to open the passenger door, police said.

That officer told the other that the driver, later identified as Eddie Irizarry, 27, had a weapon, police said.

Irizarry, police said, turned toward the officer on his side of the vehicle, and that's when the officer shot multiple times into the vehicle, fatally striking Irizarry.

Initial information from police stated Irizarry was outside the vehicle and lunged at officers.

Irizarry was taken to Temple Hospital, where he was pronounced at 12:48 p.m.

Police found two knives in the Corolla.

According to the department, both officers had their body cameras on during the incident.

The officer who shot Irizarry is a five-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department and is assigned to the 24th District.

He has been placed on restricted duty pending the outcome of the Internal Affairs and Officer Involved Shooting Investigations.

"The decision to utilize deadly force is one of the most difficult and far-reaching decisions that an officer will ever face," Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said. "As with all officer involved shootings, a full and thorough investigation will be conducted through the Philadelphia Police Department’s Internal Affairs Bureau and Officer Involved Shooting Investigation Unit. The PPD will work closely with the District Attorney’s Office to ensure an additional layer of transparency remains present."