More Charges Filed In Assault, Robbery Of Off-Duty Philly Officer

PHILADELPHIA — Authorities in Philadelphia have filed more charges in connection with the assault and robbery of an off-duty Philadelphia Police officer.

Police said Cian Dennis, 23, is charged with criminal conspiracy, aggravated assault, robbery, theft by unlawful taking, and related charges. Dennis was the man police had identified as "Duke," previously.

Additionally, police said Khamil Brown, 24, was arrested on Wednesday at 11:17 a.m. due to her involvement in the incident. She has been charged with criminal conspiracy, aggravated assault, robbery, theft by unlawful taking, firearm violations, and related charges.

Yusef Coleman, 24, was also charged with criminal conspiracy, aggravated assault, assault of a law enforcement officer, robbery, theft by unlawful taking, violations of the uniform firearms act, and related offenses.

Arthur Jones, 38, is still wanted on charges of robbery and aggravated assault. He is considered armed and dangerous, police said.

Authorities also identified the off-duty officer who was at the center of the incident.

Police said that officer is Eric Rodriguez, a 42-year-old, 9 year veteran of the department who is assigned to the 22nd District.

Rodriguez will be placed on administrative leave once he recovers from the injuries sustained during the incident. He will remain on administrative leave pending the outcome of the Internal Affairs and Officer-Involved Shooting Investigations.

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

Police said Rodriguez saw a crowd in the street with a black BMW blocking an intersection.

Rodriguez 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 Rodriguez, and Dennis came up to Rodriguez's vehicle, continuing the argument, police said.

That's when Dennis assaulted Rodriguez, according to police.

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

Dennis then pulled out a gun and Rodriguez alerted an on-duty officer to the situation, saying he needed assistance, police said.

Another man, later identified as Coleman, got into an altercation with Rodriguez, putting Rodriguez in a headlock, police said.

Rodriguez 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 Coleman had in his waistband, and eventually Rodriguez 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 Rodriguez'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.

Dennis then pointed a gun at Rodriguez and demanded he release the weapon, police.

Rodriguez was subsequently beaten by multiple people and his personal weapon was stolen from its holster.

The firearm was subsequently recovered by police Tuesday.

Coleman was able to get away and fled in the black BMW, police said. Police said the vehicle struck Rodriguez's leg as it drove off.

Other people involved also fled the area after an on-duty officer showed up.

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

Rodriguez was taken to Temple University Hospital for treatment of a black eye, facial bruises, and a leg injury.

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