Officers Shot From Long Distance, Not Targeted On July 4: Officials

PHILADELPHIA — Bullets that hit two police officers working the Wawa Welcome America Festival on July 4 came from far away, according to Philadelphia authorities.

During a news conference Wednesday, Philadelphia Chief Inspector Frank Vanore said the bullets that grazed 36-year-old Philadelphia Highway Patrol Officer Sergio Diggs and 44-year-old Montgomery County Sheriff's Deputy John Foster came from "quite a distance."

Vanore said the shots could have been fired from more than a mile away.

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Vanore also said the bullet found lodged in Digg's hat came from a "downward trajectory."

These revelations shed light on why District Attorney Larry Krasner issued a statement and included language about celebratory gunfire.

"Celebratory gunfire on any occasion or gunfire not aimed at another individual that nonetheless harms others is a very serious crime; applicable charges may range from reckless endangerment to aggravated assault to murder," Krasner said.

Diggs and Foster were both injured after being grazed by 40-caliber rounds that came from the same gun, officials said Wednesday.

The two officers were about 20 feet apart when Diggs was grazed by a bullet on his forehead and Foster was grazed by a bullet on his shoulder, according to officials.

Both were released from the hospital just a few hours after the shooting that occurred at about 9:47 p.m. Monday somewhere behind the Ferris wheel on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

There is no evidence the two were targeted, according to Vanore.

Krasner said investigating the shooting will prove to be very challenging.

"I would urge the press and public to remain patient and understand the Philadelphia Police and other law enforcement are working hard to know as much as possible," he said.

The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of whoever pulled the trigger that night.

"We were inches away from planning a funeral for at least one brave Philadelphia Highway Patrol officer as a bullet lodged in his cap," FOP Lodge 5 President John McNesby said.

Anyone with information on the incident should call 911 or 215-686-8477.