Philly Officer Who Shot, Killed 12-Year-Old Boy To Be Fired

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Police officer who shot and killed a 12-year-old boy accused of shooting at a police vehicle will be fired, officials said Tuesday.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw at a news conference Tuesday said she is suspending the officer who shot and killed 12-year-old Thomas Siderio at 18th and Barbara streets in South Philadelphia.

The officer, whose name was not released due to alleged threats being made to the officers involved in the incident, will be fired after a 30-day suspension.

Outlaw said the suspension will begin Friday.

"It's just a sickening situation all around," she said. "I've lost sleep over this, and it's because of the tragedy on all sides. There are no winners here."

The decision comes after Outlaw said she reviewed the most recent evidence in the shooting, which she said showed a clear violation of the department's use of force policy.

It's unclear if the officer will be charged, but the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office is promising an "unbiased and thorough investigation" into the incident.

"All incidents involving law enforcement that result in the death of a civilian are investigated by Philadelphia Police as well as by the District Attorney's Office Special Investigations Unit, which also investigates and prosecutes official misconduct and corruption," District Attorney Larry Krasner said Tuesday. "The death of a child is always a tragedy, and in this instance, a factually complex and deeply troubling one based on preliminary investigative information."

Siderio's family has filed a civil suit in connection with the fatal incident, Outlaw confirmed Tuesday.

The situation unfolded at about 7:24 p.m. Tuesday, March 1.

Four plainclothes officers in an unmarked video were canvassing the area of 18th and Johnston streets as part of a firearm violation investigation.

The officers saw two teens at 18th and Barbara streets, one of which was sought for questioning in connection with the investigation, police said.

When the officers tried to stop the boys after activating their lights, Siderio fired a stolen laser-equipped 9 mm handgun at the vehicle, striking the rear passenger window, police said.

Two of the four officers got out of the vehicle and fired twice at Siderio, police said.

Siderio ran off and then the officer who is being suspended and terminated fired two more shots at Siderio, striking him once upper right back, police said.

Siderio was taken to Presbyterian Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 7:29 p.m., police said.

The other boy, 17, was stopped by police for investigation and then released pending further investigation.

Police said one of the officers in the vehicle was also taken to Presbyterian Hospital after being injured by shards of glass in his face and eyes. He has since been released.

The gun used was loaded with one round in the chamber and five rounds in the magazine.

No one else was hurt in the incident.