Man wanted for shooting at plainclothes cop in unmarked car in Nicetown

Anthony Cromwell
Photo credit Philadelphia Police Department

UPDATED: Aug. 20, 10 a.m.

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Authorities are actively searching for a man who is accused of trying to kill a Philadelphia police officer while he was sitting in his car near Simon Gratz High School on Tuesday. 

Police say Anthony Cromwell fired several times at the narcotics officer, who was sitting in an unmarked police car in Nicetown. He fired back several times, but 43-year-old Cromwell ran from the scene. Police do not know if the suspect was hit.

Cromwell is now wanted for attempted murder.

The Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 released a statement on Wednesday that they are offering a $5,000 reward for any information leading to Cromwell's arrest.

The officer, who was dressed in regular clothes as part of the investigation, was not injured.

The shooting happened along Clarissa Street, near 18th Street and Hunting Park Avenue, just before noon Tuesday.

According to police, Cromwell lives just a few blocks away, on Dennie Street near Wayne Avenue.

Police are actively looking for him. They consider him armed and dangerous, so authorities urge the public to stay away if they see him, but call 911 of 215-686-TIPS if you know where he is.