PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Two Philadelphia police officers were shot overnight in West Philadelphia.
Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel says officers were called to 52nd and Arch streets around 1 a.m. for a domestic disturbance. When they arrived, they saw a man with a gun on a porch.
One officer was shot three times; the second officer was shot 12 times. Both officers are with the 19th Police District. One is 33, the other is 40.
Bethel says they are both badly wounded and undergoing surgery.
The SWAT team came to the scene and found the suspect hiding in a tree. Police say the individual was in possession of several guns, including a handgun that belonged to one of the injured officers. Some body-worn footage of the incident has been recovered.
Mayor Cherelle Parker says she has met with the officers’ families and is praying for their recovery.
"When our police officers leave their homes every day to go to work, they literally do not know whether — or when — they are coming home," Parker said. "They put themselves in harm’s way every day, and put their lives on the line — to protect the people of Philadelphia. These officers are husbands and wives, sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers. They deserve our prayers and our support."
This is a breaking news story. Stay with KYW Newsradio throughout the day for updates.
One officer was shot 3 times — the other, 12
One officer was shot 3 times — the other, 12
