Update: Feb. 2, 9:15 a.m.
Philadelphia police said 26-year-old Libao Zheng has been charged with aggravated assault, assault of a law enforcement officer, and other related drug and assault offenses. Zheng does not have any prior arrests or charges. He is being held on $1 million bail.
Original story follows:
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A Philadelphia narcotics officer has been released from the hospital after a bullet ricocheted off his protective vest and grazed his hand while he was serving an arrest warrant in North Philadelphia Wednesday morning, officials said.
It happened shortly after 6 a.m. along Kings Place, near 12th and Master streets, about a block away from Temple University. Police said narcotics officers went to the house to serve a warrant but a barricade situation ensued.
The injured officer was taken to Jefferson University Hospital.
Police said two people were taken into custody.
City and law enforcement officials addressed the shooting outside Jefferson Hospital shortly thereafter, saying the armored vest likely saved the officer’s life.
“The officer takes one shot to his ballistic vest, hitting the right side. We believe that ricocheted and struck his hand,” said Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel. “He’s in stable and has already been released.”
Bethel said narcotics officers only started wearing this kind of protective vest about seven months ago.
“You are always at a disadvantage when you go into those properties because you do not know what’s on the other side,” he added. “The officer involved here has been on 33 years and his team has been doing this work in our communities on a daily basis, and we know that risk. This is part of the work.”
Bethel said officers did not return fire. The people who were taken into custody surrendered after the officer was injured.
Mayor Cherelle Parker joined Bethel outside the hospital Wednesday morning. She noted that this is the second shooting of a police officer since taking office earlier this month, but she said that’s motivating her even more to try to make Philadelphia a safer city.
“There will be thorough investigations of this incident, as there should be every time,” she assured.