PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The man accused of shooting at a trio of Philadelphia police officers three years ago has pleaded guilty to lesser charges.
Jeffione Thomas admitted he shot at three police officers on Sept. 18, 2020, while they were driving in an unmarked car near East Sharpnack and Fayette streets in the city’s Cedarbrook neighborhood.
Prosecutors say around 8 p.m. Thomas was riding a bike toward their car when they rolled down their window and asked if he was OK. As Thomas passed the car he said, “F- you” to the trio, then pulled out his gun and fired at them.
Their car crashed into a fence as they were trying to get away from the gunfire. One officer was hit in the ballistic vest and another was struck by shrapnel. They say a second man also fired at the officers but was never arrested.
Officials say DNA on the bike and a cell phone left behind matched Thomas, and the officers were able to identify him through a photo lineup.
Thomas pleaded guilty to three counts of aggravated assault, as well as gun charges. He will be sentenced in February.
Editor’s update, March 28, 2024
In February 2024, just three months after pleading guilty, Jeffoine Thomas withdrew his guilty plea. A judge ordered a trial to move forward next July.