PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A man has been charged with weapons violations in connection with the shooting of a highway patrol officer during a traffic stop in North Philadelphia Monday night.
Philadelphia police said it was around 7:40 p.m. when two highway patrol officers stopped a car near 17th and West Cumberland streets.
According to authorities, two people were taken out of the car. When the passenger, identified as 26-year-old Rashid Walker, was being patted down by an officer, a gun in the man's jacket pocket discharged, striking the 53-year-old officer in the upper leg.
The officer, a 20-year veteran of the force, was rushed to a hospital, where he is currently recovering. “[It’s] very fortunate that he is not injured more seriously,” said Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel.
Bethel explained the officers were patrolling the area due to a recent increase in gunfire in the neighborhood. The investigation is continuing.
