Last updated: Aug. 17, 10:40 a.m.
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The police officer who was shot in the neck Saturday during a traffic stop in Kensington is on life support at Temple University Hospital, according to investigators. Police have identified the suspected gunman as 36-year-old Ramon Rodriguez Vazquez.
Commissioner Kevin Bethel said, prior to the shooting, two officers pulled over a driver with three passengers around 8 p.m. Saturday, not far from Tioga and F Streets. While searching the vehicle, officers saw evidence of a gun, and Rodriguez Vazquez took off running, say police.
“During that car stop, occupied by four individuals, the officers moved to a live stop with that vehicle. During that live stop process, the officers were inventorying the car, saw a holster, and the male started to flee,” Bethel said.
“As that male fled from the location, he fired three times at the officer.”
Police say, one of the officers, later identified as 31-year-old Jaime Roman, was struck in the neck, and another officer returned fire. Roman was taken to the hospital, where he underwent surgery, officials said. He remains in critical condition.
“At this point, we do not have any indication that he returned fire,” Bethel said. “We definitely know that his partner did.”
Bethel says Roman has been on the force for about 6 ½ years.
Outside the hospital Saturday night, a group gathered in prayer.
“I often come here with a lot of anger about what my men and women must endure," Bethel said. "Today, I come with a different request. Today, I sat in the auditorium with about 75 to 100 men and we prayed for our officer.”
Parker echoed Bethel’s sentiments, saying, “I believe in the power of prayer. I ask that you join us, and that’s the most we can do right now.”
All persons of interest are in police custody, said investigators.
Rodriguez Vazquez faces a long list of charges, including attempted murder and evading arrest, in addition to charges related to a home invasion.
Sources say he hid from police after the shooting by forcing his way into a home, where he was eventually taken into custody.
Sources tell KYW Roman's family has stayed by his bedside since the incident.