PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia Police confirmed to KYW Newsradio on Friday that the suspect in Wednesday's triple shooting in Frankford did not die by suicide as initially reported.
Zyhiem Hartman, 18, was shot and killed by a law enforcement officer, police say.
Investigators said Friday an autopsy from the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s office determined the deadly shot was fired by one of the seven officers who discharged their weapons during the standoff.
The incident began around 7 p.m. Wednesday and evolved into a barricade situation near Leiper and Arrott streets, blocks away from the Arrott Street stop on the Market-Frankford Line.
Police said Friday that officers were on patrol near the scene when they heard eight or nine gunshots.
Law enforcement said that a 33-year-old man was also involved in a fight with Hartman Wednesday night, and as he was walking away, Hartman shot and injured him in the neck, using a ghost gun. He received treatment at a local hospital.
Two women, ages 52 and 42, were shot in their hips. They are both recovering.
Related
When officers arrived at the scene, they found Hartman with a handgun and chased him into an apartment building.
Police said Friday that after other officers arrived on scene, Hartman then fired at Philadelphia police and SEPTA officers from the second and third floors of the building. SEPTA Officer Ervis Onuzi was critically wounded during the gun battle, but was expected to recover.
According to police, officers fired back toward Hartman, who was barricaded. Responding officers who went to the barricade first believed Hartman shot and killed himself based on preliminary evidence, but the autopsy completed on Thursday said that shots from officers killed him.
Related
A 9 mm semi-automatic pistol was found near Hartman's body.
"The decision to utilize deadly force is the most serious action a police officer can undertake. During this incident, four innocent people were shot. The fact that this occurred in the area of a busy transportation hub and neighborhood makes it even more harrowing," said Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw in a statement. She added they will ensure that a thorough, complete, and objective investigation takes place.
For more from KYW Newsradio:
- Download the Audacy App
- Listen live
- Listen on your smart speaker
Related podcast: The incredible grief of Philadelphia mothers who have lost children during the gun violence crisis.
