HollyMatkinPhiladelphia, PA – An off-duty uniformed detective shot a motorist who had rammed his vehicle into a pedestrian, and was attempting to mow down other citizens near an elementary school, on Monday morning.
The unnamed suspect was shot in the head, and is in critical condition, WCAU reported.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Jan. 29, when the unnamed Philadelphia Police Department (PDP) detective from the major crimes unit witnessed a black Honda trying to kill people.
“This driver was apparently attempting to run people over,” PDP Captain Sekou Kinebrew told WCAU.
The motorist then slammed into a 40-year-old pedestrian with enough force to throw him onto the Honda’s hood and into the windshield, The Inquirer reported.
A Good Samaritan witnessed the collision, and parked his or her own SUV in front of the suspect vehicle to prevent it from proceeding down the roadway, which allowed the detective to make contact with the 6 foot, 250 pound suspect, according to WCAU.
The man then attacked the detective, resulting in a physical altercation.
“He engages the male,” Capt. Kinebrew said. “The male gets out of the car and immediately attacks the off-duty detective. At that point, the off duty detective … discharged one time, striking that male in the head.”
Capt. Kinebrew said the suspect was in “extremely critical condition.”
The injured pedestrian was transported for emergency medical care, and was in serious condition. He was expected to recover, police said.
Police said the suspect had a Virginia driver’s license, and that the vehicle was registered in Maryland.
Initial reports that the suspect had died were inaccurate, and no potential motive has been released, WTXF reported.
No comment has been made on if this is being investigated as an act of terrorism.
According to The Inquirer, the detective will be placed on administrative leave pending investigation by the PDP officer-involved shooting unit.