Teen Arrested In Shooting Of Philadelphia Police Officers

Philadelphia, PA – Two Philadelphia police officers were wounded after a 16-year-old suspect opened fire on them while they were responding to a report of a carjacking on Monday, according to police.

The incident occurred at approximately 8:05 p.m. on Aug. 23 as two Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) officers were responding to 2500 Aramingo Avenue for a report of a carjacking, the Philadelphia Patch reported.

They spotted the stolen car in the area of 2200 North Sreese Street, then watched as a man parked in a nearby vehicle got out of his car, police said.

The officers, who were in an unmarked patrol vehicle, passed by both cars and attempted to turn around, the Philadelphia Patch reported.

The suspect opened fire on them as they were maneuvering the patrol car, police said.

The officers bailed out of their vehicle and chased after the armed suspect, eventually catching up to him in the 2200-block of North Fairhill Street, the Philadelphia Patch reported.

Police identified the alleged gunman as 16-year-old Jasir Harris.

One of the officers was shot in the head during the attack, according to police.

He is a 28-year-old, four-year veteran of the PPD, WTXF reported.

The second officer suffered injuries to his face due to shattered glass, according to the Philadelphia Patch.

Both were rushed to a local hospital and have since been released to recover at home.

“Without warning, the officers actually were shot at. One of our officers sustained a graze wound to the head. Fortunately, he will be okay,” Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw told reporters, according to WTXF.

“What’s most troubling is not just that someone was emboldened enough to shoot at a police officer, but someone was emboldened enough to shoot at a fully uniformed police officer with several other marked units with police officers right there,” Commissioner Outlaw added.

Harris has been charged with assault of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault, attempted criminal homicide, and other related charges, the Philadelphia Patch reported.

Commissioner Outlaw said Harris has “an extensive criminal record,” according to WTXF.

“It is nothing short of a miracle that we aren’t planning funerals for two of our brave police officers,” she added.