Philadelphia officer shot when man's gun fires during North Philly traffic stop, police say
A Philadelphia police officer was shot in the leg while he was frisking a man during a traffic stop in North Philly Monday night, Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said.
It happened at around 7:40 p.m. in the area of 17th and Cumberland streets, according to Bethel.
Bethel said two officers with the Philadelphia Police Department's Highway Patrol Unit were working in the area and stopped a car with two men inside. He added that they were working in the area amid recent shootings around 17th and Cumberland streets.
When one of the officers began to frisk one of the men, a gun discharged, striking the officer in the leg, Bethel said. Police said the man didn't have a permit for the weapon.
The officer was taken to Temple University Hospital, where he's doing "extremely well," Bethel said. The 53-year-old officer has been with the Philadelphia Police Department for 20 years and is married with three children.
"He's all good," Bethel said. "The mayor had him smiling in the room. He was 'yes ma'aming' her, which was great to hear. He's been up for his CAT scan, everything looks good. Prognosis looks good. And we are very fortunate today."
Bethel said one of the two men who was pulled over during the traffic stop is in custody.
The shooting and traffic stop are under investigation.