Officers shoot, kill armed man on Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia
Philadelphia and transit police shot and killed an armed man following a confrontation with officers Friday morning on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, prompting a large police response.
Police received calls around 11 a.m. about a person with a gun at 21st Street and the Parkway, Commissioner Kevin Bethel said. Police set up a large perimeter because of the number of people in the area, which is near the Franklin Institute and Calder Gardens.
Video from Chopper 3 showed officers pursuing a person in a grassy area near the intersection. That person was then placed in the back of a police vehicle before it sped away from the scene.
The man fired his weapon at least once and waved the gun around, Bethel said. A SEPTA police officer and a Philadelphia police officer both fired their weapons, striking the man.
Police transported the person to Jefferson University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead just after 11:30 a.m., Bethel said.
No officers were hurt.
"This is a very tragic situation," Bethel said. Officers tried to get the man to drop his weapon, he added.
A revolver was lying on the ground at the scene. Part of the Parkway was closed but reopened by 2:30 p.m.
The investigation is ongoing. Officials will look into whether this was a "suicide by cop," Bethel said.
The officers who fired their weapons are on administrative duty, according to the department's protocols.
People inside the Franklin Institute sheltered in place for a few minutes.
Beau Holley and his family, who are from South Carolina, were visiting the museum at the time. Holley said staff acted quickly and made sure everyone was safe.
"I'm glad we were safe, especially visiting Philly and being with the family and the kids. We want to make sure nothing happens," Holley said.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988. CBS News Philadelphia also has a list of mental health resources.
For more information about mental health care resources and support, The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email info@nami.org.
