Philadelphia officer fatally shoots man after being struck by his vehicle in Lawncrest: police
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Philadelphia police officer shot and killed a man after the officer attempted to pull him over on Thursday night in Lawncrest, Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said.
The officer was struck by the man's vehicle during the incident and was released Friday morning from Jefferson Einstein Hospital.
Officials identified the driver as 36-year-old Curtis Wallace.
Bethel said the 25th District officer was by himself when he went to stop the Wallace at F Street and Roosevelt Boulevard in the city's Olney neighborhood but was unsuccessful.
Then, three civilians blocked the street at the intersection of Adams and Newtown Avenues at around 7 p.m. in Lawncrest to help the officer, but Bethel claimed the witnesses told investigators the driver backed his vehicle into the officer's car.
Bethel said the officer got out of his vehicle and went to the Wallace's side door. The police officer was then struck and pinned up against a wall by the vehicle, Bethel claimed.
Bethel said witnesses then saw the officer fire "multiple shots into the car," striking Wallace.
Wallace then drove away. He was found unresponsive two and a half blocks away at Benner Street and Hasbrook Avenue and taken to Einstein, where he was pronounced dead. He was shot in the head and body, Bethel said.
The officer has not yet been identified.
Before Wallace drove away, Bethel said a passenger exited the vehicle and was detained by the witnesses at the scene. Bethel said police will speak to that person as a part of their investigation.
Bethel said the injured officer has eight years on the job. He underwent tests on his legs to determine the severity of his injuries.
Bethel also said Thursday night police have yet to speak to the officer about the shooting, but he was wearing a body camera and they have other video evidence.
The shooting is under investigation.
