2 police officers among 7 shot in West Philadelphia; gunman, 1 victim dead
WEST PHILADELPHIA -- Seven people were shot, including two police officers, after an ambush-style attack that led to a fatal shootout in West Philadelphia. A civilian and the gunman died.
It all started around 11:20 p.m. Friday on the 5200 block of Sansom Street.
Police said Sgt. Sylvia Young, a 19-year veteran with the Philadelphia Police Department, was sitting in her patrol car when she was ambushed by the suspect.
She was shot eight times, mostly in the left arm. Police said her bullet-proof vest protected her during the assault.
The suspect fled on foot, and police gave chase.
Police said the suspect then fired shots into Maximum Level Lounge, located on the 5100 block of Sansom Street, striking a security guard in the leg.
The suspect reportedly used a woman as a human shield to protect himself from officers. He then shot her in the leg.
The suspect then fled to 48th and Walnut, police said, where he fired shots into a white vehicle.
Two occupants, a man and a woman, were hit in the chest. The victims were taken to the hospital where the woman was later pronounced dead. The man remains in critical condition.
The chase continued and culminated with a shootout between the suspect and police.
A University of Pennsylvania police officer, identified as 56-year-old Eddie Miller, was was hit in the leg and buttocks.
The suspect was shot and killed.
Both police officers were rushed to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in stable condition. They are reportedly awake and talking.
A perimeter was set up between Market and Pine streets and 47th and 53rd streets. No one was allowed in or out during the search for a possible second suspect.
In a press conference, Commissioner Richard Ross said police found a note at the scene stating the suspect hated cops and probation officers.
Police said officers will be riding two to a car until further notice.
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney spoke to ABC7 sister station WPVI-TV on his meeting with the police officers.
"I had the opportunity to be with both police officers this evening, and their families. One officer was cracking jokes with his kids and wife. The other officer was talking with her family. So we are happy, very blessed that that's the way it turned out. I think we have to keep them in our prayers. The civilians, there are some seriously hurt, and still in various degrees of being treated. And I think all in all it was really a terrible scary night. But our officers turned out okay, and hopefully the civilians will turn out okay," Kenney said.
The name of the remaining victims and the suspect have not been released.
