It happened on the 1500 block of West Somerville Boulevard just before 7 p.m.
According to the sergeant. Eric Gripp with the Philadelphia Police Department, an officer was fired as he approached a vehicle during a traffic stop. A total of five officers were on the scene to help before the gunfire broke out.
NEW DETAILS: Philadelphia police stopped a vehicle and asked a man in the back seat to get out. Police say he went out and started firing. At least 5 officers set fire to it. An officer shot in the left leg. The accused was pronounced dead at the hospital @ 6abc #Police #Filly pic.twitter.com/X4CCk7Sblx
– Sharrie Williams (@WilliamsSharrie) April 8, 2021
As one of the officers approached the vehicle occupied by four people, Gripp says a 24-year-old man inside produced a handgun and started firing.
All five officers started the fire, killing the 24-year-old armed suspect. A weapon was recovered on the spot. It is not yet known how many shots were fired by officers.
Gripp says the officer was shot in the leg and is currently in stable condition. Commissioner Danielle Outlaw and city management are currently with the officer and his family at the hospital.
The other three occupants of the car, a woman and two men, were not injured. They are currently being questioned by police.
Gripp says it is not yet known when traffic was stopped.
Copyright © 2021 WPVI-TV. All rights reserved.