Suspect killed after three Philadelphia police officers shot while attending domestic call on Whitaker Avenue – Update

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Three Philadelphia police officers were shot and wounded while responding to a domestic-related incident at a home that resulted in a shooting.

It happened just after 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on the 7500 block of Whitaker Avenue in the city’s Burholme neighborhood.

According to police, there was an argument between a father and son, who was playing a video game.

At some point, the boy’s uncle got involved and an argument escalated.

Police say the child and uncle ran upstairs, the father followed them, and that’s when he opened fire, striking the uncle.

The child and uncle then called 911.

“Unknown if doer still on location. Juvenile stated his dad shot his uncle two times,” an emergency dispatcher can be heard saying over the radio.

According to investigators, the father shot two police officers and a police sergeant who were responding to the scene.

Interim Police Commissioner John Stanford said the shooter was waiting for police when they responded.

“The subject goes to the front of the property and is essentially awaiting the arrival of our police officers,” said Stanford. “He then begins to immediately fire upon our officers.”

Stanford says officers at the scene returned fire, striking the suspect, who was ultimately pronounced dead at the scene.

There is no word yet on the suspect’s identity.

Two officers suffered gunshot wounds to the leg and the sergeant was shot in the finger. All three are listed as stable at an area hospital.

Radio transmissions between police caught the terrifying moment one of the injured officers called for help.

“I’m hit,” the officer can be heard saying. “Just get me a car.”

The uncle was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

It’s still unclear how many shots were fired.

“It is stunning,” said Mayor Jim Kenney about the officers involved during a news conference. “I thank God that they’re all okay. I thank them for their bravery and their desire to do this job, which is very, very difficult. And I thank their families for the sacrifice that they make.”

‘We heard rapid fire’

Some residents in the area told Action News they heard the gunfire and were shocked by what happened.

“We heard rapid fire. Sounded like fireworks,” recalled Malikah Campbell. “It’s pretty scary. Gives you the idea that you’re ready to move.”

“It was, ‘Pop! Pop! Pop!’ That’s not fireworks,” added Melissa Corsey. “The violence is rising in all of Philadelphia, but in your own backyard? It’s unnecessary.”

Neighbors say the ongoing violence in their community is cause for concern.

“It’s supposed to be away from the violence, but it feels like it’s moving up here,” said Julian Cannizzaro.

Residents who live down the street from the scene were also impacted by the gunfire.

One resident told Action News a bullet went through their house just below their living room window, where they usually hang out with their baby and family.

Fortunately, no one was injured, but the family said they were shaken.

At the end of it all, people say they admire the bravery of those officers.

“You rush in to help and you get hurt in the end, and it’s unfortunate. They risk their lives for us,” said Corsey.

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