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Police: Man Shot After Pointing Gun At Officers In West Philadelphia

By Al Novack, Steve Beck

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A man is in critical condition after being shot during a confrontation with Philadelphia police officers early Wednesday morning.

The shooting happened shortly after midnight in the 500 block of N. Conestoga Street in West Philadelphia.

According to investigators, plain-clothes officers were patrolling the area when they spotted a suspect suspected of selling drugs.

Authorities say a struggle broke out between an officer and the suspect. At some point during the struggle, investigators say the suspect brandished a gun and pointed it at the officers.

One officer opened fire, striking the suspect in the chest. The 24-year-old suspect was taken to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania where he is listed in critical condition.

"The officer showed a lot of restraint by firing just one shot," Chief Inspector Scott Small explained.

Small said a handgun that belonged to the suspect was found at the scene.

No officers were injured during the incident.

The shooting remains under investigation.

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