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4 Officers Struck By Car In Olney; Suspect In Custody

By Mark Abrams, Steve Beck, David Spunt and Pat Ciarrocchi

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Four Philadelphia police officers were injured after they were struck by a car following a violent struggle with a male suspect Tuesday afternoon.

The incident began at about 2:17 p.m. at 9th Street and Olney Avenue in the city's Olney section.

According to investigators, 35th District Police officers were called to the scene for the report of a car crash into a wall. When they arrived, they encountered an "incoherent" male inside the car.

Philadelphia Police Deputy Commissioner Richard Ross said the male eventually came to and began to violently struggle with at least three officers.

During the struggle, the suspect was able to break free and jumped back into his crashed car and sped away, but not before he struck three officers.

A short time later, several other officers encountered the male at Stenton and Ogontz Avenues. Ross said the suspect struck another officer at that location.

Another officer discharged his weapon, striking the suspect. The suspect fled the scene and was eventually taken into custody in the 1900 block of Colonial Street.

All four injured officers were taken to Albert Einstein Medical Center. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter said the officers were "banged up, but in good spirits."

Nutter said the injuries to the officers range from back, leg and arms, but they are not considered life-threatening.

Nutter says, "Unfortunately, it's an indication of some of the dangers police officers encounter out on the streets of our city when trying to do their job and make sure the city is safe."

He adds, "All four injured by one individual who used the car as a weapon."

Deputy Commissioner Richard Ross says, "He hit several cars along the way. When he finally ends up stopping, we have reports from pedestrians who had to jump out of the way as well."

A friend of the suspect, Wayne White, tells Eyewitness News he believes the suspect's medication may have made him act out.

"I think maybe he was on some medication or something because he just recently had heart surgery."

The suspect's family and friends told Eyewitness News a seizure caused him to crash his car then drive off and hit the police officers.

"I'm looking at him and that's when I realized he's having a seizure. We bumped the wall and he was fully convulsing," said his friend.

She told Eyewitness News she was inside the car with him.

Eyewitness News also spoke to his father who insists that his son's medical condition the reason his son kept driving.

"We're not haters. We wish them well and we're sorry that it happened," his father told Eyewitness News.

The suspect was also taken to Einstein in an unknown condition.

One officer, who was struck by the suspect, spoke exclusively with Eyewitness News' Pat Ciarrocchi: 

He says, "I'm in a little pain, pretty sore right now." He said his left ankle and leg were hurt in the incident.

Shortly after 8 p.m., Philadelphia Police said all four officers have been released from the hospital.

The incident remains under investigation.

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