Cops: Suspect Accused Of Shooting Cop Had Been Arrested 14 Times
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Police say the suspect who allegedly shot a Philadelphia Police officer in West Philadelphia Sunday night is in custody.
Police have identified the alleged gunman as 23-year-old Scott Griffin.
"The shooter has a lengthy record. He's been arrested 14 times. He is a dangerous individual obviously. We're very happy to get him off the streets as quickly as we did," said Captain James Clark.
Officers observed him in the 1200 block of Alden Street where he was arrested.
Police say it all started before 9 p.m. Sunday in the area of Salford and Market Streets.
A woman approached two 18th District patrol officers to report two men were carjacking her.
Police Commissioner Richard Ross says as Officer McCullough and his partner approached the men, they jumped out of the car. Ross says McCullough tackled one of the men and was shot instantly in the left leg.
"The male got up and starting running northbound on Salford Street. Officer McCullough pursued him and fired three times, that male continued northbound on Salford where he escaped."
Ross says it was McCullough who took a lifesaving step by applying a tourniquet to his bleeding leg. His partner rushed him to Penn Presbyterian Hospital.
Ross says McCullough is a two-year veteran of the force, has a fiance and a two-year-old daughter. He was released from the hospital Monday evening.
Thank you for your kind words as our brave officer, James McCullough, continues his recovery. The support of our community keeps us strong
— Philadelphia Police (@PhillyPolice) April 18, 2016
KYW Newsradio's Mark Abrams and CBS3's Walt Hunter contributed to this report.
