Police: Suspect Shoots 2 SWAT Officers, Self
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A three-hour standoff between police and a man who allegedly shot two SWAT team members early Wednesday morning ended with the suspect shooting himself, apparently accidentally.
That man was listed in critical condition at Temple University Hospital.
Police say the suspect, later confirmed to be 20-year-old Nasuil Martinez (above), was going to surrender at about 7:30 AM. Instead, police commissioner Charles Ramsey says, he was carried out on a stretcher after shooting himself in the neck.
"From the comment he made on the phone, 'Oh, it went off,' it looks as if it was accidental when it was self-inflicted," said Ramsey.
Martinez was wanted in connection with the shooting of Officer Kevin Gorman less than two weeks ago (see related story).
When two SWAT team members entered his home just before 4 AM, according to police, they were greeted by gunfire. Sargeant Christopher Binns, 49, a 21-year veteran and Francis Whalen, 36, a 13-year veteran were identified as the officers shot. Ramsey says the gunman fired through a wall, striking both officers who were wearing Kevlar protection that absorbed the slugs. Neither officer was hurt.
During the standoff, nearby Fels High School was locked down. A school district spokesman says students who hadn't left for school were advised to stay home. Students and staff on their way in, or already there, were directed to Carnell Elementary School at 1100 Deveraux Avenue.
Reported by Paul Kurtz and Ian Bush, KYW Newsradio; Dray Clark, CBS 3.
