Watch CBS News

Armed Suspect Fatally Shot By Police In West Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Philadelphia police fatally shot an armed man following a struggle with the suspect in West Philadelphia late Sunday evening.

The incident happened shortly before midnight at 61st and Market Streets in West Philadelphia.

According to investigators, officers with the 19th District stopped a suspicious man who was riding a bike.

"When the officers stopped this male, the male had a handgun in his hand. The officers told the male to drop the gun, the male refused. Both officers then actually physically got into a struggle with the male to get the gun. The male would not release the gun," Chief Inspector Scott Small explained.

Small said the suspect then pointed the gun at the officers, forcing one officer to open fire on the suspect. The 35-year-old suspect was shot in the chest and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Small said a fully-loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun was found at the scene.

No officers were injured during the altercation.

The identity of the suspect was not immediately released.

The incident remains under investigation by the Internal Affairs Department.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.