Philadelphia Police Officer Shoots Suspect Armed With Box Cutter In Kensington, Officials Say
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A man is fighting for his life following an officer-involved shooting in Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood. Police say the shooting happened around 10:15 p.m. Monday at the intersection of Front Street and Allegheny Avenue.
Police say two officers saw what appeared to be an argument involving a male pedestrian and people in an SUV. As the driver tried to pull away, the pedestrian held onto the vehicle.
The officers attempted to defuse the situation and say the man was armed with a box cutter and began approaching them.
That is when police say the officers instructed the man stop. The suspect then allegedly lunged at the officers several times, refusing directives to drop the box cutter.
At that time a 28-year-old officer who is a three-year veteran with the 24th Police District fired several shots, hitting the man in the stomach.
"One of the officers, after giving numerous commands to drop the utility knife and having the individual lunge at him several times, did discharge his city-issued firearm several times. I don't have the exact count now, we believe it's somewhere around five, striking the male in the abdomen area," Philadelphia Police Capt. Sekou Kinebrew said.
The victim was then rushed to a nearby hospital, where he is in critical condition.
The suspect's identity has not been released. Witnesses say the man is homeless.
Police say they were able to track down the SUV which had left the scene at some point during the chaos. Authorities had the vehicle towed. At last check, police were hoping to track the people who were inside the vehicle to ask if they know the suspect.
No officers were hurt and no other injuries were reported.
The shooting remains under investigation.
