Prosecutors File 62 Additional Attempted Murder Charges Against Man Accused Of Shooting 6 Philadelphia Police Officers During Standoff
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Prosecutors have filed dozens of new charges against a man accused of shooting six Philadelphia police officers during an hours-long standoff in August. The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office says Maurice Hill will face an additional 62 attempted murder charges for shooting at officers.
"Our office does not level these new allegations lightly. Prosecutors reviewed a thorough investigation by the Philadelphia Police Department, which included hundreds of interviews with responding police officers. These 62 officers did not sustain gunshot wounds, but they were all fired upon by Hill," Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said in a statement.
Police say Hill shot six officers, held two others hostage and fired dozens of rounds at police during the seven-hour standoff in Nicetown-Tioga.
The officers were not seriously injured.
Hill was in court Thursday for a preliminary hearing that lasted nearly four hours. During the hearing, several officers presented gripping testimony about what went on during the shootout and how they escaped.
Officer Shaun Parker, who first entered Hill's home, said in his testimony that police used a ram to get through the front door. Parker entered the kitchen when he was struck on his left side and retreated.
"I immediately saw a flash and I knew I was shot. I took cover, began firing into the kitchen. I was trying to figure out how I was going to get out of the house. It was constant gunfire from the kitchen," Parker told the judge.
Parker eventually broke a window with his gun, climbed out and ran to a patrol car.
However, Edward Meehan, Hill's defense attorney, pointed out that police didn't have a search warrant for Hill's home. Hill's defense also asked Parker if he or anyone yelled police before entering the house. Parker didn't remember.
Four other people also face charges in connection to the standoff.
CBS3's Matt Petrillo contributed to this report.
