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Off-Duty Police Lieutenant Shot Inside South Philadelphia CVS During Struggle With Suicidal Man, Authorities Say

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Authorities say an off-duty police lieutenant was shot in the leg during a struggle with a suicidal man inside a South Philadelphia CVS on Friday morning. The officer is now recovering at the hospital.

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The officer who was shot is 48-year-old Robert Friel, a 28-year veteran of the police force who is married with three children. Police say Friel rushed in to help another officer subdue a man who was armed and suicidal. The suspect is in police custody.

The lieutenant is being widely saluted for his bravery, including from Mayor Jim Kenney, for responding to this incident despite being just officially off duty.

"You're leaving work and off duty you could drive home and he didn't do that. He stepped into harm's way. He ended up being wounded but thankfully he'll be OK," Kenney said. "I just want to wish his family the best and thank all of our officers for their dedicated service to keeping us safe."

It was a confrontation that turned violent and resulted in a bullet to Friel's leg. Police confirm Friel is undergoing surgery at Jefferson Hospital and is in stable condition.

A police source tells Eyewitness News that Friel's injuries, at this point, are believed to be non-life-threatening, but he will require multiple surgeries.

Police say the suspect, a 50-year old man from the 800 block of Cross Street, had been reported missing last night, suicidal and in possession of several firearms.

According to police, Lt. Friel was getting off of his shift around 6:45 a.m. when he recognized the suspect's car -- a gray Acura TL -- in the CVS parking lot on 1400 Passyunk Ave., after being made aware the suspect was missing.

Then, police say, he went inside the CVS where a struggle ensued, resulting in Friel being shot. Another officer involved in the confrontation was not injured.

"During this struggle, the male discharged a 9-millimeter semi-automatic firearm, striking the lieutenant in the left leg. Also during the struggle, the male gained possession of the officer's service weapon and fired one shot, striking the floor. The male was subdued and placed into custody without further incident," Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said.

No charges have been brought to this point but Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said in a statement Friday they expect to bring criminal charges soon.

"I am incredibly grateful for the bravery shown by Lieutenant Friel and other Philadelphia Police officers who responded to this scene and put their lives on the line for our city. This active investigation is in a very preliminary stage, but what I can say at this time is that this was a volatile situation that could have had a much more catastrophic outcome. Lieutenant Friel's injuries are extremely serious. My heart goes out to him and his family for their long road to healing ahead," Krasner said.

Former Interim Police Commissioner Christine Coulter said Friel was in good spirits before heading into surgery. Police say the city's homicide division will handle the investigation.

The lieutenant's brother, Joseph Friel, was also a police officer. He was killed in the line of duty in the 1990s.

The suspect's name has not yet been released.

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