An off-duty Philadelphia police officer was assaulted and robbed of his gun on Sunday morning, and police are now asking for the public's help to identify several women wanted in connection to the attack.
An off-duty Philadelphia police officer was assaulted and robbed of his gun on Sunday morning, and police have arrested one man but are still searching for a group of women allegedly involved in the attack.
The incident occurred around 7 a.m. Sunday in the 2100 block of West Oxford Street, police said. The officer, who was not identified, was disarmed during a struggle with an assailant and fired his weapon in self-defense, although it was unclear if the suspect was hit, authorities said.
As the officer attempted to detain his attacker, a group of women intervened, allowing the man to get into a black BMW sedan and strike the officer with the vehicle as he drove away.
The man accused of the initial assault was arrested Sunday afternoon on G and Hilton streets, but the stolen firearm has not been recovered.
Police are now asking for the public's help in identifying the women involved in the attack. They are also seeking to identify several men for possible questioning.
The officer's condition has not been released.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.
In addition to the assault, police are also investigating the theft of the officer's personal firearm. The firearm was a Glock 19 semi-automatic pistol, which is the standard-issue sidearm for Philadelphia police officers.
The theft of the officer's gun is a serious concern, as it could pose a safety risk to the public. Police are urging anyone who finds the stolen firearm to contact the authorities immediately.
The attack on the off-duty police officer is a reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face, even when they are not on duty. Police officers put their lives on the line to protect the public, and they deserve our support.
If you have any information about the attack on the off-duty police officer or the theft of his gun, please contact the Philadelphia Police Department. Your information could help bring these criminals to justice and prevent future attacks.
* The off-duty police officer was not in uniform at the time of the attack.
* It is unclear if the assailants knew that the victim was a police officer.
* The investigation is ongoing, and more information may be released as it becomes available.
