A 20‑year‑old woman in North Philadelphia sparked a chaotic scene on Friday, December 5, 2025, when she drove her car into a police cruiser, a pole and a home before being taken into custody.
Live Stop Incident
At approximately 2:10 p.m., officers were conducting a Live Stop—a city policy that allows police to tow and impound vehicles for certain violations—on a red 2007 Chrysler Sebring. The driver, identified only as a 20‑year‑old woman, reversed the car and made light contact with the officers’ vehicle, but the contact caused no damage.
The officers instructed the woman to shift the vehicle into park. Instead, she moved the car into drive and struck one of the officers on the driver’s side of the car. The officer was not injured.
Escalation and Crash
After the collision, the driver continued northbound on 6th Street. A witness, who was sitting on her stoop, saw the woman driving her car on the sidewalk on 8th Street between Cambria and Somerset streets. The witness said she was nearly struck by the driver.
The woman then hit a pole and crashed into a home along the 2600 block of North 26th Street. The impact caused damage to the residence, but no injuries were reported.
Witness Accounts
The witness pursued the 20‑year‑old woman around the block after she exited the vehicle. The chase lasted several minutes before the suspect was apprehended. The witness’s testimony was relayed to NBC10’s Shaira Arias, who interviewed neighbors about the chaotic scene.
Neighbors described the suddenness of the incident and the difficulty of stopping the vehicle in the narrow street. They also noted the confusion caused by the driver’s attempts to evade the officers.
Arrest and Charges
The woman was taken into custody at Temple Women’s Hospital on the 1300 block of East Wyoming Avenue. She will be charged with assault on police and other related offenses. Officials have not yet released her name.
- Assault on police – the primary charge
- Other related offenses – unspecified by authorities
- Custody location – Temple Women’s Hospital, 1300 E. Wyoming Ave.
The arrest follows the officer’s statement that the suspect was attempting to flee the scene.
Community Response
Local residents expressed concern over the safety of the neighborhood. Some called for increased police presence, while others urged for a review of the Live Stop procedure. The incident has prompted discussions about driver conduct during police stops.
Shaira Arias reported that neighbors were visibly shaken by the events and that the community is awaiting further details from the police department.
Key Takeaways
- A 20‑year‑old woman drove into a police cruiser, a pole, and a home during a Live Stop on December 5, 2025.
- The suspect struck an officer, caused property damage, and was later arrested at Temple Women’s Hospital.
- Charges include assault on police; the suspect’s identity remains undisclosed.
The incident highlights the potential risks associated with Live Stops and the importance of clear communication between officers and drivers during traffic enforcement.
The police department is continuing to investigate the incident and will release additional information as it becomes available.
