> At a Glance
> – Keith Freeman, 31, faces aggravated-assault and weapons counts after allegedly lunging at officers while holding a knife
> – Police found him standing over a 30-year-old woman inside a North Bailey Street home on Dec. 31, 2025
> – One officer fired a single shot; Freeman remains in critical condition
> – Why it matters: The incident spotlights how domestic-disturbance calls can escalate into officer-involved shootings
A knife-wielding North Philadelphia man who police say vaulted over a sofa toward officers after being discovered hovering over a woman has been formally charged, authorities announced.
How the Confrontation Unfolded
Responding to a 911 call about screaming, officers reached the 1800 block of North Bailey Street and heard a woman yelling inside the residence. No adult answered repeated knocks, but a child eventually opened the door, according to police.
Inside, body-camera footage shows Keith Freeman standing over the woman while armed with a knife. Investigators say officers repeatedly ordered him to drop the weapon before he charged, prompting Officer Nicholas Jones, 26, to fire one round into Freeman’s chest.
- A second officer on scene did not discharge their weapon
- Freeman was rushed to a nearby hospital where he remains in critical condition
- The woman and child were unharmed
Aftermath and Investigation
Jones, assigned to the 22nd District, has been placed on administrative duty while the department’s shooting-review board examines the incident. The district attorney’s office will determine whether the use of force complied with policy.
| Party | Status |
|---|---|
| Keith Freeman | Critical, charged |
| Officer Jones | Administrative duty |
| Woman (30) | Uninjured |
| Child | Uninjured |
Police emphasized that both body-worn cameras were activated throughout the encounter, providing key evidence for the ongoing probe.
Key Takeaways
- Freeman faces aggravated assault, weapons violations, and related offenses
- No officers or civilians other than Freeman sustained injuries
- The shooting remains under departmental and prosecutorial review
- Officials urge anyone with additional footage or witness accounts to contact investigators
The case underscores the split-second decisions officers face during volatile domestic calls and the layered reviews that follow every police-involved shooting.
