In a harrowing June night, 68‑year‑old Philadelphia safety officer Craig Romanczuk was shot 11 times while driving home at 2 a.m., a brutal assault that left him in a coma for over a week and hospitalized for two months.
Incident Overview
Officer Romanczuk was returning to his patrol car when a driver flagged him down near Penn’s Landing. The driver claimed they were the target of a road‑rage incident and that a car had followed them off Interstate 95 onto Front Street. Romanczuk offered help, stepping out of his vehicle without seeing anyone in the rear‑seat car. Immediately after stepping out, he was fired upon, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.
Immediate Aftermath
Romanczuk described the moment of being shot: “I said, ‘sure, I’ll help you.’ I look back and I didn’t see anybody in the car behind him. And I went and I stepped out of my car and I immediately start getting shot. And I didn’t get to say anything or look around,” he explained. He was hit in nearly every part of his upper body, and after the initial burst he fell into the patrol car, where additional bullets struck him. He lay there, unable to move, as the violence continued.
Recovery Journey
Before first responders arrived, Romanczuk lay in his patrol car, contemplating whether his life, his service to the city, and his time with his family would end there. He recalled thinking, “I’m not going to get the chance to tell my kids I love them,” as he waited for help. A Bible sat beside him, and he believes a higher power aided his survival. “I think part of God helped the doctors save me,” he said. After more than a week in a coma and two months in the hospital, he is now feeling better and preparing for additional surgeries.
Legal Proceedings
The man accused of shooting Romanczuk is scheduled for a bail hearing on Dec. 11, according to court documents. Romanczuk will face the alleged shooter in court next week and has expressed a desire for the offender to remain incarcerated. “I think I would be satisfied if he never gets out of prison,” Romanczuk explained.
Personal Reflections
Romanczuk’s focus has shifted to a new perspective on life and the people who matter most. He expressed gratitude for his family’s survival, saying, “I’m so happy for my family, to be alive, my kids. It’s like you get a second chance.” His story is one of resilience and renewed appreciation for the moments he can now share with his loved ones.
Key Takeaways
- 68‑year‑old officer survived an 11‑shot shooting near Penn’s Landing.
- He endured a week in a coma and two months in the hospital.
- The accused shooter faces a bail hearing on Dec. 11 and will appear in court next week.
The officer’s experience underscores the dangers law‑enforcement officers face and the profound impact such incidents can have on personal life and community trust. His recovery and forthcoming legal battle will likely remain a focal point for local news coverage in the coming weeks.
Closing
Officer Romanczuk’s testimony, delivered to NBC10, offers a stark reminder of the risks inherent in police work. His survival, faith, and determination to move forward will continue to resonate with the Philadelphia community as the legal process unfolds and his health journey progresses.
