A 31-year-old man is in critical condition after being shot by police inside a North Philadelphia home during what authorities described as a domestic incident.
At a Glance
- Officers shot a knife-wielding man who charged at them inside a home
- The shooting occurred at 2:54 a.m. on December 31 on North Bailey Street
- The victim underwent surgery and remains in critical condition
- Why it matters: The incident is under investigation by multiple agencies as officers’ body cameras captured the encounter
Philadelphia police responded to reports of screaming and found a chaotic scene when they arrived at the residence.
The Encounter
Two officers from the 22nd District arrived at the 1800 block of North Bailey Street after receiving a call about a person screaming. When they approached the home, they could hear arguing and a woman yelling from inside.
The officers knocked on the door, but no one answered. A child eventually opened the door for them, allowing the officers to enter.
Once inside, officers encountered a 31-year-old man armed with a knife standing over a 31-year-old woman who was lying on the floor.
The Shooting
Police ordered the man to drop the knife, but instead he looked at the officers and moved toward them while still holding the weapon. The man jumped over a sofa as he advanced toward the officers.
One officer opened fire, shooting the man in the chest.
- The man was transported to the hospital for surgery
- He is currently listed in critical condition
- The woman on the floor was not injured
- Neither officer was hurt during the incident
Investigation Underway
The Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation Unit, the Internal Affairs Bureau, and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office are all investigating the shooting.
Both officers were placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation. Officials confirmed that both officers activated their body-worn cameras during the incident.
The officers involved were 26 years old and 31 years old, according to officials.
Key Takeaways
- Police responded to a domestic incident call and encountered an armed man threatening a woman
- The man refused to drop his knife and advanced toward officers
- The shooting victim remains in critical condition after surgery
- Multiple agencies are investigating the officer-involved shooting
- Body camera footage is available as part of the investigation
The investigation into this police-involved shooting continues as authorities review the evidence and circumstances surrounding the early morning incident.
