Three Philadelphia officers were wounded and a 57-year-old suspect, Eric Franks, was killed following an exchange of gunfire in West Philadelphia late Saturday. Officers had been called to reports of shots fired at a vehicle around 10:30 p.m. EDT and say Franks allegedly produced a firearm after being approached. Four officers discharged their weapons; the injured officers were taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and are in stable condition. Police say the department is continuing its investigation.
Three Philadelphia Officers Wounded, Suspect Killed After Late-Night Exchange of Gunfire
Three officers were injured and the suspect was killed in a shooting in Philadelphia late Saturday night. File Photo by Justin Lane/EPA-EFE
June 14 (UPI) — Three Philadelphia police officers were wounded and a 57-year-old suspect, Eric Franks, was killed late Saturday after an exchange of gunfire in West Philadelphia, authorities said.
What Happened
Officers responded to reports of shots fired at a vehicle in West Philadelphia at about 10:30 p.m. EDT. Police say they encountered Franks and ordered him to stand down; officers allege he produced a firearm and opened fire. According to the department, gunfire broke out after Franks shoved one officer while two others attempted to detain him.
“For a period of time, police personnel are trying to explain the situation to Franks in regard to establishing a crime scene, and at that point, Franks becomes increasingly agitated,” the Philadelphia Police Department said in a press release Sunday.
Aftermath and Injuries
Four officers discharged their weapons during the confrontation, and Franks was pronounced dead at the scene, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said at a press conference. The three injured officers were taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. One officer sustained a gunshot wound to the face; the other two were wounded in the hip and leg. All three are listed in stable condition.
When officers arrived, they found a black Cadillac that had been struck by gunfire. While canvassing the area for evidence, police say Franks approached officers, leading to the confrontation.
Suspect Background
An attorney for Franks' family said Franks was a former Philadelphia firefighter and a U.S. Marine veteran. The attorney also said he was married, had two children and owned several businesses.
Investigation
The Philadelphia Police Department said it is continuing to investigate the incident. Officials have described the shooting as an officer-involved shooting and have noted that details are preliminary as the investigation proceeds.
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