At least six officers have been shot after gunmen opened fire at law enforcement in Philadelphia. One suspect is barricaded in one of the houses and continues shooting, and another has reportedly been taken into custody.
The incident began unfolding at 4.30 pm local time in Nicetown-Tioga section of the city, when police responded to a call related to “narcotics activity,” according to Philadelphia Police Captain Sekou Kinebrew.
One of the officers suffered a gunshot wound to his head, but remains conscious. Two other officers suffered arm injuries. All have been taken to hospital and are expected to survive their injuries.
In a separate incident, a seventh police officer was injured in a traffic accident when rushing to the scene. A pedestrian was injured in the collision as well.
One suspect has been taken into custody, NBC reported citing police. Video footage from the site showed police carrying a resisting man.
Another suspect fled the scene, barricaded in a nearby property and continued shooting. The shooter was apparently livestreaming the showdown on Facebook, police officers were heard saying on the scanner.
Police are trying to reach out to the attacker, but all attempts so far have been unsuccessful, with the shooter continuing to fire through the windows, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross told a press conference.
Ross confirmed the reports that two officers were trapped inside the building with the shooter, speaking of a “potential hostage situation.”
“We are concerned for their safety,” he said.
One of the suspects has been wielding a “long rifle gun,” KYW-TV reported, citing police.
Philadelphia Police Sergeant Eric Gripp urged the media against “broadcasting tactical positions of officers,” as it endangered police operations.
There have been conflicting reports as to the number of suspects. Initial reports indicated that there was one shooter firing at officers from inside a house in the 3700 block of North 15th Street. However, police later said they believe there were two gunmen holed up in the house.
Source (info as of now)