A 36-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder in connection with a shooting incident that occurred during a traffic stop in Philadelphia. The suspect, Ramon Rodriguez Vazquez, faces multiple charges including attempted murder of a police officer, aggravated assault, evading arrest, and home invasion.
The shooting took place in the Kensington neighborhood of the city around 8 p.m. on Saturday. The incident unfolded when a 31-year-old police officer and his partner conducted a routine traffic stop on a vehicle carrying four individuals. During the inventory check of the vehicle, the officers noticed an individual with a gun holster, prompting one of the men to flee and open fire on the officers.
As a result of the gunfire exchange, one officer was struck in the neck while the other officer returned fire. The injured officer was rushed to Temple University Hospital in critical condition and is currently on life support. Mayor Cherelle Parker expressed concern for the officer's well-being, highlighting the risks that law enforcement officers face in the line of duty.
Ramon Rodriguez Vazquez was apprehended following two barricade situations, and all other occupants of the vehicle at the time of the shooting were also taken into custody. The wounded officer's identity has not been disclosed by officials at this time.
