Posted on 01/08/2016 10:22:38 AM PST by Mount Athos
Authorities say a Philadelphia police officer is recovering after he was shot several times during an ambush late Thursday night in West Philadelphia.
Philadelphia police commissioner Richard Ross says the officer was sitting in his patrol car around 11:30 p.m. at 60th and Spruce Streets when a gunman fired 13 shots through the driver's side of the car.
Police are calling it an "attempted assassination."
In a press conference, Commissioner Ross said the gun used in the attack was a stolen police firearm.
The officer, 33-year-old Jesse Hartnett, was struck three times in his arm, authorities say.
"Shots fired! I'm shot! I'm bleeding heavily!" Hartnett can be heard yelling on police radio.
Commissioner Ross says the suspect has given a full confession, saying he did it in the name of Islam.
Sources say the suspect’s full confession of the alleged attack was written down and recorded on video.
Police sources identify the suspect as Edward Archer, of Yeadon.
"When you look at the video, this is one of the scariest things I've ever seen," Commissioner Ross said. “This guy tried to execute the police officer. The police officer had no idea he was coming. It's amazing he's alive.'
Hartnett was taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center where he underwent surgery for a broken arm. Ross says the officer’s arm suffered significant damage and that he has a long road to recovery, but he is expected to be okay.
His father, Robert Hartnett says, "It's going to be a tough road, but he's a tough guy… I told him I love him, and I'm proud of him and he is an excellent person."
We are grateful for the outpouring of support for our brave officer,Jesse Hartnett. Please keep him in your thoughts & prayers as he recovers
- Philadelphia Police (@PhillyPolice) January 8, 2016
Hartnett returned fire and struck the 30-year-old suspect at least three times. The suspect tried to escape on foot, authorities say, but was quickly caught and taken to the hospital.
Sources say the wounded officer told investigators that Archer walked up to the car, appeared to be about to ask for directions when he pulled a 9 mm and opened up with 13 shots. The officer was hit then fired back and the suspect was also wounded, but he does not have life-threatening injuries.
DA Seth Williams says "I'm very thankful the officer is alive. This shows us the need for smarter laws when it relates to guns on the street. My office is going to do all that we can to ensure the defendant is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law."
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf released the following statement: 'We are thankful that Officer Hartnett is alive and not facing life-threatening injuries after being ambushed. We wish him and his family the best during his recovery. This alleged intentional act of violence against an officer seeking to help a fellow citizen is horrifying and has no place in Pennsylvania.'
Hartnett is an 18th district officer with five years on the force.
The FBI is now assisting in the investigation.
Sounds like workplace violence - or maybe the ‘vast right wing conspiracy’...
Wonder what his motive was.
Had he moved the rear sight to the right side of the pistol?
***Gun was stolen from the police last October. ***
Now IF there had been mandatory background checks this would not have happened! (Sarc)
He’s wearing his pajamas! Oh that’s ath-leisure wear for jihadist.
Maybe this shooter got his door knob baconed. There's yer justifiable cause right there.
Islam has nothing to do with islam.
What does he think the guy is wearing a bathrobe?
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