A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of 38-year-old Arthur Jones, the remaining suspect in a violent assault on an off-duty Philadelphia police officer earlier this month. Jones is wanted on charges of aggravated assault, robbery, and firearm possession in connection with the brazen attack that left the nine-year veteran officer hospitalized with serious injuries. In this article we talk about $5K for Information on Attacker of Off-Duty Philly Officer.
The Philadelphia Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service Eastern Pennsylvania Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force are actively searching for Jones, who is described as a 5-foot-6, 160-pound man with black hair, brown eyes, and a distinctive tattoo of dice on his left forearm. His last known address was on the 600 block of W. Harold Street in Philadelphia.
The Attack on Off-Duty Officer Eric Rodriguez
The shocking incident unfolded on the morning of Sunday, May 12, when Officer Eric Rodriguez, 42, was driving westbound on the 2100 block of Oxford Avenue. After becoming stuck in traffic behind another vehicle and waiting through several red lights, Rodriguez honked his horn in frustration.
That’s when 23-year-old Cian Dennis, also known as “Duke,” approached Rodriguez’s vehicle and punched him in the face through the open window. As Rodriguez identified himself as a police officer, Dennis allegedly pulled out a gun and held it at his side, prompting a struggle over the weapon.
During the altercation, 24-year-old Yusef Coleman approached Rodriguez from behind and placed him in a chokehold, further escalating the violent confrontation. Coleman, who was also armed, wrestled with Rodriguez over his gun, causing the magazine to fall out. In a crucial moment, Rodriguez fired the remaining round, though no one was struck by the gunfire.
According to Philadelphia Police Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore, “The firearm that he’s struggling over, he has a hand on it. The offender has a hand on it. At some point, he’s able to get the magazine dislodged. It was an extended magazine. But the officer, due to his training, knows that there’s another round in the chamber.”
As Dennis pointed his gun at Rodriguez and demanded he release the weapon, a crowd of about a dozen people emerged from a nearby after-hours bar that had just closed. Investigators said Rodriguez was then beaten by multiple individuals, and his personal weapon was stolen from his holster.
A responding on-duty officer arrived at the scene, causing the crowd to disperse. Coleman fled in a black BMW, striking Rodriguez’s leg as he made his getaway.
Injuries and Arrests
Rodriguez was transported to the hospital, where he was treated for a concussion, multiple facial injuries, and bruising. His body camera footage and surveillance video from the area provided crucial evidence for investigators, who recognized Coleman and located him later that afternoon on G and Hilton streets, along with the black BMW used in the escape.
Coleman was taken into custody and charged with criminal conspiracy, aggravated assault, assault of a law enforcement officer, robbery, theft by unlawful taking, weapon violations, and related offenses.
Later that day, three women who investigators believe were involved in the incident arrived at the 22nd District police headquarters and spoke with authorities, though no charges have been filed against them at this time.
On Tuesday, May 14, Cian Dennis surrendered to police and was charged with criminal conspiracy, aggravated assault, robbery, theft by unlawful taking, and other related offenses.
A third suspect, 24-year-old Khamil Brown, was arrested on Wednesday, May 15, after police released surveillance photos of her. Brown faces charges of criminal conspiracy, aggravated assault, robbery, theft by unlawful taking, violation of the uniform firearms act, and other related offenses. Authorities also stated that they recovered Officer Rodriguez’s stolen weapon.
Ongoing Search and Reward Offer
Despite the arrests of Coleman, Dennis, and Brown, the search continues for the fourth suspect, Arthur Jones, who remains at large. Jones, 38, is described as a man standing 5-foot-6 and weighing around 160 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes, and a tattoo of dice on his left forearm.
A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to Jones’s arrest, as he faces charges of aggravated assault, robbery, and firearm possession in connection with the violent attack on Officer Rodriguez.
Anyone with information on Jones’s whereabouts is urged to call the U.S. Marshals Philadelphia Tipline at 1-866-865-TIPS (8477) or contact the Philadelphia Police Department.
The brazen assault on an off-duty officer has sent shockwaves through the Philadelphia community and sparked widespread outrage. As the manhunt for Arthur Jones continues, law enforcement officials remain committed to bringing all those responsible for this heinous act to justice.
Officer Rodriguez, who has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an Internal Affairs investigation, now faces a long road to recovery after enduring a brutal attack that highlights the dangers police officers face, even when off duty.
The offering of a substantial reward underscores the determination of authorities to apprehend Jones and ensure that no one involved in this violent assault evades accountability. The community’s support and cooperation in providing any information that could lead to Jones’s arrest are crucial in ensuring justice is served. I sincerely hope you find this “$5K for Information on Attacker of Off-Duty Philly Officer-Find Out Details” article helpful.
Skylar Lacey, a Travel and Tourism Management graduate from Temple University, offers 5 years of experience in travel writing and airport logistics at PhiladelphiaAirport.net. Her expertise helps travelers make the most of their journeys through Philadelphia International Airport. Connect with her on Instagram for more travel tips and insights.