According to CBS NEWS, At around 8 PM on Saturday, two Philadelphia police officers pulled over a vehicle with four occupants in the 3500 block of F Street in the Kensington area, known for open-air drug markets and drug use. As the officers approached the car to speak to the occupants, they spotted a holster inside the vehicle. At that point, according to police commissioner Kevin Bethel, one of the car’s passengers, Vazquez, fled the vehicle while firing a gun at the officers.

Condition of the Wounded Officer and Community Reaction

Vazquez fired three shots, one of which struck a 31-year-old officer in the neck. Vazquez continued to run as the wounded officer’s partner returned fire. The officer was rushed to Temple University Hospital and remains in critical condition in the surgical ICU as of Sunday afternoon. His identity is currently unknown to the public.

Manhunt and Arrest of Suspect

After an overnight manhunt, police tracked down Vazquez early Sunday morning. Investigators believe that after fleeing the traffic stop, Vazquez broke into a nearby home, barricaded himself inside, and held the homeowner at gunpoint. The suspect was finally captured and the homeowner rescued safely.

Charges Filed Against the Suspect

On Sunday, officials announced a slew of charges against the alleged shooter, including attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault on an officer, firearms violations, evading arrest, obstructing law enforcement, burglary, kidnapping, criminal trespass, unlawful restraint, terroristic threats, and simple assault. Vazquez faces decades behind bars if found guilty.

Community and Law Enforcement Response

The brazen attack on police has rattled many residents and city leaders. At a press conference, Commissioner Bethel asked all Philadelphians to pray for the wounded officer and his family during this critical time, as well as for all the city’s officers who put their lives at risk each day to protect the community. This came only days after five Philadelphia officers were shot in an ambush.

Calls for Safety and Support

While Kensington has long struggled with poverty and drug issues, locals say they feel less safe after this tragic shooting of a cop simply doing his job. Community activists are calling for nonviolent solutions to the neighborhood’s troubles and demanding illegal guns be taken off the streets.

As the investigation continues, all thoughts remain with the injured officer fighting for his life at Temple Hospital. Citizens citywide are praying he pulls through and makes a full recovery to be reunited with loved ones. In the meantime, Vazquez faces his day in court to answer for this horrific act of violence against Philly’s finest. The case is a sobering reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face daily to keep neighborhoods like Kensington safe. I sincerely hope you find this “Suspect of Shooting Philly Officer Charged with Attempted Murder – Full Story” article helpful.