PHILADELPHIA—At least one gunman opened fire on police Wednesday as they were serving a warrant in a Philadelphia neighborhood, wounding six officers and triggering a standoff that extended into the evening, authorities said.
None of the officers’ injuries were considered life-threatening, Philadelphia police Sgt. Eric Gripp said. They were being treated at hospitals.
UPDATE 7PM – Situation is active and ongoing. 6 PPD Officers shot – continue to receive treatment at area hospitals. Shooter is still armed inside location. AVOID AREA
— Eric Gripp (@PPDEricGripp) August 14, 2019
The shooting began around 4:30 p.m. as officers went to a home in Nicetown, a north Philadelphia neighborhood of brick and stone rowhomes. Shots were still being fired three hours later, police said.
Officers were negotiating with the gunman and imploring him to surrender, while urging people to stay away from the area, Gripp tweeted.
Officers continue to attempt to communicate with suspect; suspect is still firing at officers. STAY AWAY FROM THE AREA.
— Eric Gripp (@PPDEricGripp) August 14, 2019
To reiterate: Scene remains active and ongoing. Officers continue to implore suspect to surrender – this can end without any further violence. Continue to avoid area
— Eric Gripp (@PPDEricGripp) August 15, 2019
Two officers became trapped inside the house amid the gunfire, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
Live video from news stations showed a massive police presence, with dozens of squad cars and officers, many of them with guns drawn.
BREAKING: Video shows officers with guns drawn during a shooting incident in Philadelphia. Several officers have been shot: https://t.co/ti23f95H1S pic.twitter.com/QTGrk218kO
— WESH 2 News (@WESH) August 14, 2019
Temple University locked down part of its campus, and several children and staff were trapped in a nearby daycare.
Police tried to push crowds of onlookers and residents back from the scene. In police radio broadcasts, officers could be heard calling for backup as reports of officers getting shot poured in.
Dozens of officers on foot lined the streets. Others were in cars and some on horses.
One officer appeared injured and was taken away in a police car. Video also showed two other officers carrying a man and putting him in the back of a police car.
JUST IN: Police are responding to a shooting in Philadelphia. This story is developing. https://t.co/Z4nRvb0IfU
— CNN (@CNN) August 14, 2019
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said its agents responded to the scene to assist Philadelphia police.
President Donald Trump and Attorney General William Barr were briefed on the shooting, officials said.
By Christina Paciolla