Philadelphia police say three children were injured Saturday after a driver plowed through a group of children attending a birthday block party in North Philadelphia and attempted to attack an off-duty police officer with an ax.
The incident happened around 4:30 p.m. on the 2600 block of North Myrtlewood Street. Police say the driver, high on PCP and waving a hatchet, was speeding down the street in a stolen black Volvo. He hit and dragged an inflatable bouncer with children playing inside, striking two 9-year-old boys and a 2-year-old girl.
Aaron Preno, 17, says he jumped out the way of the driver but watched his younger brother get hit.
"He was all bloody, his eyes were in the back of his head. My dad comes out and he just goes down to him and he starts to cry."
Family members of the three children injured, chased the driver and managed to flag down an off-duty Philadelphia police officer who was driving a white pick-up truck. The officer managed to keep up with the driver. Police say the suspect was cornered and crashed the stolen car into a building.
Investigators say the suspect jumped out of his car and allegedly tried to go after the off-duty officer with an ax. The officer drew his gun, ordered the suspect to the ground and arrested him.
Preno's little brother suffered serious head injuries and is in critical condition. The other two children have minor injuries and are listed in good condition, according to police.
Fan, follow and download: Get the latest from NBCPhiladelphia.com anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and NBC Philadelphia. Sign up for our breaking news newsletter. And, get breaking news delivered right to your mobile phone -- just text PHIBREAKING to 639710 to sign up. (Message and data rates may apply.)
