Police identified a man who was shot after he allegedly pointed his gun at officers.
On Thursday around 6:30 p.m., officers in plainclothes inside an unmarked vehicle spotted Dayquane Thomas on the 3100 block of North 15th Street. Investigators say Thomas, 22, was wanted as a possible suspect for a previous shooting.
When the officers stepped out of the vehicle and identified themselves, Thomas allegedly ran through an open lot filled with debris and trash and then took out a handgun. The officers chased after Thomas who ran into a backyard on the 3100 block of North Carlisle Street, according to investigators.
Thomas then allegedly turned around and pointed his gun towards the officers. One of the officers, an 8-year veteran, opened fire, striking Thomas in the lower back and legs. Thomas dropped his gun and fell to the ground, police said.
Responding officers took Thomas to Temple University Hospital where he is currently in critical condition. No one else was hurt during the incident.
Police say they recovered Thomas’ weapon, a Glock Model 30, .45 caliber semiautomatic that was loaded with eight .45 caliber rounds in the magazine. Police also say Thomas was wanted for two Absconder warrants and one contempt of court warrant.
Thomas is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, violation of the uniform firearms act and other related offenses.
Internal Affairs and the District Attorney’s Office are reviewing the incident. The officer who shot Thomas will be placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the preliminary investigation.
