A Philadelphia Police officer is accused of making false reports to the media in order to implicate his wife in his own shooting.
Officer Robert Penn surrendered to Philadelphia Police Tuesday and was charged with criminal solicitation – false reports, criminal conspiracy and obstructing administration of law.
Penn, 48, was shot in the back after returning to his home on Brentwood Road in the Overbook section of the city back on March 2, 2014. Penn, who was off-duty at the time, had just completed his shift.
During their investigation, officials say they discovered Penn told Charles Mays, his ex-wife’s brother, to contact the media and anonymously provide false information implicating Penn’s current wife as being involved in the shooting. Penn's wife is a lieutenant on the police force.
After an investigation an arrest warrant was issued for both Penn and Mays.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey suspended Penn for 30 days with the intent to dismiss.
Police still have not determined who actually shot Penn. The investigation continues.
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Penn is a 25-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department assigned to the 16th District.
In May of 2014, Penn's wife was assaulted outside her home and doused in a flammable liquid. No one has been charged in that incident.
