Philadelphia

Off-Duty Philadelphia Officer Shoots Son in Argument Over Car: DA

Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams said an off-duty police officer faces attempted murder charges for shooting his 19-year-old son on Labor Day.

Williams revealed details of the charges against Officer Dorion Young at a Tuesday morning news conference. Young, a 25-year veteran officer assigned to the 15th District, shot his son during an argument over the family car inside their home on Taunton Street in Northeast Philadelphia on Sept. 5, said Williams.

"You my son and you aren't going to keep disrespecting me," said Young, according to Williams.

The younger Young survived the shooting but lost his spleen and continues to recover, said Williams. A sibling and the victim's girlfriend were also home at the time. [[392388131, C]]

Initially, police said Young, 46, and his son got into a scuffle and Young used his personal .40 caliber handgun to shoot his son. Young was placed on desk duty while investigators sorted through clues.

Investigators discovered that Young called 911 then broke down his son's door, physically fighting with the teen, said Williams. As the son backed away, Young fired two shots, striking his own shoe and his son in the back said Williams.

"If you are a Philadelphia Police Officer, elected official or private citizen; you cannot use your gun to try to end an argument," said Williams. "And if you do, as I have said many times before, no matter your career or station in life, you will be charged fairly and to the fullest extent of the law for such a dangerous act."

The officer would be suspected 30 days with intent to dismiss, said Police Commissioner Richard Ross.

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