Police Offer Reward for Suspect in Cop Shooting

A $10K reward is being offered for arrest of shooting suspect

Police need your help finding the man that shot Sgt. Robert Ralston -- and they're willing to pay. In a press conference held Tuesday morning, Philadelphia police annouced they will be offering a $10K reward for the arrest of the shooter.

Ralston was shot after he approached two men walking along the train tracks at 56th and Lancaster near the Overbrook Station.

One of the men took off running. The other walked slowly and as Sgt. Ralston went up to stop him, the man spun around and fired, according to Ross.

Sgt. Robert Ralston may have saved his own life when he slapped the gun that was pointed at his head. When the gun went off, the bullet grazed his left shoulder.

"Apparently the officer was able to at least somewhat smack the gun away, which probably helped to save his life, to be honest with you. Fortunately, he responded very quickly," said Deputy Commissioner Richard Ross as he gave out the first official details of the shooting.

"Thank God this Sergeant is going to be okay. . .It was a good thing to walk in the hospital today and see him up and talking and in good spirits,"said Ross.

Sgt. Ralston told investigators he fired back and thought he hit the gunman.

Police fanned out quickly to search for both men.

They chased after a guy a few blocks from the scene and took him in for questioning. Police have not said if that man is a suspect.

They questioned a second man in the neighborhood and released him. One of the men may have a teardrop tattooed over one of his eyes, police said. They also have a cell phone from the scene that may belong to one of the men.

Sgt. Ralston, 46, was treated and released from the hospital. Ralston has been on the force for 21 years and works with the 19th District.

"It's just another example of how dangerous this job can be and the conditions that some of these police officers are facing each and every day. I mean there's a lot of gun play out here and we're just working to make these streets safe," said Ross.

Since the shooting, police have taken to the streets in search of the men. One is said to have braids, a tattoo or mark on his left shoulder and was wearing a white T-shirt at the time of the shooting.

If you have any information, please call the Philadelphia Police Department. 

 

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