Philadelphia

Man Accused of Shooting Philly Police Officer Out of Hospital, Now in Custody

The man accused of shooting a Philadelphia Police bicycle officer is out of the hospital and now in custody, according to police. 

William Nobblen is accused of shooting Officer Daniel "Danny" Kostick Thursday night. He was released from the hospital Saturday and arraigned Sunday. He is charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm prohibited and other related offenses. 

The ordeal began Thursday around 10:15 p.m. when Kostick and his partner approached Nobblen while he was inside a white van in the area of Wilton Street and Girard Avenue, said police.

Nobblen, suspected of drugs, then backed up and took off, according to investigators. Kostick caught up to him around 51st and Master streets.

Deputy Commissioner Richard Ross explained what happened next: "They're having a brief discussion... the male turns to him and says, 'I don't want to have to do this' and then he fires at Officer Kostick. Kostick returns fire, striking the male."

Nobblen fired multiple shots -- one bullet struck Kostick in the right arm, said police. Kostick returned fire, striking Nobblen in the arm. After the shooting, the 35-year-old suspect ditched a 9 mm Ruger and fled -- police eventually caught up to him about a block away.

After the shooting, fellow officers rushed Kostick to Presbyterian Hospital for treatment. Ross said Kostick, a six-year veteran and father of two assigned to the 19th District, was in "good spirits" during treatment.

Kostick was pushed out of Presbyterian Hospital shortly before 2 p.m. Friday -- police said the bullet remained lodged in his arm.

"I'm feeling good," Kostick said as he left the University City Hospital. He told reporters he looked forward to seeing his children.

Nobblen was taken to Hahnemann Hospital after the shooting. He was then discharged Saturday and placed in police custody and arraigned Sunday. Police say Nobblen has 13 prior arrests including DUI, assault and narcotics. 

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