Arrest Made in Philly Officer Assault

Officer seriously hurt after being body slammed outside store

Philadelphia Police have taken a man into custody for allegedly assaulting an officer outside a South Philadelphia drug store.

Perry Martin, 42, was arrested at 28th and Morris Streets around 3:55 p.m. Wednesday for allegedly throwing Lt. Douglas Stanford to the ground during a shoplifting arrest.

The assault happened outside the Ride Aid Pharmacy at 15th Street and Moyamensing Avenue around 5:40 p.m. Tuesday.

Martin was caught on store security cameras stealing from the shelves for about a half hour when Lt. Stanford happened to walk into the store for a security check, police say.

The 29-year veteran of the force was alerted to the shoplifter and while attempting to frisk the man outside the store was picked up by Martin and body slammed onto the pavement.

The officer suffered several broken ribs and a bruised lung, police say. Martin then fled on a bike as witnesses gave chase.

Lt. Stanford is expected to recover. He was last listed in stable condition at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Martin, who has 22 prior arrests, will be charged with Aggravated Assault of a Police Officer, Robbery and other offenses.

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