A Philadelphia police officer who was shot during a massive brawl between students outside Overbrook High School earlier this month was released from the hospital more than two weeks later.
On Thursday, May 22, 2025, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel told attendees at the annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Luncheon that the 26-year-old rookie officer – who has not been named – would be released from the hospital.
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WATCH HERENBC10 was there as the officer exited Penn Presbyterian Hospital in a wheelchair around 4 p.m. Thursday. A crowd of officers applauded as he stood up and went inside a vehicle.
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SIGN UP The officer was shot after fights broke out between students back on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, outside Overbrook High School along the 5800 block of Lancaster Avenue. As the officer worked to break up the fight, a man, later identified as 30-year-old Dachan Seay, responded to the brawl, police said. Seay, who was armed with a Ruger 5.7, fired the weapon and a bullet ricocheted off the ground, striking the officer underneath his bulletproof vest, officials said.
Bethel said no officers fired their weapons during the incident.
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The officer – who didn’t immediately realize he had been shot – was taken to Presbyterian Hospital where he underwent surgery. The officer remained hospitalized for more than two weeks before leaving the hospital on Thursday.
Bethel said the officer has a long road to recovery both physically and mentally. He also said he's certain he'll return to the police force.
Seay was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, weapons violations and other related offenses. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 27, 2025.
NBC10 reached out to Seay’s attorney for comment. We will provide a statement once we receive one.
