gun violence

Police Officer Hurt by Shattered Glass After Gunman Opens Fire

Officers ducked for cover and drove in reverse after a gunman fired nearly one dozen shots at their car near 30th and Dauphin streets. One officer was hurt by shattered glass

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A police officer was hurt after a gunman fired nearly one dozen shots at the officer's vehicle on the edge of Philadelphia's Strawberry Mansion neighborhood late Wednesday.

Police officers in an unmarked police car and officers in a marked police vehicle began tailing suspects inside a car that was being driven erratically near 30th and Dauphin streets.

Once they made a turn, at least one gunman got out of the car and began firing at police. At least 11 shots were fired at the unmarked police car, investigators said.

The officers threw their vehicle into reverse to try and get away, police said.

At least five bullets struck the unmarked police car. At least one bullet went through the windshield.

"It penetrated the front windshield, and fragments of the glass and shards of glass struck... the officer in the passenger seat in the face and neck area," Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said.

The injured officer was taken to the hospital for treatment for cuts.

"He's fine, but he's extremely lucky because the one bullet went through the center of that front windshield," Small said. "Either of these officers could have been struck by gunfire."

No officers returned gunfire, investigators said.

Police blocked off several blocks for several hours as they searched for clues. They believe they know information about the gunman's vehicle, which drove off after the shooting.

There are additional resources for people or communities that have endured gun violence in Philadelphia. Further information can be found here.

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