A suspected gunman is in critical condition after he killed another man and then shot at two SEPTA police officers who returned fire, investigators said.
Around 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, two transit police detectives were inside an unmarked vehicle driving northbound when they witnessed a gunman shooting another man along the 3100 block of Kensington Avenue, according to investigators.
The detectives got out of the vehicle, pulled out their weapons and ordered the gunman to surrender, police said. The suspect, a 28-year-old man, then allegedly fired at the detectives who fired back and shot him multiple times. The suspect then fled the scene and managed to escape as the detectives chased after him.
A SEPTA lieutenant who happened to be less than a block away from the shooting took the victim to Temple University Hospital. The victim was later pronounced dead.
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The suspect later arrived at Temple University Hospital suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was listed in critical condition.
None of the detectives involved in the shooting were injured.
SEPTA Police Chief Thomas Nestel said both detectives will be placed on administrative leave as the investigation continues.
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“Our process is to place officers on administrative leave. Provide psychological assistance. Get them an opportunity to talk to a crisis response team,” Chief Nestel said. “I mean, being involved in a shooting is a traumatic event, especially when somebody is trying to kill you.”
He also said that criminals are becoming more brazen despite police in the area.
"Between the Philadelphia police and the transit police, this block is never left without police officers," Nestel said. "There are police officers here all of the time and these bad guys don't care."
