Commissioner Outlaw Announces Updates on Officer-Involved Shooting Administrative Investigation and

source Philadelphia PD

Disciplinary Action 

August 24, 2023

PHILADELPHIA, PA - Police Commissioner Danielle M. Outlaw and Mayor James F. Kenney addressed the press today to share important updates on the investigation into the tragic officer-involved shooting of Mr. Eddie Irizarry on August 14, 2023. The incident took place around 12:28 p.m. on the 100 Block of East Willard Street in Philadelphia, PA.

An investigation into the incident has resulted in the suspension of Philadelphia Police Officer Mark Dial with the intention to terminate his employment after a 30-day suspension period due to administrative violations. The cited violations include insubordination under PPD Disciplinary Code Article IV, Section 4-§002: "Refusal to Promptly Obey Proper Orders From a Superior Officer," and Conduct Unbecoming under Article I, Section 1-§008: "Failure to Cooperate in Any Departmental Investigation." 

The investigations into both the shooting incident and Dial's conduct are ongoing. Additional disciplinary measures against Officer Dial may be pursued if further violations of PPD policies are uncovered during this investigation. 

Addressing concerns about the accuracy of initial incident reporting, Outlaw stressed the Police Department's commitment to accuracy and transparency in such matters. The Department is actively investigating the inaccuracies in the initial incident report and will apply appropriate disciplinary actions once the inquiry concludes. 

She underscored the Department's dual responsibility of preserving the integrity of the ongoing investigations and ensuring the safety and well-being of the community, officers, and their families. 

"We must be fair and consistent with how we apply the law," said  Outlaw. "This principle guides our actions. As law enforcement officers, we are committed to upholding our department’s policies and directives, which serve as the foundation of our operations. Through this dedication to our protocols, we maintain the highest standards of integrity and accountability. We owe nothing less to the people of this great city, whose trust and safety remain our top priorities." 

The following is from the initial press about the incident 

 

24th District Officer #1 and his partner, Officer A* were in full uniform and operating a marked police car in the area of B Street near Westmoreland when they observed a Toyota Corolla with a PA tag driving erratically. Officer A went over the police radio and asked if there were any priority assignments involving a Toyota sedan. The officers followed the vehicle as it turned on Westmoreland, then left onto Lee Street, and finally left onto Willard Street. At that point, the vehicle continued along 100 E. Willard Street, a single-lane, one-way street, westbound – the wrong way. The vehicle pulled into a parking spot mid-block, at which point both officers got out of their marked radio patrol car. 

Officer A, who was the driver of the police vehicle, approached the passenger side of the Toyota Corolla. Officer #1, the passenger of the police car, approached the driver’s side door. Officer A attempted to open the passenger side door and as he did so, Officer #1 was approaching the driver’s side door. 

Officer A alerted Officer #1 that the male had a weapon. As the male turned towards Officer #1, Officer #1 discharges his firearm multiple times into the vehicle, fatally wounding the driver/sole occupant of the vehicle. The occupant/operator was transported to the Temple Hospital by police where he was pronounced at 12:48 PM.** 

Two knives were observed inside the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a police garage pending a search warrant. 

Both officers’ Body Worn Cameras (BWC) were activated and captured the incident. 

Officer #1 is a five-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department and is assigned to the 24^thDistrict. He has been placed on restricted duty pending the outcome of the Internal Affairs and Officer Involved Shooting Investigations.  

We now know that Officer #1 is Mark Dial.