CNBNews

PHILADELPHIA  PA MAY 14, 2024– An off-duty Philadelphia police officer discharged a firearm in the 2100 block of Oxford Avenue, while being assaulted on Sunday, May 12th, 2024. The officer was also robbed of his personal firearm during the incident.

The off-duty police officer was traveling westbound on Oxford Avenue when he became stuck in traffic behind another vehicle. After waiting through several red lights, the officer honked his horn.

A male, identified as "Duke," approached the off-duty officer and punched him in the face while the officer was still seated in the vehicle. The officer then exited his vehicle and identified himself as a police officer; "Duke" produced a tan-colored firearm and held it down to his side.

A struggle ensued between "Duke" and the off-duty and during that time, another male suspect, later identified as Yusef Coleman, approached the officer from behind and placed him in a headlock. Coleman was armed, and a struggle over his firearm ensued, with the officer managing to push the weapon away. During the struggle, the magazine fell out of the firearm and the officer discharged the remaining round. No one was struck by the gunfire.

"Duke" then pointed a gun at the officer and demanded he release the weapon. The officer was subsequently beaten by multiple assailants and his personal weapon was stolen from its holster.

A responding on-duty officer arrived at the scene, causing the crowd and suspects to disperse. Coleman fled the scene in a black BMW, striking the off-duty's leg. He was later apprehended by police.

The firearm was subsequently recovered by police on May 14th. 

Police are still searching for "Duke."

Coleman has been charged with criminal conspiracy, aggravated assault, assault of a law enforcement officer, robbery, theft by unlawful taking, Violations of the Uniform Firearms Act, and related offenses.

The off-duty officer was transported to Temple University Hospital for treatment of a black eye, facial bruises, and a leg injury sustained when he was struck by the fleeing vehicle. The vehicle, a black BMW, has been recovered by police.

The officer is 42 years old, a 9 year veteran of the PPD, and is currently assigned to the 22nd District.

The officer will be placed on administrative leave once he recovers from the injuries sustained during the incident. He will remain on administrative leave pending the outcome of the Internal Affairs and Officer-Involved Shooting Investigations.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on "Duke's" whereabouts is asked to contact police.