Officer wounded in Delco shootout
A police officer was wounded and a bullet struck another officer in a helmet during a shootout Wednesday as the officers were serving a search warrant at a Delaware County home, officials said Wednesday.
A police officer was wounded and a bullet struck another officer in a helmet during a shootout Wednesday as the officers were serving a search warrant at a Delaware County home, officials said Wednesday.
Lamar James, 24, charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault of a police officer, and related crimes, was held with bail set at $1 million. Bail was set at $50,000 for his father, Tony Gale, 44, charged with obstructing justice.
Nine officers and members of the Upper Darby SWAT team went to the house on the 100 block of Lafayette Avenue in Collingdale at the request of Philadelphia police, who were investigating an Oct. 27 shooting that left one man hospitalized, Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan said.
Whelan said that when officers announced themselves, Gale tried to bolt the front door shut. James then allegedly fired at the officers.
An Upper Darby officer, who was not identified, suffered a hand wound and was treated at a local hospital. A bullet struck the helmet of another officer, who was not hurt, Whelan said.
Officials said the shootout was related to two crimes last month, an Oct. 1 home invasion and an Oct. 27 shooting in Philadelphia.