Police ID woman who allegedly tried to run down police
Police on Friday identified the 33-year-old woman who allegedly tried to run down officer with a stolen vehicle and was shot in the hand by the same officer Thursday night in the city's Kensington section.
Police on Friday identified the 33-year-old woman who allegedly tried to run down officer with a stolen vehicle and was shot in the hand by the same officer Thursday night in the city's Kensington section.
Erika Avila, also known as Erica Lopez, of the 5800 block of Harbison Avenue, was charged with driving under the influence, aggravated assault, receiving stolen property, and related offenses. Just before 9:30 p.m. Thursday, officers on patrol vehicle spotted a 2004 Jeep Laredo driving the wrong way in the 600 block of Clearfied Street, police said.
Believing the Jeep was going to hit their police vehicle, one of the officers exited onto the sidewalk. The jeep continued in the direction of the officer and he fired one shot, striking the windshield and Avila's left hand, police said. The Jeep fled the scene.
A short time later in the 2900 block of Richmond Street, the Jeep hit a concrete barrier and careened into a police van. The impact caused the Jeep to flip onto its side.
Avila was taken into custody and transported to Temple University Hospital to be treated. Police said the Jeep had been stolen earlier on Thursday.
No police were hurt. The officer who fired the shot was placed on administrative duty pending an investigation by police Internal Affairs.
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