Police shoot gun-toting man in West Philadelphia

Philadelphia police shot a man in West Philadelphia early Sunday after he allegedly pointed a weapon at an officer during a foot chase.

The chase began on Lansdowne Avenue near 56th Street around 2:15 a.m. According to police, officers responded to a fight on the highway when they observed a male acting suspicious in the vestibule of an apartment. Officers ordered the male to raise his hands and lift his t-shirt, but the male did not comply. When officers got out of the car, the male fled on Lansdowne, clutching his waistband.

As one of the officers pursued on foot, police said, he saw the male turn in his direction holding a revolver in his hand. The officer fired his weapon several times, missing the suspect. As the chase continued, the male again pointed the weapon at the officer, prompting the officer to fire several more rounds. Finally, as the male turned onto 57th Street, the officer grabbed the male. During the struggle, the male turned towards the officer still with the gun in his hand. The officer fired several rounds, striking the suspect multiple times, causing him to the fall to the ground and drop the weapon.

The 22-year-old suspect was taken to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania where he is listed in critical condition. Police have not released his name.

Police said officers recovered a .357 Magnum revolver loaded with seven rounds at the scene. A Smith & Wesson .38 caliber handgun loaded with five rounds was also recovered from the man's waistband at the hospital.

The officer involved sustained a minor cut to his hand. The officer has been placed on administrative duty pending an investigation by the District Attorney's office.