Biker identified who cops say triggered police chase

Police yesterday identified the motorcyclist who allegedly led police on a chase that ended with hero cop Richard Decoatsworth shooting the biker's friend, who police said had commandeered the cycle and tried to ram officers Tuesday night.

Jose Colon, 33, of Palethorp Street near Diamond, was charged with fleeing police, recklessly endangering another person, gun offenses and related crimes in the 8:38 p.m. incident at A Street and Lehigh Avenue in Kensington.

His friend Jay James, 18, who lives on the same block of Palethorp Street, already had been charged with fleeing police and with related offenses.

The incident began when two cops spotted a man with a gun riding on a motorcycle near A Street and Indiana Avenue.

Decoatsworth and his partner on the Highway Patrol gave chase and watched Colon toss his gun near Mascher and Dauphin streets, police said.

Colon then pulled over on Hagert Street near Amber, but kept the motorcycle running, police said. The Highway Patrol cops got out of their cruiser, but James, who was standing on Hagert Street, allegedly jumped on the motorcycle and tried to mow down the officers.

Decoatsworth opened fire and wounded James in the thigh. Police found James shortly after in the emergency room at Hahnemann University Hospital.

The two officers were uninjured.

Decoatsworth, 23, was shot in the face by a shotgun-toting thug in Southwest Philadelphia two years ago. He recovered and rejoined the force.

In February, his bravery was rewarded with a seat next to first lady Michelle Obama during a presidential speech in Washington.