Police shoot robbery suspect in West Philly
The suspect appeared to be reaching for his waistband when he was shot and critically wounded, police said.
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Police shot and wounded a robbery suspect after he crashed his car in West Philadelphia, officials said.
The preliminary investigation indicated that a plainclothes officer opened fire on the man Tuesday morning after the suspect "made movements, gestures toward his waistband," said Capt. Sekou Kinnebrew, a police spokesman. Officers had identified themselves as police before the shooting. There is no word yet if police recovered a weapon.
The suspect was initially reported to be in critical condition with a gunshot wound to the chest.
Police said the robbery took place about 9 a.m. at deli at 52nd and Irving Streets.
About 9:40 a.m., an officer saw a black SUV with New Jersey plates that matched the vehicle used in the robbery on the 5200 block of Hazel Avenue, and then watched as a man got in and drove away, officials said. Police followed.
At 49th and Walnut Streets, the SUV crashed into another car, officials said.
The plainclothes officer then approached the SUV and that's when the shooting occurred.
Police said the SUV had been reported stolen.
The investigation is in its early stages and there are no details yet regarding the police pursuit of the suspect's vehicle.