Shots fired in attempted robbery of off-duty cop
via Emily Babay, at Philly.com
An off-duty Philadelphia police officer fired shots at a man who tried to rob him while the officer was walking his dog in the city’s Overbrook section.
Philadelphia police said the incident happened shortly after 11:45 p.m. Wednesday on the 5800 block of Malvern Avenue.
When the assailant brandished a handgun, the officer, who was dressed in civilian clothing, drew his own gun and fired a number of rounds, police said.
The robber then fled south on Hobart Street from Malvern Avenue, escaping apprehension.
This robber picked the wrong guy to mug. As a law enforcement officer trained in the protection of himself and others, it comes as no surprise that this Philadelphia dog walker came prepared for the night’s altercation.
It’s a shame that muggings happen so often in the City of Brotherly Love, but the high crime rate gives more reason for people to keep their sidearms locked and loaded within city limits.
The only grievance I harbor for this incident is the danger associated with the discharge of the officer’s gun within a residential area.
According to the report, several cars were hit by bullets, which leads me to believe that the defender didn’t quite have a clear, safe shot. Just one stray bullet could have maimed or killed an innocent bystander.
On the other hand, the police officer has been trained to make the best decision for any given situation within second.
He saw an aggressor armed with a gun. He felt the need to defend himself, and that’s just what he did.
If not for his quick actions and good situational awareness, this guy could have easily become another negative statistic.
