Philadelphia police are currently investigating a troubling incident involving one of their officers. The officer is under scrutiny for allegedly failing to assist a man lying in the street who was later hit by a car and killed.
Incident Details
The tragic event occurred around 1:45 a.m. on a Thursday on Rising Sun Avenue in Olney. A 48-year-old man was struck and killed, according to Philadelphia Police First Deputy Commissioner John M. Stanford. The police learned about the accident only later that morning, following a call from the medical examiner seeking more information.
Surveillance Video Evidence
Surveillance footage, obtained by CBS News Philadelphia, reveals the moments leading up to the fatal hit-and-run. The video shows the victim walking with an unsteady gait in the bike lane. As a police officer approached him, the victim fell to the ground. The officer initially got out to speak with the man but later returned to his vehicle and left the scene, leaving the man lying on the roadway.
A civilian witness then appeared to engage with the victim before walking away. Subsequently, one car stopped, possibly attempting to avoid the victim, but another vehicle, a green 2023-26 Kia Sportage, did not stop and hit the man before fleeing the scene.
Ongoing Investigation and Appeals for Public Assistance
The police are actively searching for the driver of the Kia Sportage, which was last seen heading east on Tabor Avenue. Two witnesses assisted in moving the victim from the road and called 911. Unfortunately, the man was pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital.
Authorities are urging the public to help locate the driver and the vehicle. Additional information can be found at this link provided by the Philadelphia Police Department.
Internal Police Review
The officer involved was reportedly the first responder to the scene but did not secure the area, initiate a report, or render medical assistance. He has been placed on administrative duty pending an internal investigation.
Deputy Commissioner Stanford expressed deep concern over the incident, stating it counteracts the department’s core values of empathy and compassion. The officer, who has two years of service in the 35th District, remains unnamed as investigations continue.