Ramon Rodriguez Vazquez : “Philadelphia Man Charged with Attempted Murder”

Man Charged with Shooting Philadelphia Police Officer in Kensington

Philadelphia police have identified and announced charges for a man accused of shooting a police officer in Kensington on Saturday night.

The shooter has been identified as Ramon Rodriguez Vazquez, aged 36, and has been charged with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, violation of the Uniform Firearms Act, evasion of arrest or detention on foot, obstruction of law administration, and other related charges.

Additionally, Vazquez faces charges for barricading himself in someone’s home and holding a gun to someone’s head. These charges include theft, kidnapping, criminal trespass, unlawful restraint, simple assault, terroristic threats, and other related charges.

Surveillance video provided to CBS News Philadelphia shows Rodriguez Vazquez after the shooting incident.

The injured officer was taken to Temple University Hospital and admitted to the surgical intensive care unit on Saturday night. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel stated at a news conference that the officer remained in critical condition as of Sunday afternoon. The officer’s identity has not been disclosed at this time.

During a news conference on Saturday night, Bethel provided details leading up to the shooting and requested the city to keep the officer in their prayers.

Bethel explained that just before 8 p.m., two officers conducted a motor vehicle stop in the 3500 block of F Street. During the stop, officers transitioned to a live stop with the vehicle containing four individuals. They noticed a holster in the vehicle’s inventory, prompting Vazquez to flee and shoot the officer three times as he ran.

The officer sustained at least one gunshot wound to the neck. His partner also discharged his weapon after Vazquez fired at the 31-year-old officer. The other individuals in the vehicle during the stop are also in police custody.

“Today I’m asking the people of the city of Philadelphia to pray for our officer and pray for the men and women who are here today who went out into the field knowing they were going to give their lives for this job,” Bethel appealed.

Mark Noble, a local resident, witnessed the commotion following the shooting and hopes for the officer’s recovery.

“I’m just praying for the officer,” Noble expressed. “I hope he succeeds. I also pray for his wife and children.”