Ramon Rodriguez Vazquez : “Philadelphia Police Officer Shooting Update”

PHILADELPHIA – Investigators in Philadelphia have released new details concerning a shooting incident that occurred during a routine traffic stop, resulting in critical injuries to a Philadelphia police officer over the weekend.

Ramon Rodriguez Vazquez, aged 36, has been charged with multiple offences, including two counts of attempted murder of a police officer and aggravated assault on an officer.

Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore briefed reporters on the incident, stating that two officers conducted a stop on a Toyota vehicle on the 35000 block of Epps Street in Kensington at around 7 p.m. on Saturday.

It was discovered during the stop that the driver, later identified as Vazquez, did not possess a driver’s license and the vehicle was unregistered. Vanore explained that the police initiated a ‘live-stop,’ indicating that the car would be towed by the Philadelphia Parking Authority and impounded.

Investigators revealed that three individuals, initially believed to be passengers in the vehicle during the traffic stop, arrived at the scene in their own vehicle. Two 33-year-old women and a 37-year-old man remained at the scene for approximately 30 minutes during the traffic stop, assisting Vazquez in removing items from the car.

As the officers conducted an inventory of items inside the vehicle prior to towing, an officer discovered a gun holster on the floor. Upon approaching Vazquez about the holster, he discarded the items he had taken from the vehicle and attempted to flee.

Vanore stated that during the pursuit, Vazquez fired three shots at the officers “without provocation,” striking one officer in the neck. The wounded officer, a 31-year-old with more than 6 years of service, was provided aid by his partner and swiftly transported to Temple University Hospital.

“The tow truck driver played a crucial role in swiftly getting him into the vehicle and to the hospital,” Vanore remarked. “He then remained at the scene, essentially guarding it until additional officers arrived.”

Investigators believe that Vazquez endeavoured to change his attire and gain entry to a garage while on the run, but was rebuffed. He is also accused of attempting unsuccessfully to carjack an individual at the intersection of G and Tioga streets.

Police reported that Vazquez encountered a 20-year-old man seated on the steps of a residence and coerced him inside at gunpoint. Subsequently, he permitted the 20-year-old to depart the residence after a brief period, following which law enforcement swarmed the property.

Whilst barricaded inside the premises, investigators suspect that Vazquez was seeking a means to exit the city. A SWAT team eventually breached the residence and apprehended Vazquez. An investigation discovered a Glock 26 9mm handgun within the property.

Community response following shooting incident

Vazquez is presently being detained on $12 million bail, as announced by District Attorney Larry Krasner on Monday.

“We are appalled and devastated by this tragic episode,” Krasner expressed.

Mayor Cherelle Parker shared on social media that the officer is currently “on life support” with assistance from a breathing apparatus. She urged residents to offer prayers for “a husband, a father, and a son” who was performing “an admirable duty under challenging circumstances.”

Over the past eight months, gunfire has claimed the life of one Philadelphia officer and injured eight others.

In October, Officer Richard Mendez was killed and another officer wounded in a shooting while investigating a suspected car break-in at Philadelphia International Airport. Three individuals from New Jersey are awaiting trial in connection with the incident.

Earlier in the month, three officers sustained injuries in a shootout at a residence in northeast Philadelphia following an altercation reportedly stemming from a video game dispute.

In December, an exchange of gunfire during the pursuit of a shooting suspect resulted in injuries to two officers. In January, an officer was shot inside a corner store, leading to the death of a suspect by another officer. A few days later, an officer was shot in the hand while executing a warrant.

In neighbouring Delaware County in February, authorities disclosed that two officers were wounded by gunfire emanating from an East Lansdowne residence prior to its destruction by fire. Six sets of remains were discovered, with the suspect and four relatives – two adults and two minors — succumbing to gunshot wounds, while one child perished due to smoke inhalation, investigators revealed.

The Associated Press contributed to this report