An off-duty Philadelphia police officer became the center of a violent altercation last weekend, suffering injuries after being run over and having his service weapon stolen. Officer Eric Rodriguez, 42, faced a harrowing encounter while waiting at a traffic light along the 2100 block of Oxford Avenue early Sunday morning. According to NBC Philadelphia, after Rodriguez honked at the vehicle blocking traffic, an individual identified as 23-year-old Cian Dennis, known as "Duke," struck him in the face.
Dennis confronted Rodriguez, who then got out of his car and identified himself as a police officer, this led to a struggle over a firearm that Dennis had. During the confrontation, a second man, Yusef Coleman, 24, allegedly attacked Rodriguez from behind, according to authorities. Coleman, who was also armed, engaged in a tussle with Rodriguez. As reported by CBS News Philadelphia, "During the struggle, a magazine fell out and the officer discharged the gun." Thankfully, no one was struck by the gunfire.
Further escalating the incident, Dennis pointed a gun at the off-duty officer, demanding he release the weapon. Rodriguez's gun was subsequently stolen, and he was assaulted by multiple attackers. A firearm was later recovered by the police on May 14, yet they have not disclosed its ownership. The scene dispersed when an on-duty officer arrived, with Coleman fleeing in a black BMW, which led to Rodriguez sustaining a leg injury, as 6abc.com reported. Rodriguez received treatment for his injuries, including a black eye and facial bruises, at Temple University Hospital.
With two men and a woman now in custody, the Philadelphia police continue their search for a fourth suspect who remains at large. Yusef Coleman was arrested on May 13 and faces several charges, including criminal conspiracy, aggravated assault, assault of a law enforcement officer, robbery, theft by unlawful taking, and related offenses. The police department has not yet released any information regarding the charges facing the other individuals connected to this crime. The investigation into this brazen attack against an off-duty officer is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
