A Philadelphia police officer was injured last night following a collision near the South Philly Sports Complex as the city was engrossed in the Eagles playoff game against the Rams. According to NBC Philadelphia, the officer, part of the Traffic Division, was struck by a vehicle whose driver is suspected to have been under the influence at the time.
The incident occurred shy of 6 p.m. on the 1000 block of Pattison Avenue. Pennsylvania State Police had attempted to stop the driver on nearby 26th Street and Penrose Avenue after observing erratic driving. The suspect then fled towards the complex, in what sources describe as a chaos-fueled attempt to avoid arrest, they backed up into the officer's car, and the officer was subsequently injured and transported to Jefferson Hospital, their current condition remains undisclosed. Sources stated, as per Daily Voice, that the driver may have been intoxicated by alcohol or drugs when the crash took place.
The driver involved is now in custody. However, the Philadelphia police have yet to release the suspect's identity or confirm the specific charges they may face. CBS News Philadelphia noted that further updates regarding the officer's condition and the ongoing investigation are anticipated, with official confirmation pending.
