In an incident that escalated rapidly, two men have been arrested for firing on Philadelphia police during a high-speed chase, while authorities continue to search for a third suspect. The chase ensued last Friday night after the police, positioned in an unmarked vehicle, attempted to halt a vehicle observed committing multiple traffic violations, including cruising the wrong way down a one-way street and neglecting a stop sign on the 5400 block of Morse Street.
As reported by 6abc, the passenger, now known as 30-year-old Nathaniel Smith, allegedly discharged a firearm at the officers as they pursued the vehicle. The chase ended abruptly when the suspects' car halted and they fled on foot, but they were soon apprehended. Running a stop sign, the vehicle was spotted by police before speeding off and the shooting commenced.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, Smith, alongside 35-year-old Khalil Flowers, now face multiple charges connected to the attack on police. Coverage by NBC Philadelphia includes that upon searching the vehicle, law enforcement found a 9mm handgun, spent shell casings, and packaged narcotics presumed to be crack cocaine and marijuana.
"At one point they even observed the vehicle going the wrong way on a one-way street," Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore highlighted the dangerous driving prior to the shooting in a statement obtained by FOX 29. After the Kia that Smith and Flowers were in got stuck behind a truck, trying to evade the police, all three occupants abandoned the vehicle, leading to the capture of the two men.
Court records show that Smith's bail has been set at over $1 million, while Flowers' bail is at $500,000. The incident which resulted in no injuries, has sparked an ongoing manhunt for the third individual involved. Authorities urge anyone with more information to come forward. Resources for those affected by gun violence in Philadelphia can be found linked in the NBC Philadelphia report.
