A man wanted on a narcotics warrant was shot after three officers were injured in Tacony.
UPDATE: Police have named the officer who shot the man.
A man wanted on a narcotics warrant was fatally shot by a police officer in Tacony Monday evening.
Police said at 4:10 p.m., six PPD Narcotics Field Unit officers were conducting surveillance on the 7100 block of Cottage Street. They were preparing to execute a search warrant for narcotics evidence for Jeffrey Dennis, 36, who lived on the block.
The officers noticed Dennis driving by in the area and attempted to block his path with their vehicles on the 7100 block of Hegerman Street. They operated three undercover vehicles.
All six officers exited the cars and demanded Dennis shut his engine off. He began striking the vehicles in front and behind his own.
One officer shattered his driver’s door window and another discharged three rounds, striking Dennis in the head and left arm. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 4:18 p.m.
Officer Richard Nicoletti, a 29-year veteran, was the one who shot him.
Police say Dennis had struck an officer with his car while he was attempting to escape. The officer sustained injuries to his legs. He and two other officers were transported to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital and were treated and released for non-life threatening injuries.
Police said the information is in early stages of investigation and is subject to change. ••
