The 2nd Police District has had an eventful last several weeks.
Capt. Marc Metellus, the commander, and community relations officer Mark Mroz outlined the circumstances at last week’s Police District Advisory Council meeting.
On Oct. 4, at about 7:07 p.m., 2nd district officers responded to a report of a shooting on the 7500 block of Whitaker Ave. Upon arrival, officers were met by an armed suspect and ordered him to drop the gun. Instead, he shot at the officers, who returned fire, killing the man, identified as Michael Hwang, 42.
A sergeant was shot once in his left hand. An officer was shot one time in her rear right leg area. Another officer was shot one time in the right knee, causing a serious injury. Another sergeant fell and injured his arms.
The preliminary investigation indicates that the decedent became involved in a verbal altercation with a male, believed to be his brother, in his late 30s, and the decedent discharged his weapon inside the home, striking him in the face. The decedent then exited the home, where he encountered officers.
There were two other individuals at the home at the time of the incident, a juvenile male and an adult female. These individuals were not hurt.
The investigation revealed that the decedent was wearing a ballistic vest. In addition, a 40-caliber Glock pistol, loaded with 11 live rounds in an extended magazine with a 22-round capacity was found underneath the right side of his body. Police also recovered two loaded magazines from the decedent’s back pants pocket.
All officers were taken to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital for their injuries, treated and listed in stable condition.
The other shooting victim was transported by medics to Abington Hospital and was listed in critical but stable condition.
State Rep. Jared Solomon reached out to the Phillies, who invited the four officers to be honored at last Thursday’s playoff game. Mission BBQ provided food for the officers and their families.
Meanwhile, in the early-morning hours of Oct. 2, there was a triple murder on the 6100 block of Shelbourne St. A man killed his mom, dad and girlfriend. A few hours later, the suspect was in a car that was stopped by police. He fired a shot, but was killed when police returned fire.
As for the recent looting, JD Sports, in Roosevelt Mall, lost $1.5 million in merchandise.
“Everything was gone,” Mroz said.
PC Richard & Son, 2420 Cottman Ave., was also looted. Mroz credited the Target at Bustleton and Bleigh avenues with stacking carts against the entrance. Only one pack of Pampers was taken.
Speaking of the Bustleton and Bleigh area, Mroz thanked the Philadelphia Parking Authority for removing nine illegally parked tractor trailers. He said the truck drivers receive a stipend to park legally, but some keep the money. To report illegal tractor trailer parking, go to https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/8033c3d7e7e048ae9263380adcf8e0d4.
The 2nd district responded to reports of vandalized cars on the 2300 blocks of Hartel and Borbeck avenues and the 7800 block of Brier St. The suspects are six juveniles wearing hoodies. It is believed a BB gun was among the objects used.
In other news from the Oct. 10 meeting:
• State Sen. Tina Tartaglione (D-2nd dist.) will hold a Senior Expo on Friday, Oct. 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Juniata Boys and Girls Club, at 1001 E. Cayuga St. There will be a free lunch and dozens of exhibitors from state and local governments as well as nonprofits and businesses that support older Pennsylvanians.
• The 2nd PDAC will meet again on Tuesdays, Nov. 14 and Dec. 12, at 6 p.m. at the Philadelphia Protestant Home. ••
