PHILADELPHIA, PA — New details have been released after three Philadelphia police officers were shot during an incident in the city’s Wynnefield section over the weekend.
The shooting happened around 10:30 p.m. Saturday near North 54th and Arlington Streets, where officers had responded to reports of a vehicle being struck by gunfire. Authorities said officers encountered a 57-year-old man at the scene, later identified as Eric Franks.
According to police, officers were attempting to speak with Franks and establish a crime scene when the encounter escalated. Investigators said Franks produced a firearm despite officers giving repeated commands not to draw the weapon. Police said Franks then fired directly toward officers.
Three Philadelphia police officers were struck by gunfire. Officials said one officer was shot in the face, another in the hip, and a third in the leg. All three were taken to the hospital and reported to be in stable condition. One of the officers has since been released from the hospital.
Police said four officers returned fire during the exchange. Franks was shot in the chest and leg and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Multiple reports now identify Franks as a retired Philadelphia firefighter. NBC10 reported that Franks also served in the Marines and owned a small business.
Investigators recovered a 9mm handgun at the scene, which police said Franks was licensed to carry. Authorities also reported recovering nearly 50 pieces of ballistic evidence from the scene.
The incident remains under investigation by Philadelphia Police and other authorities.
