Philadelphia Police Officer Struck by Bullet Ricocheting Off Ballistic Vest

Jan. 31, 2024
A veteran Philadelphia police officer was part of a narcotics unit serving a warrant at a home when he was shot in his bulletproof vest and the bullet bounced off and struck his hand.

A Philadelphia police officer was wounded in the hand from a ricocheted bullet that struck his bulletproof vest while serving a warrant early Wednesday.

The incident happened shortly after 6 a.m. when a Philadelphia police narcotics unit was serving warrants around the city, WCAU-TV reports. A team of 10 officers was entering a home, and shots were fired as the team was breaching a second door at the residence.

A 33-year veteran officer was struck in his ballistic vest, and the bullet ricocheted off the vest and struck the officer's hand. The officer was taken to the hospital, where he was treated and released.

"He is going to be fine," said Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel.

According to Bethel, members of the narcotics team wear enhanced ballistic vest over normal bulletproof vests. 

A standoff ensued following the shooting, and a SWAT team was called to the scene. Eventually, a man was detained in connection with the incident, which is under investigation.

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