Crime & Safety

Police Shoot Man Who Shot Woman In Delco: Authorities

The district attorney says he hopes the woman survives her 'catastrophic' injuries.

CHESTER, PA — Two people were hospitalized after police responded to a shooting and then shot the accused gunman Wednesday night in Chester, according to the Delaware County District Attorney's Office.

Chester City Police responded to reports of a shooting and an armed person by 9th and Walnut streets. Officers found a woman on the ground who was shot multiple times, authorities said.

Police then located a man who shot at civilians before aiming the gun at law enforcement, the DA's Office said. A responding officer shot the suspect.

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The woman and the accused gunman were brought to local hospitals for treatment.

Their conditions weren't immediately available. But District Attorney Tanner Rouse said Thursday that he hopes the woman survives her "catastrophic injuries."

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No injuries to officers or other civilians were reported.

There is no threat to the public, officials said.

Charges are pending against the accused gunman, who authorities didn't publicly identify on Thursday.

The DA's Office is also investigating the police shooting. But based on early evidence, it appears the actions were justified, Rouse said.

"We will work to make sure we have every angle that depicts the events that transpired," Rouse said. "Having reviewed the footage we’ve obtained thus far, though, I can tell you with confidence that the actions of the Chester Police Department were nothing short of lifesaving and the defendant in this case had every intention to kill anyone he could."

The president of a local Fraternal Order of Police chapter lauded the officers who responded to the incident.

"The officers who responded and took decisive action in the face of imminent danger last evening, are heroes in every sense of the word," said Jonathan Ross, president of FOP William Penn Lodge 19. "To all those who reached out, your concern and prayers for the Chester officers and victim of this tragic event are truly appreciated."

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