October 15, 2017
Philadelphia police have arrested a man who allegedly struck a deputy late Saturday night as authorities attempted to track down a runaway teenager.
Police said the incident occurred around 11:20 p.m. in the 3000 block of South 7th Street in South Philadelphia. Officers working on a task force to find the missing teenager observed a white Pontiac Grand Am pull up to them and attempted to stop the driver.
When police ordered the male driver to shut down the car and step outside, he allegedly drove away, hitting a deputy with his car and knocking him to the ground.
Authorities later located the vehicle at 900 Johnson Street and later arrested the driver, identified as 32-year-old Deven Harley, at a separate location in the 1300 block of Snyder Avenue. Harley is charged with aggravated assault.
Officials said the officer suffered abrasions to his hands and knees but is otherwise recovering.
Initial reports suggested the runaway teen had been in the car with Harley at the time of the incident. Police released a statement Sunday night clarifying that the 14-year-old girl was not with him. Her whereabouts remain unknown as the FBI and other law enforcement partners continue their search.
