June 02, 2016
One man is in custody after he attempted to take the service weapon of a female Philadelphia police officer Thursday, according to a department official. The man also tried to enter her police vehicle, during an incident in North Philadelphia.
According to Christine O'Brien, a police spokesperson, the male, who was immediately apprehended, approached the officer at the intersection of 23rd Street and Lehigh Avenue at about 9:30 a.m.
O'Brien said the male -- who police would not identify until he has been formally charged -- was completely unprovoked when he lunged for the officer's weapon, which was in its holster, as she walked along the street.
"She was able to fend him off," O'Brien said.
After the officer got away from the individual and called for assistance, the male attempted to enter her police vehicle, O'Brien said.
O'Brien said the male was immediately apprehended; he had outstanding warrants for his arrest.
No injuries were reported in this incident.
This story will be updated with new information as it becomes available.
