3 Philadelphia police officers shot late Saturday in Wynnefield by retired city firefighter, sources say
Inquirer.com • • nation
Key Points:
- Three Philadelphia police officers were shot and wounded by a retired firefighter, Eric Franks, after a verbal altercation escalated in West Philadelphia late Saturday; the gunman was fatally shot by officers in response.
- The incident began around 10:30 p.m. near North 54th and Arlington Streets when Franks confronted officers responding to a separate call, eventually pulling a gun and firing at them during an attempted arrest.
- The three injured officers were shot in the face, hip, and leg, and were hospitalized in stable condition; Franks died at a nearby hospital shortly after the shooting.
- Franks, who retired from the Philadelphia Fire Department in 2025 after nearly 20 years of service, was not involved in the initial incident that prompted the police response, and authorities are investigating his motives.
- Police continue to investigate the scene for evidence, while Franks' family described him as a devoted husband, father, and community member.