Philadelphia, PA – An off-duty Philadelphia Police Department officer, identified as 42-year-old Eric Rodriguez, fell victim to an assault over the weekend, resulting in the theft of his personal firearm. The incident involved Cian Dennis, 23, and Khamil Brown, 24, both of whom have since been apprehended and charged.

Assault and Robbery Incident

The altercation unfolded when Officer Rodriguez, a nine-year veteran of the force, was driving home on Sunday along Oxford Avenue. Frustrated by waiting through multiple red lights, Rodriguez honked his horn, prompting a confrontation. Dennis, also known as Duke, allegedly punched the officer in the face while he remained in his vehicle. Rodriguez, reacting to the assault, identified himself as a police officer, but Dennis brandished a firearm, initiating a struggle. Shortly after, Yusef Coleman joined the fray, placing Rodriguez in a headlock.

Police report that during the struggle, Rodriguez managed to discharge Coleman’s weapon, though no one was injured by the gunfire. However, the situation escalated when Dennis held Rodriguez at gunpoint, demanding he surrender his own firearm. Subsequently, multiple assailants beat the officer before absconding with his weapon.

Apprehension and Charges

Following the incident, a search was launched to locate the suspects involved. Yusef Coleman was arrested on Monday and charged with a litany of offenses including criminal conspiracy, aggravated assault, and robbery. Cian Dennis surrendered to authorities on Tuesday, while Khamil Brown was apprehended on Wednesday. All three individuals face charges related to the assault, robbery, and theft, among others.

Officer’s Injuries and Response

Officer Rodriguez sustained injuries during the altercation, including a black eye, facial bruises, and a leg injury inflicted by the fleeing assailants’ vehicle. He is expected to be placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into the incident.

Conclusion: Ensuring Officer Safety and Public Support

Incidents like these underscore the dangers law enforcement officers face, even while off-duty, and highlight the importance of community support and vigilance. While the swift apprehension of the suspects brings some measure of relief, it also serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for measures to safeguard officers and prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The solidarity and cooperation of the public in aiding law enforcement efforts remain crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of officers like Eric Rodriguez.

For more news updates, download The Local News App to your phone by clicking download on the prompt.

Source