Protests erupted in Philadelphia overnight following the shooting death of 27-year-old Walter Wallace by police.
Police say the incident started with a call about a man waving a knife.
“Responding officers witnessed a male on the block. Immediately they noticed he had a knife in his possession and he was brandishing it, and waiving it erratically,” Sgt. Eric Gripp of the Philadelphia PD said.
Cell phone video of the incident showed Wallace, a mentally ill black man walking around parked park and into the streets while a woman, who is believed to be his mother tried to deescalate the situation by pleading with him to drop the knife.
Multiple shots rang out as officers repeatedly opened fire hitting him. He was taken to the hospital by police where he died from gunshot wounds sustained in another officer involved shooting of a black man.
Overnight protests erupted in Philadelphia that left 30 officers injured. Most of the injured officers were hit by projectiles, according to a press release. But, at least one “was struck by a pick up truck–she sustained a broken leg and various other injuries.”
The other 29 officers were treated and released.
Police commissioner Danielle Outlaw said the shooting of Wallace “raises some questions.”
“I have directed the Officer Involved Shooting Investigation Unit to begin its investigation,” Outlaw said in a statement. “I recognize that the video of the incident raises many questions. Residents have my assurance that those questions will be fully addressed by the investigation.”
