Off-Duty Sheriff’s Officer and Relative Shoot Unarmed Teen in Southwest Philadelphia
Deep Search
An off-duty Philadelphia Sheriff’s deputy and a family member shot and wounded a 17-year-old boy early Tuesday morning in the Eastwick section of Southwest Philadelphia. The shooting occurred around 3:30 a.m. on the 7300 block of Bunting Place. According to Chief Inspector Scott Small, the deputy exited his home to find the teenager inside his personal vehicle, a Honda Accord. Both the deputy and his relative opened fire, discharging at least four rounds.
The teen, who was unarmed at the time of the shooting, was struck in the leg and fled the scene. He was later dropped off at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he remains in stable condition. Investigators recovered devices from the teen used to bypass vehicle security, specifically key fob cloning tools and a screwdriver, indicating a sophisticated attempt at auto theft rather than a simple break-in.
Objections
While the teenager was allegedly committing a property crime, serious questions are being raised regarding the use of lethal force. Police confirmed that the 17-year-old did not possess a weapon, yet he was fired upon by two individuals—one a sworn law enforcement officer and the other a civilian. The engagement of a fleeing suspect for a non-violent property crime by an off-duty official and a family member may draw scrutiny regarding adherence to use-of-force protocols, which typically prioritize the preservation of life over property. The involvement of the relative, who also discharged a firearm, adds a complex layer to the ongoing investigation by the Philadelphia Police Department.
Background Info
This incident highlights the growing trend of “high-tech” auto thefts in Philadelphia, where thieves use electronic devices to clone key fob signals, allowing them to unlock and start push-to-start vehicles without a physical key. The Philadelphia Police Department has recently launched campaigns warning residents about this method, recommending signal-blocking pouches for keys.
The Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office, distinct from the Police Department, primarily handles court security and prisoner transport but its deputies are sworn officers with the power to arrest. This shooting comes amidst a broader national conversation about the conduct of off-duty officers and the appropriate boundaries of intervention in property crimes. Charges have not yet been announced for the teen or the shooters as the investigation continues.
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