While at the scene, an officer was struck by a vehicle and suffered a broken ankle, according to authorities.
Sunday, July 23, 2023 9:20 p.m
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Several Philadelphia police officers were injured Sunday while trying to disperse a large crowd.
According to the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), about 500 people gathered in the 1300 block of Broad Street in North Philadelphia shortly before 2 a.m.
Video from the Citizen app shows the large crowd on the streets.
The FOP says the rally blocked the roadway, so police were called to break it up.
While at the scene, an officer was struck by a vehicle and suffered a broken ankle, according to authorities.
The hit vehicle fled the scene.
Officials say the officer was taken to Jefferson University Hospital where he was treated.
According to police, other officers were injured while trying to disperse the crowd. All were treated and released.
“Last night, once again, our officers were injured protecting the city of Philadelphia,” said FOP President John McNesby.
Investigators have not provided further details about the crowds.
This incident comes shortly after Philadelphia police had to disperse other large groups Saturday night.
At approximately 8 p.m., police responded to the 5700 block of Tacony Street for a similar incident.
They also responded to the Philadelphia Mills Mall around 9 p.m. and the area of Byberry Road and Roosevelt Boulevard around 10:30 p.m.
Authorities say that crowd of vehicles dispersed without incident.
McNesby is now calling on city leaders to address this illegal behavior.
“Officers were injured trying to make arrests out there and one officer I spoke to is in a lot of pain and we’re helping him with his treatment. But again, blocking roads with four-wheelers going around people, we can’t have that. It’s illegal and we need to take the city back,” McNesby said.
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