Investigation underway after Philadelphia police officer shoots dirt bike rider in Fairhill neighborhood, police say

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – One person is in critical condition after being shot by a Philadelphia police officer in the Fairhill neighborhood, Deputy Commissioner Mike Cram told CBS News Philadelphia on Saturday.

According to police, shortly after 3 p.m., officers pursued a man on a dirt bike near the corner of North 6th and West Somerset streets into a nearby parking lot. A uniformed officer explained to the driver that riding a dirt bike in the city was illegal.

During the conversation, Cram said, the man displayed a gun and another officer assisting him shot him twice. The man was taken to Temple University Hospital. His age is currently unknown.

When asked if the man fired shots, Cram said it “does not appear at this point” that he did so and the incident is still in the early stages of the investigation.

“We all know the problems that ATVs, dirt bikes and car racing cause in our city, right? The neighbors hate them. Let’s face it,” Cram said. “Their activities are anything but safe. They all know it’s wrong. It’s not uncommon that we find weapons in our dirt bike enforcement. And this is a prime example of the danger they pose to the city.”

It is not known if the dirt bike was stolen; this is also part of the investigation.

Police did not disclose how many officers were on the scene at the time, but said approximately three to 15 officers were involved in dirt bike traffic enforcement efforts this weekend.

“We have a little over 180 dirt bikes and ATVs, which is more than last year. That’s halfway through the year. It doesn’t stop them, they still go out,” Cram said. “They’re still trying to do what they want. They’re disturbing the peace and quiet of our neighborhoods. They don’t care. They’re a risk to public safety. This is a prime example of why we’re cracking down on them.”

This is a developing story. Stay with CBS News Philadelphia for updates.