The item below is from Channel 6 News
Notes (from me, not Channel 6):
1. Sandra Van Hankel, the police officer (not a sargeant) who was
injured, operates out of the University City Ministation -- so some community
residents may know her.
2. The way this was reported -- and I'm making an observation based on
the reportage and not going anywhere near an allegation -- leads to questions
as to whether the fact that "police were on the scene ... because of trouble"
last week, rather than owing to a call based on anything happening this
morning, had a precipitative/causative effect. And, if there's a possibility
this was
the case, who was responsible for the pre-emptive police presence -- the
command at the 18th precinct, someone associated with the ministation, or (I
shudder to think) UCD or the Penn Police.
Worried about the situation on several fronts,
Al Krigman
____________________________________
Officer Wounded, Suspect Killed in Gun Battle
Bystander in car also wounded
By Lauren Wilson
UNIVERSITY CITY- October 28, 2007 - A gun battle outside a nightclub left a
police officer wounded and a suspect dead early Sunday.
More than 30 bullet shells littered the street outside the Koko Bongo club on
the University of Pennsylvania's campus early Sunday.
Police were on the scene at 38th and Ludlow Streets because of trouble
reported last week.
When officers spotted several gun-toting suspects, the trouble started again.
"At the crime scene, there were actually four weapons, so we believe there
were four different shooters there shooting at police. Two of the officers
fired
back at them," said police commissioner Sylvester Johnson.
Five to six hundred club goers were present at the time.
"These club present a challenge to us. There are huge numbers of people who
attend these clubs. They drink. They have weapons on them. They have access to
weapons. It's a real problem," said Mayor John Street.
The injured officer, Sgt. Sandra Van Hankel, was shot in the leg. Indications
are the ten-year veteran never fired her weapon.
The deceased suspect was identified as Lamarr Bembry, 21, from the 5400 block
of Race Street.
A man driving past the club was also shot. He suffered wounds to his shoulder
and face. He remained at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in
stable condition on Sunday afternoon.
"The shooting has to stop. It really does. It's just senseless," said the
victim's fiancé, Maya Johnson.
Police said at least one person was taken into custody, but there was no
immediate word of any charges.
************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com
