Was Jeffrey Dennis Murdered by the Philadelphia Police?

Multiple posts on the Internet claim that Jeffrey Dennis was murdered by Philadelphia Police. The posts make claims that Dennis was unarmed, non-violent, didn't run from the police, and posed no risk.

A statement from the Philadelphia Police describes the incident as follows:

On Monday at approximately 4:10pm, an on-duty officer in civilian attire, and working along with other members of the Narcotics Field Unit, were conducting a surveillance on the 7100 block of Cottage Street. The officers were preparing to execute a search warrant at that property for narcotics evidence. While conducting the surveillance, the officers observed a 2010 Toyota Camry, bearing a NJ license plate, that was being operated by Dennis traveling in the area. The vehicle was identified by the NFU officers as being associated with the prior narcotics activity at the Cottage Street address.

Six officers in three unmarked police cars used their vehicles to block the Toyota Camry’s path of travel on the 7100 block of Hegerman Street. All six officers exited their vehicles and approached Dennis’ vehicle. Dennis failed to comply with commands by the officers to shut the engine off, and began striking the unmarked police vehicles which were in front and behind his Toyota Camry. One officer utilized a “haligan” tool, and shattered the driver’s door window. Dennis continued to maneuver his vehicle away from the officers. One officer was struck by the Toyota Camry.

An officer, who was positioned next to the driver’s door of the Toyota Camry, discharged three rounds, striking Dennis in the head and left arm. Medical personnel arrived at the scene, and pronounced him dead at 4:18 p.m.

Three officers were transported to Jefferson-Torresdale Hospital for treatment of their injuries. The officer struck by the Camry sustained injuries to his legs, and was admitted in good condition. The two other officers were treated for minor injuries and released.

The unnamed officer who shot Dennis has been assigned to desk duty while the shooting is investigated by Internal Affairs.
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Were the police justified in shooting and killing Mr. Dennis? Well, I wasn't there and certainly don't have all the facts in this case. But, there are certainly question that need to be asked and answered...

 



• Did Mr. Dennis recognize that the three unmarked vehicles that blocked him were police vehicles?
• Were the six undercover officers - all in plain clothes - recognizable as police officers?
• Did they identify themselves as police officers in a way that was clear to Mr. Dennis as he was trying to get away?

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This incident will be investigated, and if the shooting was not justified the officer involved could be charged with criminal homicide. In a separate incident in PA in June 2018 an officer was so charged when he shot an unarmed 17-year old who ran away from him during a traffic stop.

Whether justified or not, the death of Mr. Dennis will result in demonstrations against the police and the city and fuel further hate and mistrust for the police in an ever-growing demographic.