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Video related to this article is available below.Issue date: 10/30/07 Section: News
Shooting at 38th and Chestnut: Evidence points to no police misconduct in local gunfight
Katie Karas
Philadelphia Police officials are not investigating possible police misconduct in the death of Lamar Bembry because they have evidence showing that Bembry, who was shot and killed by police during a gun battle early Sunday morning at 38th and Chestnut streets, was among one of the shooters on the scene, said Lt. Frank Vanore of Philadelphia Police Public Affairs.
Bembry allegedly opened fire while leaving the Koko Bongo nightclub at 38th and Chestnut at about 2:00 a.m. and was shot in the chest by police in the ensuing gunfight.
Vanore said ballistic evidence revealed that police officers acted correctly in firing at Bembry. It also showed that there were at least two other shooters who participated in the gunfight, although no weapons from these shooters have been recovered.
Philadelphia Police were already on the scene when the shooting began because there had been a few minor instances last week when Koko Bongo let out, Vanore said.
Police temporarily detained a few suspects but have not yet charged anyone. They urge anyone with information regarding the shootings to contact Philadelphia Police at 215-686-1776.
Bembry allegedly opened fire while leaving the Koko Bongo nightclub at 38th and Chestnut at about 2:00 a.m. and was shot in the chest by police in the ensuing gunfight.
Vanore said ballistic evidence revealed that police officers acted correctly in firing at Bembry. It also showed that there were at least two other shooters who participated in the gunfight, although no weapons from these shooters have been recovered.
Philadelphia Police were already on the scene when the shooting began because there had been a few minor instances last week when Koko Bongo let out, Vanore said.
Police temporarily detained a few suspects but have not yet charged anyone. They urge anyone with information regarding the shootings to contact Philadelphia Police at 215-686-1776.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
TNI
posted 10/30/07 @ 7:41 AM EST
Of course the police were cleared, they did the right thing. Why didn't Philly and Penn leadership shut this place down after several incidents. Thank God an officer or a pedestrian/student wasn't killed or the blood would have been on the hands of the City and Penn officials. (Continued…)
Person with basic intelligence
posted 10/30/07 @ 8:13 AM EST
This is so clear, why is it so hard to be proactive? The club is a place where illegal and dangerous things happen, shut it down. Take a look at the neighborhood, address problems. (Continued…)
Penn '08
Undergrad
posted 10/30/07 @ 8:30 AM EST
Kudos to the PPD/UPPD for a job well done...this guy deserved to get shot and, unfortunately, the world is better off without him. Re: the statement that police misconduct is not being investigated, any time an officer discharges his weapon and kills someone, it gets investigated by Internal Affairs and the District Attorney. (Continued…)
John
posted 10/30/07 @ 1:02 PM EST
I'd personally be much happier (and safer) if Philly thugs thought the Penn Police had a reputation for being trigger-happy.
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