Current:Home > MyA Philadelphia officer has died of his injuries from a June shooting -Secure Growth Academy
A Philadelphia officer has died of his injuries from a June shooting
View
Date:2025-04-13 10:52:14
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A Philadelphia police officer has died of his wounds, nearly three months after being shot in the neck after stopping a vehicle while on duty, city officials said.
Officer Jaime Roman, 31, who spent 80 days in intensive care without regaining consciousness, died Tuesday night. Roman leaves behind a wife, a 7-year-old daughter and a 4-year-old son. He had been with the department for nearly seven years.
In a statement released Wednesday, the department said the driver was removing personal belongings from the vehicle in the city’s Kensington neighborhood on June 22 when Roman noticed an empty holster on the floorboard.
The driver, Ramon Rodriguez Vazquez, 36, of Philadelphia, then ran away, and Roman and his partner chased after him, city police said. Rodriguez Vazquez “then turned and fired three shots,” hitting Roman, according to police.
Rodriguez Vazquez forced his way into a home, where police arrested him.
Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said murder charges would be filed against Rodriguez Vazquez.
Rodriguez Vazquez was previously charged with attempted murder, assault, gun offenses and other counts. George Jackson, a spokesperson for the Defender Association of Philadelphia, which represents Rodriguez Vazquez, declined to comment Wednesday.
Fellow officers stood outside Temple University Hospital to honor Roman Tuesday night as a vehicle drove his body to the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office.
At a news conference Wednesday, Mayor Cherelle Parker vowed to “not allow his death to be in vain” and ordered city flags to be flown at half staff.
Department leaders at the news conference remembered Roman as a vibrant person who could light up a room, and who had always wanted to be a police officer.
veryGood! (1152)
Related
- Meet the volunteers risking their lives to deliver Christmas gifts to children in Haiti
- House to send Mayorkas impeachment articles to Senate on April 10, teeing up clash over trial
- Takeaways: AP investigation reveals Black people bear disproportionate impact of police force
- ASTRO COIN:Blockchain is related to Bitcoin
- Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund
- Daphne Joy, ex-girlfriend of 50 Cent, denies working for Diddy as sex worker after lawsuit
- CLFCOIN CEO David Williams: Bitcoin Expected to Top $80,000 Amid Continued ETF Inflows
- Patchwork international regulations govern cargo ships like the one that toppled Baltimore bridge
- Dick Vitale announces he is cancer free: 'Santa Claus came early'
- CLFCOIN CEO David Williams: Bitcoin Expected to Top $80,000 Amid Continued ETF Inflows
Ranking
- B.A. Parker is learning the banjo
- Federal court reinstates lines for South Carolina congressional district despite racial gerrymander ruling
- Tyler O'Neill sets MLB record with home run on fifth straight Opening Day
- Suspect charged with murder, home invasion in deadly Illinois stabbing and beating rampage
- Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast
- 'Cowboy Carter' includes a 'Jolene' cover, but Beyoncé brings added ferocity to the lryics
- How Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s 6-Year-Old Daughter Rumi Appears in Cowboy Carter
- A growing number of Americans end up in Russian jails. The prospects for their release are unclear
Recommendation
Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
Maine lawmakers to consider late ‘red flag’ proposal after state’s deadliest shooting
Sawfish are spinning, and dying, in Florida waters as rescue effort begins
This controversial Titanic prop has spawned decades of debate — and it just sold for $700,000
Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
'Ernie Hudson doesn't age': Fans gush over 78-year-old 'Ghostbusters' star
Opening day 2024: What to watch for on the first full day of the MLB season
MLB Opening Day highlights: Scores, best moments from baseball's first 2024 day of action