Philadelphia police are investigating after an off-duty officer fired shots at suspects who allegedly stole his car early Monday morning in the Eastwick section of the city, sources said.
Crime scene investigators have taped off an area at South 70th Street and Waxming Place, near Lindbergh Avenue.
The suspects allegedly broke into a Dodge Charger belonging to the off-duty officer shortly after 3 a.m. Monday, sources said.
The suspects apparently pushed the vehicle around the block and then attempted to start it, according to sources.
At some point, the off-duty officer encountered the suspects at South 70th Street and Waxming Place and fired several shots.
At least five shots were discharged along 70th Street, where investigators have drawn chalk circles around each shell casing.
The suspects failed to steal the Charger and fled in a stolen vehicle, sources said.
Police have not said where the Charger was initially stolen from. It remains unclear how the off-duty officer became aware of the theft.
Investigators believe the suspects escaped in a red Lexus ES 350, which had been reported stolen, according to officials.
The officer was not injured.