RIOTERS in Philadelphia have spiralled out of control after video footage emerged of an officer being run over as the police clashed with protestors.
Rioters had set fire to cars and looted multiple stores late Monday night following mass protests after a deadly police shooting in Philadelphia.
Officials are now responding to reports of rioting, vandalism and looting in West Philadelphia following the deadly police shooting which took place in the city’s Cobbs Creek neighbourhood.
Police also said crowds set fire to cars and dumpsters and looted multiple stores late Monday night along 52nd and Chestnut street.
Earlier in the night, protesters gathered outside the 18th District police headquarters as the University of Penn Police headquarters.
During the protest, at least four officers were hospitalized after they were struck by bricks, investigators told NBC.
There were also reports of vandalism, including spray-paint and smashed windows, at the Penn police station.
The protests occurred hours after 27-year-old Walter Wallace was shot and killed by two Philadelphia police officers in Cobbs Creek.
Investigators said Wallace was armed with a knife when he approached the officers and ignored them when they told him to drop the weapon.
Video from a witness showed Wallace walking toward the officers as a woman, believed to be his mother, tried to restrain him.
It’s unclear in the video however whether or not Wallace is holding a weapon.
Wallace was taken to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead.
At least a dozen evidence markers were found at the scene.
Witnesses and neighbours told ABC6 that they want to know why less-lethal force wasn’t used.
Police spokesperson Sgt. Eric Gripp told the Philadelphia Inquirer that officers ordered Wallace to drop the weapon, and he “advanced towards the officers” Gripp said investigators are reviewing footage of what happened; both officers were wearing body cameras.
Gripp said it was unclear how many times the man was shot or where in his body he was struck.
A second group of protestors also marched into University City where one news vehicle was allegedly vandalised.
Wallace’s father, Walter Wallace Sr. later spoke to the media where he revealed his son had been suffering from mental health problems
He said: “Why didn’t they use a taser? His mother was trying to diffuse the situation.”
The mayor of the city, Jim Kennedy also released a statement on Monday night.
He said: “My prayers are with the family and friends of Walter Wallace.
“I have watched the video of this tragic incident and it presents difficult questions that must be answered.
