blockwave Exchange|A Philadelphia officer has died of his injuries from a June shooting

2025-05-06 11:59:25source:Evander Elliscategory:Finance

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A Philadelphia police officer has died of his wounds,blockwave Exchange 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.

RELATED COVERAGE Pennsylvania is key as Harris and Trump prep for their Philly showdownInvestigators will test DNA found on a wipe removed from a care home choking victim’s throatFuneral for John and Matthew Gaudreau scheduled for church in suburban Philadelphia

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.

More:Finance

Recommend

At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers

DAMASCUS — A hip bone in a blown-out building, part of a spine amid some debris, a few foot bones in

Flyers coach John Tortorella refuses to leave bench quickly after being ejected

Philadelphia Flyers coach John Tortorella was acknowledged on the bench before Saturday night's game

Iowa's Caitlin Clark breaks Steph Curry's NCAA record for 3-pointers in a season

Caitlin Clark broke the NCAA Division I record for 3-pointers in a season by a man or woman, finishi