April 19, 2016
Source/Philadelphia Police Department
Arrested in the shooting of Philadelphia police Officer James McCullough was Scott Griffin, 23, left. Samir Coyett, 20, right, also was arrested in connection with the same incident.
The 23-year-old man who investigators say shot a Philadelphia police officer in the leg Sunday night has a lengthy criminal history that includes narcotics, firearms and theft charges.
Scott Griffin was one of two suspected carjackers to flee from a vehicle after it was approached by Philadelphia Police Officer James McCullough in West Philadelphia.
Philadelphia police Officer James McCullough remains hospitalized on Monday, officials said.Griffin also was identified as the alleged gunman who fired the shot that struck McCullough, 24, in the thigh as he pursued the suspects, Philadelphia Police Captain James Clark said during a press conference Monday afternoon.
Source/Philadelphia Police Department
Charges against the suspect were still pending Monday.
Clark noted during the press conference that Griffin's criminal record included 14 prior arrests. The captain also identified 20-year-old Samir Coyett as the second suspected carjacker.
Coyett was arrested Sunday not far from where he fled from the stolen vehicle, Clark said.
UPDATE: On Tuesday, the Philadelphia District Attorney's office announced Coyett had been charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and related offenses for the events leading to the McCullough shooting.
In three cases against Coyett, all stemming from incidents Sunday, bail has been set at total of 10 percent of $1 million, according to court documents.
After being shot, McCullough returned fire but did not strike Griffin or Coyett, Clark said.
“The officer did an absolutely outstanding job,” Clark said of McCullough. “It obviously could have been a lot worse, and we are very happy it was not a much more serious injury to the police officer.”
“Police officers never know from one encounter to the next what will be in front of them," Ross said. "It can be a very dangerous job.”
The shooting occurred near 59th and Market streets in the 18th District.
Clark said McCullough and his partner were flagged down Sunday night by a woman who told them that two men were breaking into her car.
As the officers approached the woman's vehicle, Griffin and Coyett exited and fled. During the chase, Griffin allegedly fired at McCullough, and after being struck McCullough returned fire, Clark said.
McCullough was taken to Presbyterian Hospital to be treated for his injuries.
Coyett was arrested near 60th and Market streets, about a block from where the chase began. Clark said he was subdued by a group of people, which included a man who Griffin and Coyett allegedly had robbed earlier Sunday night.
