Police are searching for a suspect who allegedly shot an off-duty cop in the early morning hours Sunday.
After finishing a shift, Officer Robert Penn, 46, was shot as he returned to his home on the 7300 block of Brentwood Road in the Overbrook Park section of the city around 12:15 a.m., according to Deputy Commissioner Richard Ross.
A male approached Penn, who was in plain clothes at the time, as he exited his car in the driveway and muttered a few words before firing, according to officials.
Philadelphia Police Lieutenant John Stanford told NBC10 the bullet struck Penn in the right shoulder and exited through his back. He was rushed by police car to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Investigators brought three possible witnesses to HUP early Sunday morning, but the Officer was unable to provide any information as he was still sedated, according to reports.
However, shortly after noon on Sunday police told NBC10 Penn was alert and talking.
The witnesses described the suspect as a black male, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, and wearing all black clothing, according to authorities.
It is unknown what the suspect said before shooting Penn, according to officials. The motive is unknown, but police say it was not a robbery.
Shortly after the incident occurred, a huge police presence descended on the neighborhood and a helicopter flew overhead in an effort to locate the suspect. Detectives are now searching through Overbrook Park with a K-9 officer. They also spoke with Penn's wife.
Authorities ask anyone with information about the shooting to contact police.
Penn is a 24-year veteran on the force and a 19th District Officer, Ross said. He has two children and his wife is a Lieutenant with the Philadelphia Police Department.
Stay with NBC10 for more on this developing story.