A pizza delivery man remains in the hospital several days after he was shot by two Philadelphia police officers that he may have thought were fake cops. Those officers told police investigators they believed the young man was about to run them down in his Ford Taurus.
"At this time it just appears to be unfortunate for both the officers and this person," said Deputy Police Commissioner Richard Ross on Wednesday, describing what police believe happened.
The victim, 20-year-old Philippe Holland, was delivering pizza for Slices and More Pizzeria and Grill in Upper Darby. It's his night job, according to his boss, Tony Spirokostas.
"He had two jobs. He had a day job at the airport; was going to school at Delaware County," said Spirokostas, who describes Holland as quiet, humble, respectful and hard-working.
Holland's delivery was near 51st Street and Willows Avenue in the Kingsessing section of the city, just before 10 p.m. on Tuesday night. At that same time, the two officers -- who were not in uniform -- came to the neighborhood after hearing gunshots.
"They responded to gunshots. They're surveying the area and they see this male walking with a hoodie," Ross said. "He's got his hands in his pocket and at that time, they order him to stop, and identify themselves."
Ross said police think it is possible that Holland did not hear the officers identify themselves, or that he may have thought they were fake cops.
"We believe, unfortunately, that he also is of the belief that he is being robbed," Ross said.
At that point, police say Holland got back in his car and started to back up.
"And at that time, he's in his vehicle and he proceeds toward them. They [the officers] believe they're being run over. And they fire their weapon," Ross said.
Holland was shot in the leg, the neck and the head. He remains in critical condition at the Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania.
The 12th District officers have been taken off the street, which is standard procedure, while their case is investigated by the Internal Affairs division of the Philadelphia Police Department.
"Unfortunately, it just appears like it's a set of circumstances that no one could have predicted and we're just hopeful that this male survives," Ross said.
In the Upper Darby neighborhood where Holland lives, neighbor Roy Taylor said he is praying that Holland returns home healthy and soon.
"It's awful. It's a shame. He's a great person. Good neighbor. Do anything for you," Taylor said. "When I heard, I just couldnt' believe it."