A gunman who shot and wounded six Philadelphia police officers trying to serve a drug warrant surrendered early Thursday morning following a tense hourslong standoff, authorities said.

About 15 popping sounds and billows of smoke were seen shortly after midnight, followed by shouted commands.

“Police, put your hands on your head and come out front," police yelled repeatedly through a bullhorn.

“Keep your hands up, keep your hands up, keep your hands up.”

Soon after, the command was, "Go on the ground, go on the ground.”

All six officers who were shot were transported to local hospitals but later released, Philadelphia police Sgt. Eric Gripp tweeted. Another officer was admitted for injuries "sustained in a vehicle crash related to the incident," Gripp said.

Two officers and three hostages who were trapped in the home with the suspect were freed by a SWAT team after 9:30 p.m. EDT.

"We are very, very lucky with six police officers shot in one incident ... It is nothing short of astounding that ... we didn't have more of a tragedy," Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross Jr. told reporters, describing the situation as "volatile."

Residents were lingering in the early evening around the perimeter of the crime scene, an area that is typically busy with shoppers, diners and people returning home from work.

“It’s like a war zone,” Marica Bing said.

“It’s really scary that this is going on in a regular residential area,” Asya Richardson added.

USA Today

BDST: 1106 HRS, AUG 15, 2019
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