Current:Home > MyA Philadelphia officer has died of his injuries from a June shooting -Visionary Growth Labs
A Philadelphia officer has died of his injuries from a June shooting
View
Date:2025-04-14 15:45:59
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A Philadelphia police officer has died of his wounds, 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.
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.
veryGood! (18)
Related
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- Bob Knight: 'He never really let the world see the good side.' But it was there.
- 2023 NYC Marathon: Ethiopia's Tamirat Tola breaks record in men's pro race
- Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom's Daughter Daisy Dove Is in Full Bloom at Her First Public Appearance
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Sheryl Crow's Sons Look All Grown Up During Rare Red Carpet Outing With Mom
- Estonia will allow Taiwan to establish a nondiplomatic representative office in a policy revision
- Birmingham-Southern College leader confident school can complete academic year despite money woes
- US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
- Mahomes throws 2 TDs and Chiefs hang on to beat Dolphins 21-14 in Germany
Ranking
- Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
- This winning coach is worth the wait for USWNT, even if it puts Paris Olympics at risk
- Below Deck's Captain Jason Shares Update on 2 Fired Crewmembers After Sexual Misconduct Scandal
- Horoscopes Today, November 3, 2023
- North Carolina trustees approve Bill Belichick’s deal ahead of introductory news conference
- Forever Missing Matthew Perry: Here Are the Best Chandler Bing Episodes of Friends
- AP Top 25: USC drops out for first time under Lincoln Riley; Oklahoma State vaults in to No. 15
- What young athletes can learn from the late Frank Howard – and not Bob Knight
Recommendation
Paige Bueckers vs. Hannah Hidalgo highlights women's basketball games to watch
What young athletes can learn from the late Frank Howard – and not Bob Knight
Comedian Taylor Tomlinson to host new CBS late-night show After Midnight. Here's what to know about her.
AP Top 25 Takeaways: Separation weekend in Big 12, SEC becomes survive-and-advance day around nation
DeepSeek: Did a little known Chinese startup cause a 'Sputnik moment' for AI?
Virginia school board elections face a pivotal moment as a cozy corner of democracy turns toxic
Iranians mark the anniversary of the 1979 US embassy takeover while calling for a ceasefire in Gaza
Proof Nick Carter’s Love of Fatherhood Is Larger Than Life