A Philadelphia police officer has succumbed to his injuries nearly three months after being shot in the neck during a traffic stop, city officials announced.
Officer Jaime Roman, 31, passed away Tuesday night after spending 80 days in intensive care without regaining consciousness. He is survived by his wife, a 7-year-old daughter, and a 4-year-old son. Roman had served with the department for almost seven years.
In a statement released Wednesday, the department explained that the incident occurred on June 22 in the city’s Kensington neighborhood. Roman had stopped a vehicle and noticed an empty holster on the floor while the driver, Ramon Rodriguez Vazquez, 36, was removing personal belongings.
Rodriguez Vazquez fled on foot, prompting Roman and his partner to pursue him. According to police, Rodriguez Vazquez then turned and fired three shots, striking Roman.
Rodriguez Vazquez was apprehended after forcing his way into a nearby home.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel confirmed that murder charges will be brought against Rodriguez Vazquez. He had previously been charged with attempted murder, assault, firearms offenses, and other crimes. The Defender Association of Philadelphia, representing Rodriguez Vazquez, declined to comment.
On Tuesday night, fellow officers gathered outside Temple University Hospital to pay tribute to Roman as his body was transported to the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office.
During a Wednesday press conference, Mayor Cherelle Parker promised that Roman’s death would not be in vain and ordered city flags to be flown at half-staff in his honor.
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Police officials remembered Roman as a lively and warm individual who had always dreamed of becoming an officer.
