Shots Fired At Philadelphia Police During Chase: Authorities

PHILADELPHIA — Authorities in Philadelphia said two men have been charged with shooting at police and for drug crimes.

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel Monday announced the arrest and charging of Nathaniel Smith, 30, and Khalil Flowers, 35.

Smith is charged with three counts of assault of a law enforcement officer, three counts of aggravated assault, three counts of recklessly endangering another person, three counts of simple assault, possession with intent to distribute, firearm violations and more.

Flowers is charged with recklessly endangering another person, possession with intent to distribute, and related crimes.

The charges stem from a Friday night incident on the 5400 block of Morse Street.

Authorities said Philadelphia police officers in an unmarked vehicle saw a vehicle driving erratically, including moving the wrong way up a one-way street and driving through a stop sign, near the 5400 block of Morse Street. Investigators later learned Smith and Flowers were in the vehicle.

The vehicle sped off, and Smith, in the passenger seat, pulled out a gun and shot at the officers as they chased the vehicle, according to authorities.

The vehicle was forced to stop eventually, but Smith and Flowers ran off, authorities said.

After a short foot pursuit by officers, Smith and Flowers were taken into custody.

Investigators obtained a search warrant for the vehicle, and during the search they found a "significant quantity" of packaged narcotics, including crack cocaine and marijuana, a 9mm firearm, and fired cartridge casings connected to the shooting.

Smith is being held on over $1 million bail and Flowers on $500,000 bail. Smith and Flowers have a preliminary hearing scheduled for Aug. 13.

A third suspect remains at large. Anyone who has information on the third suspect should contact Philadelphia Police at 215-686-8477.