Wild Roosevelt Blvd. driver dies after scuffle with cops
A motorist led police on a wild ride on Roosevelt Boulevard yesterday, then struggled with an officer who had pulled him over before collapsing and being rushed to a hospital, where he died.
A motorist led police on a wild ride on Roosevelt Boulevard yesterday, then struggled with an officer who had pulled him over before collapsing and being rushed to a hospital, where he died.
Police said shortly after 5 p.m., that an officer from the 2nd District, Harbison Avenue and Levick Street, had noticed a vehicle being driven erratically near the Roosevelt Mall on Cottman Avenue, in the Northeast.
Police said the driver swerved in and out of lanes, and drove over several concrete medians before the officer stopped him on the Boulevard near Foulkrod Street.
As the officer approached the vehicle, the driver - who police described as "a large individual in his 60s" - emerged from the car, charged at the cop and a struggle ensued, said spokesman Lt. Frank Vanore.
"Once the individual was pulled over he started acting out of control and became combative," Vanore said.
A retired police lieutenant, who was nearby, helped the officer subdue the man.
A short time later, police said that the man appeared to be in "distress" and paramedics were called. He died a short time later at Frankford Hospital-Torresdale, said Vanore. The officer was treated for minor injuries and released. The retired police officer was not injured. *
