Officer and gunman wounded in shootout

A Philadelphia police officer and a suspected gunman were wounded during a shootout in West Philadelphia Thursday night.

The officer, 19th district bicycle patrol officer Daniel Kostick was investigating a van he believed was involved in drug activity, according to WPVI reports.

The van made a u-turn and fled the area. Kostick caught up with the van near 51st and Master.

Deputy Police Commissioner Richard Ross told reporters that the gunman said “I don’t want to have to do this.” He then fired a weapon.

Kostick returned fire. He was struck in the right arm.

The gunman was found in a nearby alley, also suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center where he was listed in stable condition.

Kostick is an eight-year veteran of the force. He is a married father of two.

Ross told reporters that the wounded officer is “in good spirits.” The wounded gunman was taken to Hahnemann University Hospital.

NBC10 reports that a second suspect was taken into custody overnight.