Police release names of officers involved in shooting of attempted murder suspect

Philadelphia police, on Monday, released the names of four of the police officers involved in last week’s shooting of a man who allegedly aimed a gun at police officers while he was being sought for an attempted murder.

Law enforcement officials said four police officers were involved in the Thursday, July 19, shooting of attempted murder suspect Jose LeBron, 37, of Kensington.

There were also three SEPTA officers involved in the shooting as well, police said.

According to police, the shooting happened after 7:33 p.m. on Thursday, when officers responded to a call of a shooting along the 400 block of East Somerset Street. Officers arriving on the scene found a 48-year-old woman suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck and, police said, she was transported to Temple University Hospital in critical condition.

Shortly after officers arrived, police said, LeBron exited a home along the block while holding a firearm. In a confrontation with officers, law enforcement officials said, LeBron “was alternately pointing the firearm at his head and pointing it at officers arriving on the shooting scene.”

When he didn’t respond to demands to drop his weapon – as could be seen in body-cam footage of the incident – police opened fire, striking LeBron in his right shoulder and both legs. He was taken to Temple University Hospital, where police said he was listed in stable condition.

LeBron has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, gun violations and related charges. Also, police said that his firearm was recovered at the scene and no officers or bystanders were injured in the shooting. 

The police department identified the officers involved in this incident as Harry Taylor, a 19-year veteran assigned to the 8th District, Brian Mitchell, a 10-year veteran assigned to the 24th District, Anthony Nicoletti, a four-year veteran assigned to the 25th District, and Francis Rafferty, a 19-year veteran assigned to the 8th District.

The three SEPTA police officers involved in the incident are also all on administrative duty, officials said. They are Peter Sieron, a seven-year veteran of the SEPTA Transit Police Department, Timothy Butler, another seven-year veteran, and Kevin Dougherty, a one-year veteran of the force.