Officer Dies Nearly 3 Months After Being Struck By Gunfire

Philadelphia police officer Jaime Roman has died after 80 days in intensive care following a shooting in the line of duty.

At a Glance

Officer Jaime Roman, 31, died almost three months after being shot in the neck during a traffic stop.
Roman leaves behind a wife, a 7-year-old daughter, and a 4-year-old son.
The shooting occurred on June 22 in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood.
The suspect, Ramon Rodriguez Vazquez, 36, now faces murder charges.
Mayor Cherelle Parker vows to honor Roman’s memory and not let his death be in vain.

Tragic End to Officer Roman’s Service

Philadelphia Police Officer Jaime Roman has succumbed to injuries sustained in the line of duty, passing away after spending 80 days in intensive care. The 31-year-old officer, who had served with the department for nearly seven years, never regained consciousness following the June 22 shooting in the city’s Kensington neighborhood. Roman leaves behind a wife and two young children, ages 7 and 4.

The incident unfolded when Officer Roman noticed an empty holster in a vehicle during a routine traffic stop. The suspect, Ramon Rodriguez Vazquez, 36, fled the scene, and during the ensuing chase, he allegedly fired three shots, striking Roman in the neck. Rodriguez Vazquez was apprehended after forcing his way into a nearby home.

A Philadelphia officer has died of his injuries from a June shooting https://t.co/aleWkyTxcc

— WPMT FOX43 (@fox43) September 12, 2024

Community Response and Legal Proceedings

Following Officer Roman’s passing, the Philadelphia Police Department and city officials have rallied to honor his memory and support his family. Fellow officers paid tribute outside Temple University Hospital as Roman’s body was transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office. Mayor Cherelle Parker ordered city flags to be flown at half-staff and made a solemn commitment to the fallen officer’s legacy.

The charges against Rodriguez Vazquez have been upgraded from attempted murder to murder. Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner expressed outrage and heartbreak over the incident, confirming the updated charges against the suspect.

Philadelphia’s Ongoing Battle with Violent Crime

Officer Roman’s death underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in Philadelphia, a city grappling with persistent violent crime. According to reports from earlier this year, Philadelphia is actually seeing some of its lowest crime rates in over 10 years. Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said in June that shootings were down by around 42%, with homicides down by 38%. Still, officials believe the fight isn’t over.

In light of this tragedy, the Philadelphia Police Department remains committed to protecting and serving residents, workers, and visitors.