A 30-year-old man has been charged with shooting a Philadelphia police officer who was responding to fights outside Overbrook High School, leaving the rookie officer critically injured from a ricocheted bullet.
At a Glance
- Dachan Seay, 30, is charged with shooting a Philadelphia police officer during multiple fights near Overbrook High School
- The 26-year-old officer, a 2024 police academy graduate, was struck under his bulletproof vest by a ricocheted bullet
- Charges include aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, illegal gun possession, and prosecutors are requesting $5 million bail
- The officer underwent surgery and is now recovering; this is the sixth police-involved shooting in Philadelphia in 2025
- Seay has a previous criminal record including aggravated assault and retail theft
Adult Suspect Charged in Officer Shooting
Dachan Seay faces serious charges including aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and illegal gun possession after allegedly shooting a Philadelphia police officer near Overbrook High School on Wednesday. The incident occurred around 2:45 p.m. when officers responded to multiple fights breaking out during school dismissal. According to authorities, Seay fired a Ruger-57 handgun, and a ricocheted bullet struck a 26-year-old officer under his bulletproof vest, causing critical injuries that required immediate surgery.
Prosecutors are now seeking $5 million bail for Seay, who has a previous criminal record that includes aggravated assault and retail theft. The officer, whose identity has not been publicly released, is now alert and recovering after emergency surgery. This marks the second time this year that a Philadelphia police officer has been injured in the line of duty, and the sixth police-involved shooting overall in 2025. No officers fired their weapons during the incident, and no other injuries were reported.
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Rookie Officer’s Recovery
The wounded officer is new to the force, having graduated from the police academy just this year. Reports indicate he was unaware he had been shot initially, only discovering his injury after the chaotic scene had been contained. Cell phone video captured the moment gunfire erupted around 2:40 p.m., showing the confusion and panic that ensued. The officer was transported to Penn Presbyterian Hospital where surgeons worked to treat his stomach wound from the ricocheted bullet.
“I’m asking you to say a prayer for this officer and his family, as well as everyone who puts on that uniform to protect and serve Philadelphia,” said Mayor Cherelle Parker
The incident has highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement, particularly for newer officers. City officials have rallied around the injured policeman, with Mayor Cherelle Parker asking the community for prayers and support. The Philadelphia Police Department is providing additional resources and counseling to fellow officers affected by the incident, especially those who responded to the scene and assisted their wounded colleague.
Officials Condemn Adult Involvement
Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel expressed particular frustration about adults participating in and escalating school fights rather than helping to defuse the situations. The commissioner’s comments highlighted the responsibility of adults to model appropriate behavior for young people, especially in potentially volatile situations like school dismissals. Investigators believe Seay was called to the scene by a student involved in the confrontation, further complicating the already tense situation.
“You’re a damn adult. You’re supposed to know better. You’re supposed to be the one who has to come in here to de-escalate, not escalate,” Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said.
Authorities also reported that a teenager was apprehended in connection with the incident, though details about their involvement have not been released. Overbrook High School administrators are cooperating fully with the police investigation and have increased security measures during dismissal times. The school has also brought in emergency crisis counselors to support students affected by the violence and is promoting non-violent conflict resolution strategies throughout the student body.
Legal Consequences and Community Response
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner has made it clear that his office intends to prosecute Seay to the fullest extent of the law. The charges against Seay include not only the assault on the officer but also reckless endangerment of the numerous students and bystanders present during the shooting. The severity of the charges reflects both the injury to the officer and the potential for much greater harm in such a crowded environment near a school.
According to the Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner: “While this investigation remains open, I want to stress that my office will hold this suspect justly and appropriately accountable for his outrageous actions.”
The shooting has sparked renewed discussions about school safety and community-police relations in Philadelphia. Local community organizations are working with school officials to develop better strategies for managing dismissal times and preventing fights from escalating. Parents and community members have expressed both concern over the violence and gratitude for the quick response of officers who risked their lives to protect students during the chaotic scene.
