PHILADELPHIA — Authorities say an off-duty police officer is facing charges after his car went out of control and crashed into a northeast Philadelphia home, hitting two residents and critically injuring one of them.
Police say the car was heading north on Caroline Road near the Northeast Philadelphia Airport when it went airborne and crashed into the home at about 8:20 p.m. Saturday.
Police say the car went through the property, leaving a 53-year-old woman trapped under the vehicle and unconscious. She was taken to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital in critical condition. A 45-year-old man was injured on his right side and back. Two dogs were also struck.
A 27-year-old off-duty Philadelphia police officer driving drunk went airborne, plowed into a house, pinned a woman under his car and left her critically injured, police said. https://t.co/wyKxP0XEMN pic.twitter.com/S72mR2pCJM
— NBC10 Philadelphia (@NBCPhiladelphia) February 7, 2021
Police say 27-year-old Gregory Campbell, an officer with the 14th district, was also taken to the hospital for treatment of a laceration to the head. Officials say he is facing charge of aggravated assault, driving under the influence and related offenses.
Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw called the involvement of a police officer in such a case “appalling.”
“A family should always feel safe in their home, and yet the actions of this individual shattered that reality,” Outlaw said. “… Police officers must be held to a higher standard — even while off-duty — and I assure the victims and the public that a complete and thorough investigation will take place. My prayers remain with this family.”
President John McNesby of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 released a statement Sunday but didn’t immediately comment on whether the union would be representing the officer.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victim’s family and hope those injured will make a full recovery,” McNesby said. “This is an unfortunate incident and we continue to monitor the investigation.”
