Man ambushes cop in patrol car in Philadelphia, pledges allegiance to Islamic State

A MAN who shot and injured a Philadelphia police officer in his patrol car pledged allegiance to Islamic State after his arrest.
Police said the 30-year-old suspect, identified as Edward Archer by local media, “tried to execute” Jesse Hartnett, 33, who was hit three times in the arm in the late night attack in West Philadelphia.
Despite being badly injured and bleeding heavily Hartnett was able to fire back, injuring the man in the buttocks as he tried to flee the scene.
Captain James Clark, homicide unit commander, said Archer told detective “he pledges allegiance to Islamic State,” the Philidelphia Enquirer reported.
“He confessed to committing this act in the name of Islam,” said Police Commissioner Richard Ross at a news conference.
Commissioner Ross said Archer “came out of nowhere” to fire 13 shots at Hartnett. He said it was “confounding and astonishing that he (Hartnett) was able to escape this”.
Hartnett was taken to hospital and treated for a broken arm. He has suffered significant nerve damage but his condition is not considered life threatening.
The officer, a veteran of five years on the force, returned fire and hit the suspect, who tried to flee on foot, but was quickly arrested.
Video stills of the attack show Archer dressed in a long white cloak similar to Islamic dress and wearing a mask over his face as he moves towards the patrol car firing. At one point he appears to reach into the vehicle.
“We have some video we captured of this. This is absolutely one of the scariest things I’ve ever seen,” said Commissioner Ross.
“This guy tried to execute the police officer. The police officer had no idea he was coming. It’s amazing he’s alive.”
According to the Enquirer Archer’s mother has indicated that he is mentally ill.
Commissioner Ross told the news conference Archer used a police gun stolen in October 2013 froman officer’s home.
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Point-blank range ... The masked man reaches into the patrol car. Picture: Philadelphia PoliceSource:AFP
Flees ... The suspect runs away. Picture: Philadelphia PoliceSource:AFP
Bravery ... Philadelphia Police Officer Jesse Hartnettsurvived the attack and is recovering in hospital. Picture: Philadelphia Police DepartmentSource:AP
Unprovoked attack ... A headshotof Edward Archer, 30, the suspect in the shooting.Picture: Mark MakelaSource:AFP
Evidence ... A gun sits by a marker on the street following the shootingin West Philadelphia. Picture: Joseph KaczmarekSource:AP
Assassinationattempt ... Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Rosssaid the suspect tried to execute the police officer. Picture: Mark Make