Philadelphia Officer Injured in School Fight Shooting Incident

Police officers respond to a disturbance outside Overbrook High School.

News Summary

A Philadelphia police officer was shot while breaking up a large fight outside Overbrook High School on May 7, 2025. The officer, a rookie, was hit in the stomach by a stray bullet from a firearm brandished by a suspect. He underwent surgery and is expected to survive. The incident led to the cancellation of after-school programs, with community leaders urging an end to the violence. The shooter faces multiple charges, while discussions on improving school safety continue.

Philadelphia Police Officer Shot During Large Fight Outside Overbrook High School

A Philadelphia police officer was shot on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, while trying to break up a fight that broke out outside Overbrook High School. The officer, a 26-year-old rookie on the force for just over a year, was injured around 2:40 p.m. when disturbances escalated following school dismissal.

The incident occurred near the intersection of N. 59th Street and Columbia Avenue, where multiple fights erupted among students and community members. In response to the growing violence, officers on site called for backup to manage the situation.

During the altercation, 30-year-old Dachan Seay arrived brandishing a Ruger-57 semi-automatic pistol. According to reports, Seay fired the weapon into the ground, resulting in a ricochet that struck the officer under his ballistic vest. The officer was hit once in the stomach but did not immediately realize he had been shot.

After being injured, the officer was transported to Penn Presbyterian Hospital. Surgery was performed on Wednesday night, and as of Thursday morning, he was out of surgery and recovering. Medical personnel indicated that he was conscious and expected to survive his injuries.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel expressed concern regarding the involvement of adults in the fights, stating that they should be prioritizing de-escalation rather than contributing to the violence. Fortunately, no students or bystanders were reported injured during the incident.

In light of the shooting, the Streets Department announced the cancellation of all after-school programming at Overbrook High School. Mayor Cherelle Parker encouraged the community to pray for the recovery of the wounded officer and all first responders involved in the situation.

The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5 also extended best wishes for the officer’s recovery, reaffirming the support of the community for its law enforcement personnel.

Seay has been charged with multiple offenses, including aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and reckless endangerment. No police officers discharged their weapons during this incident. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting is currently ongoing.

This shooting represents the sixth police-involved shooting in Philadelphia for 2025, a concerning trend as city officials work to strengthen community safety and improve responses to violence.

This incident highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining public peace, especially in environments surrounding schools. The community continues to mourn the risks faced by law enforcement while advocating for strategies aimed at reducing youth violence and fostering safer neighborhood interactions.