Police: Driver of stolen U-Haul injures officer in North Philadelphia

Police apprehended a man who they say struck and injured an officer with a stolen U-Haul truck in North Philadelphia on Saturday night. The intense manhunt included the use of heat-detecting technology.

Two Highway Patrol officers stopped the driver at 7:22 p.m. Saturday near Sedgley Street and Ridge Avenue after determining that the truck was stolen. The driver ignored their commands and struck one of the officers, pinning her between the truck and a patrol vehicle, police said.

He then got out and ran through a shopping center, while the trapped officer radioed the direction the suspect was going. Her partner hopped into the U-Haul and backed it up to free her.

Police responded to the area with a helicopter and K-9 unit, locating the man’s jacket stuck on barbed wire near a bridge at 2800 Ridge. The chopper picked up his heat signature beneath the bridge, and he was taken into custody.

The injured officer was transported to Temple University Hospital for treatment to her pelvic area, right thigh, and right knee. She was expected to be released, but her condition was unknown Sunday, according to Sgt. Eric Gripp, a police spokesperson.

The identity of the 24-year-old suspect has not been disclosed.