Sources: Suspect Confesses To Shooting Officer, Says He Did It In the Name Of Islam. What would have happened if the officer was unarmed? How will Obama get the guns out of these people's hands?

Sources: Suspect Confesses To Shooting Officer, Says He Did It In the Name Of Islam

January 8, 2016 8:59 AM By Justin Finch

Filed Under: shooting

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Authorities say a Philadelphia police officer is recovering after he was shot several times during an ambush late Thursday night in West Philadelphia.

Philadelphia police commissioner Richard Ross says the officer was sitting in his patrol car around 11:30 p.m. at 60th and Spruce Streets when a gunman fired 13 shots through the driver’s side of the car.

(DISCLAIMER: Graphic photo below) 

Photo released of suspect aiming at officer at point blank range. (credit: Real Time Crime Police Camera)

The officer — 33-year-old Jesse Hartnett — was struck three times in his arm, authorities say.

“Shots fired! I’m shot! I’m bleeding heavily!” Hartnett can be heard yelling on police radio.

Sources tell Eyewitness News the suspect has given a full confession, saying he did it in the name of Islam.

“When you look at the video, this is one of the scariest things I’ve ever seen,” Commissioner Ross said. “This guy tried to execute the police officer. The police officer had no idea he was coming. It’s amazing he’s alive.”

Hartnett was taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center where he underwent surgery for a broken arm. Ross says the officer’s arm suffered significant damage and that he has a long road to recovery, but he is expected to be okay.

“Fortunately he’s awake, he’s coherent.”

Hartnett returned fire and struck the 30-year-old suspect at least three times. The suspect tried to escape on foot, authorities say, but was quickly caught and taken to the hospital.

There’s no word on his name or condition at this time.

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf released the following statement: ‘We are thankful that Officer Hartnett is alive and not facing life-threatening injuries after being ambushed. We wish him and his family the best during his recovery. This alleged intentional act of violence against an officer seeking to help a fellow citizen is horrifying and has no place in Pennsylvania.’

Hartnett is an 18th district officer with five years on the force.

The FBI is now assisting in the investigation.