Philadelphia Police have postponed the funeral of decorated Corporal James O’Connor Monday over COVID-19 precautions, citing guidance by health authorities, Your Content can report.
‘The funeral services for Sergeant James O’Connor IV are postponed at this time, due to COVID-19 precautions, as directed by health authorities,’ a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Police Department said. ‘The date and time of the rescheduled services will be reevaluate in two weeks.’
Cpl. O’Connor – joined by members of the Homicide Fugitive Squad and the SWAT Unit – executed an arrest warrant at a property on the 1600 block of Bridge Street just before 6 a.m. Friday.
The warrants pertained to a homicide, which occurred on Mar. 1, 2019 on the 5300 block of Duffield Street. Officers entered the property, and were met by gunfire through a closed door on the second floor.
Cpl. O’Connor was struck near the left shoulder blade area and the left forearm. Officer Patrick Saba – also assigned to the SWAT Unit – returned fire through the door, striking two male occupants.
Cpl. O’Connor was transported to Temple Hospital, and pronounced deceased at 6:09am. The two male occupants were transported to Einstein and Jefferson Hospitals, and listed in stable condition.
The two miscreants — Hassan Elliott and Khalif Sears — have being charged with homicide, weapons offenses, and related charges pertaining to the 2019 homicide. The Officer-Involved Shooting Investigations Unit will continue their investigation.
Cpl. O’Connor was 46- years-old, a 23-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department, and was assigned to SWAT for 15 years. He was married, and has two children. His son is a Philadelphia Police Officer. His daughter serves in the United States Air Force.
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