Why We Should Have a "DeCoatsworth" Award for Ballsy Policework

Hero Police Officer Fires At Suspects
Police: Men On Motorcycle Tried To Run Him Down

PHILADELPHIA - A decorated Philadelphia police officer, once wounded in the line of duty, fired his gun at suspects in the city's Kensington section, authorities say.

It happened around 8:38 p.m. Tuesday on the 2000 block of E. Haggert Street.

Police said two males on a motorcycle tried to run down Officer Richard DeCoatsworth during a pursuit.

Police said DeCoatsworth fired one shot, hitting one of the suspects in the leg. The male was transported to Hahnemann University Hospital in serious condition.

Police said the second suspect, who tried to get away, was caught hiding out at his mother's house and is now in custody.

DeCoatsworth had garnered public attention when he was hit in the face by a shotgun blast during a car stop in October 2007.

He made news again in April when a man lunged for DeCoatsworth's gun and it went off during a struggle, wounding the man. The man ran off and was fatally shot by other officers in another confrontation.

DeCoatsworth has also received the Philadelphia Police Department's Medal of Valor Award.

The officer will be off the street while Tuesday night's shooting is investigated, per police department policy.