On This Day: PPD Officer Daniel Faulkner Killed in Line of Duty

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF)- On December 9 th , 34 years ago, Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Faulkner was gunned down during a traffic stop in Center City Philadelphia.

Officer Faulkner, 25, was on patrol early that morning, and had stopped a vehicle driving the wrong way down a one way street at 13 th and Locust Streets around 4:00 a.m.

During the stop, Officer Faulkner called for back-up and a police wagon to transport the driver.

While Faulkner's back was turned, the driver's brother, Mumia Abu-Jamal, ran toward the confrontation from a nearby parking lot.

Abu-Jamal, then opened fire on Officer Faulkner, who was able to return fire.

Officer Faulkner was struck several times, and was killed. Abu-Jamal was wounded by Faulkner's gun fire.

Trial testimony later revealed that a .38-caliber revolver registered to Abu-Jamal was found at the scene with five spent shell casings.

Abu-Jamal, a member of the Black Panther Party, was sentenced to life in prison following the high profile case, but later his sentence was later reduced to life in prison without parole.

Officer Faulkner was a 5-year veteran of the force, and was survived by his wife, Maureen.