Man killed in police-involved shooting in South Philly

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - Police are investigating after a police-involved shooting in South Philadelphia left a man dead. Investigators and the feds tell FOX 29 that suspect had a long criminal history before Thursday's shooting.

24 hours after a violent shootout between police and a gun-toting suspect signs of the fire power that was unleashed were everywhere with over 50 shots fired--bullet-riddled cars and smashed windows could be found all along South 20th Street near Snyder.

Police now say it was 48-year-old Charles Meadows who opened fire on officers as they tried to stop him after noticing what appeared to be a gun under his shirt. Police say Meadows jumped off his bike and ran, then pulled out a .40 caliber Glock handgun and fired on officers.

"He had the gun. He fires and then the officers return fire," Philadelphia Police Captain Sekou Kinebrew said. "He fired we believe seven shots."

According to police, Meadows lives just a few blocks away at 19th and Moore. He has 20 prior arrests and was not supposed to be carrying a gun. Police say the Glock handgun Meadows used was recovered at the scene with six live rounds still in it.

"It doesn't appear that he was wanted--I guess he had a gun on him--maybe he wanted to evade arrest because he would have been arrested for firearms violation," Captain Kinebrew said.

The FBI also says Meadows just got out of federal prison last October for a parole violation after a lengthy sentence behind bars on drug charges dating back to 2003. Police say Thursday's shootout demonstrates once again the dangers officers face every day when they put on the uniform and head out on patrol.

"The streets can be tough, violent crime impacts everybody--impacts civilians, impacts police officers. We all have to work together to do something about this," Captain Kinebrew said.

Police say Meadows suffered gunshot wounds to his legs and groin. They're still not certain why he opened fire on the officers. Those officers remain on administrative leave pending the out come of the internal affairs and shooting team investigations. The district attorney will also review this case.