Police ID man fatally shot by officer in Port Richmond

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - - An officer's electronic stun weapon failed to deploy as a knife-wielding man continued to approach him, prompting the officer to fire one gunshot last week in Port Richmond, police say.

Police released Monday those details from a preliminary investigation into Wednesday morning's deadly police-involved shooting on the 3500 block of Belgrade Street.

Killed was Justin Smith, of the 300 block of East 11th Street in North Wildwood, N.J., who police said earlier had run into a stranger's home while the resident was readying to take her granddaughter to school.

Firing the gunshot was on-duty 24th District Officer Curt McKee, a 16-year veteran, police said.

It was about 8:47 a.m. Wednesday when McKee responded to a radio call for a "fight on the highway." Police say civilians were pointing to the street and yelling "get him," and a woman on the block was pushing Smith out her front door, shouting, "Get out of my house!"

McKee saw Smith push past the woman and go inside, police say. The woman said she didn't know the man or give him permission to enter.

The officer followed inside and saw Smith near the kitchen counter with his right hand concealed behind his back.

Police say McKee drew his "Electronic Control Weapon (ECW)" and ordered Smith to show his hands several times, but he didn't comply. Smith allegedly advanced towards the officer, who in-turn activated his stun weapon, but police say it "failed to deploy."

When Smith continued advancing towards McKee, wielding a knife, McKee dropped his stun weapon, drew his firearm and shot once, striking Smith in his chest, police say.

Police took Smith to Temple Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 9:16 a.m.

A 7-inch-long black-handled steak knife was found at the scene, police said.

The woman and grandchild were not hurt, police say. An investigation into the shooting continues.