Police: Man shot by officer in West Philadelphia was wielding steak knife

WEST PHILADELPHIA (FOX 29) - Philadelphia police have released more information about an officer-involved shooting that left a man in critical condition Wednesday.

At 6:50 p.m. March 6, two uniformed officers responded to a radio call for a person with a weapon and report of a stabbing on the 4900 block of Hazel Avenue.

When the officers arrived at the scene, they saw a 25-year-old Kaleb Belay emerge from behind a large bush in front of a home. Police say the Belay was holding a steak knife, approximately 5 inches long, in his left hand.

Once the officers spotted the knife, investigators say they drew their firearms and ordered Belay to drop the knife several times as they backed away.

MORE: Officer shoots man with knife in West Philadelphia, police say

According to police, Belay did not comply with the officers' commands and continued to advance towards them, with the knife still in hand.

One of the officers then opened fire, striking Belay in the chest. He was taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center where he is listed in critical condition.

The blank handled steak knife was recovered at the scene, but police did not locate a stabbing victim.

Monday morning, police announced Belay had been charged with aggravated assault, simple assault and possessing an instrument of crime.

The investigation is ongoing.