NICETOWN-TIOGA — The dangerous situation in this area of North Philadelphia, centered a block from Broad Street, ended with the suspect surrendering peacefully at about midnight.
The trouble started at about 4:30pm Wednesday. Philadelphia police officers tried to serve a narcotics warrant, according to Commissioner Richard Ross.
They entered the house. When they were in the kitchen, near the back, shots started ringing out. It was an ambush.

Officers returned fire and most escaped, even through windows, except for two. They were trapped inside the home for hours, until the SWAT team got them out.
Six Philadelphia police officers were shot. Three others were injured. Wednesday night, all were released from Temple Hospital and Einstein Medical Center. The fact none of them were killed was a miracle, according to Commissioner Ross.
Shots rang out for hours, as afternoon turned into evening and then night, as police tried to get the man inside to surrender. Crowds gathered and police tried to keep them a safe distance away, along with members of the media.
Darkness and rain both played a role in the drama. There was a flash flood warning in effect from the evening until 12:15am.
National Weather Service, 8:07pm Flash flood warning, 10:07pm
The suspect has been identified as Maurice Hill, either 34 or 36 years old, but with a long criminal record regardless.
- The war on guns, from Philadelphia to the feds Aug. 9, 2019
- See the 6 police officers shot in the line of duty Aug. 16, 2019
- Police shooting suspect facing charges over Wednesday standoff, drugs Aug. 17, 2019
This is a reverse timeline, with the latest information at the top. Look at the time at the bottom of the tweets.
Finally some resolution to an increasingly stressful and scary few hours. Thank you to the @PhillyPolice for ending this without additional injury. https://t.co/kIsgHeHfiP
— Rep Malcolm Kenyatta (@RepKenyatta) August 15, 2019
UPDATE: Suspect is in custody. SWAT is still clearing the house
— Eric Gripp (@PPDEricGripp) August 15, 2019
On Thursday’s @PhillyInquirer front page, six police officers are shot in a Tioga gun battle. Thankfully, none suffered life-threatening injuries. Read the latest here: https://t.co/1O3OtwsrtF pic.twitter.com/18zXXB7sDJ
— Brian Leighton (@phillyleighton) August 15, 2019
Tonight’s events are what tear at the fabric of our Commonwealth.
— AG Josh Shapiro (@PAAttorneyGen) August 15, 2019
We are indebted to the men and women who stand on the front lines protecting our cities, towns and neighborhoods — those who run towards danger when instinct tells you to run away.
Police sources identified the shooter in a standoff at a Nicetown apartment building that left six police officers injured as Maurice Hill, 36 — a Philadelphia man with a lengthy history of gun convictions and of resisting attempts to bring him to justice. https://t.co/pWxf7kAuGf
— The Philadelphia Inquirer (@PhillyInquirer) August 15, 2019
Crowd taunts Philadelphia police officers, laugh at them in midst of gunfire during standoff with gunman in Nicetown-Tioga. @AlexandriaHoff has the details. https://t.co/Xvcy4IfQZJ
— CBS Philly (@CBSPhilly) August 15, 2019
“They don’t deserve to be shot at by a guy for four hours with an unlimited supply of weapons and an unlimited supply of bullets. It’s disgusting and we’ve got to do something about it.” — @PhillyMayor Jim Kenney says of police shooting.
— NBC10 Philadelphia (@NBCPhiladelphia) August 15, 2019
Latest: https://t.co/DtbqPnggnd pic.twitter.com/s3lNxjLUcl
@PhillyPolice and FOP president John McNesby can’t remember the last time this many officers were shot in one incident. McNesby said it had been decades, even referencing #MOVE. @6abc
— Christie Ileto (@Christie_Ileto) August 15, 2019
**Update** Commissioner Ross with @PhillyPolice says suspect is now is understanding that it is to his benefit that he surrender peacefully but says they can’t guarantee the suspect will do that. pic.twitter.com/f1gPOmZr6J
— Dan Patrick (@6abcDan) August 15, 2019
All of the injured officers have been discharged per @PhillyPolice
— Christie Ileto (@Christie_Ileto) August 15, 2019
Breaking: UPDATE. @PhillyPolice Commissioner Ross “it’s not completely resolved”. Two officers and three civilians out”. “We’ve gone from a hostage situation to a barricade.” @FOX29philly
— Steve Keeley (@KeeleyFox29) August 15, 2019
UPDATE: Shortly before 9:25 p.m., two Philadelphia Police officers who were still inside the home with the gunman were safely evacuated. Latest: https://t.co/lf7gJ5MAZ2 pic.twitter.com/dOiiCo595d
— The Philadelphia Inquirer (@PhillyInquirer) August 15, 2019
“It’s really scary,” Witnesses describe the scene as gunfire erupted in North Philadelphia around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. 6 officers were hit by gunfire. https://t.co/gPPkNYogyh
— NBC10 Philadelphia (@NBCPhiladelphia) August 15, 2019
Rte 16,23,53,56,H,XH: These routes are expected to be detoured through the evening due to police activity in the area. Visit System Status for more information. https://system%20status/
— SEPTA (@SEPTA) August 15, 2019
Frances and I are deeply troubled by another mass shooting in PA.
— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) August 15, 2019
Our thoughts are with the injured officers and their families, @PhillyPolice, and all Philadelphians, including residents of these neighborhoods. https://t.co/VGfVB9xDb0
Eric Gripp is a Philadelphia police sergeant.
Update: 2 PPD Officers who were in house with shooter have been safely evacuated by PPD SWAT. Suspect is still armed and inside house. Continue to avoid the area.
— Eric Gripp (@PPDEricGripp) August 15, 2019
Statement from @PHLCouncil President @Darrell_Clarke on today’s events in #Nicetown. https://t.co/zEJ2l4c3Wp
— PHLCouncil (@PHLCouncil) August 15, 2019
Situation remains active: The suspect remains barricaded as PPD Officers continue to attempt to communicate with him
— Eric Gripp (@PPDEricGripp) August 15, 2019
Active Shooter situation is still on going in Philadelphia. Prayers to all of our officers who were injured. 2nd Alarmers are at Temple Hospital as well as Broad St providing food & drink for all responders.@PhillyFireDept @PhillyPolice @FOPLodge5 pic.twitter.com/z3Ilch2lFr
— 2ND ALARMERS (@PHILASACHIEF) August 15, 2019
from a state representative:
I’m heartbroken as I follow the situation unfolding in the Nicetown – Tioga section of North Philly. It’s unconscionable that Philadelphians are under the constant threat of senseless gun violence. https://t.co/6VVYEutRww
— Rep. Brian Sims (@RepSims) August 15, 2019
LISTEN: Police radio broadcasts reveal tense, chaotic situation during Philadelphia active shooter incidenthttps://t.co/srtj2aiFxl
— Action News on 6abc (@6abc) August 15, 2019
Even now, after hours, the lives of our first responders are in jeopardy. Thoughts and prayers are not enough. We must take tangible steps against automatic military grade weapons NOW. #NorthPhilly https://t.co/B3V0QuKDFz https://t.co/wJ5vUAGbvF
— Sen. Sharif Street (@SenSharifStreet) August 15, 2019
To reiterate: Scene remains active and ongoing. Officers continue to implore suspect to surrender – this can end without any further violence. Continue to avoid area
— Eric Gripp (@PPDEricGripp) August 15, 2019

8pm, listening to police Commissioner Richard Ross:
“A pretty horrible situation unfolding .. not resolved.”
Officers serving a narcotics warrant at 4:30 when gunfire erupted. Gunman fired multiple rounds. Six wounded throughout their bodies. One of them suffered a graze wound in his head. He continues to fire rounds out the window. Letting him know he can end this peacefully. Told him the officers will be OK and he will not be hurt if he comes out. Worried about a potential hostage situation. He is definitely alive. Not sure there is only one shooter. Keeping all possibilities open.
“We’re doing everything in out power to make him come out.”
Sound Up. Philly Police Commissioner Rich Ross wearing bullet resistant vest himself. Showing how dangerous situation is&how powerful a weapon @PhillyPolice believe shooter has in active shooting scene. Asked if police think more than one shooter @FOX29philly pic.twitter.com/gOgssw0VT1
— Steve Keeley (@KeeleyFox29) August 15, 2019
followed by Mayor Jim Kenney: He spoke to the six police officers. They’re all in good spirits. He’s “a little angry” about someone having all that firepower.
Three other officers were injured but not shot. All of the officers are in stable condition.
NEW: Mayor Jim Kenney says six officers injured in Philadelphia shooting are “all in good spirits.”
— ABC News (@ABC) August 15, 2019
“Obviously, it was a very traumatic experience for them.” https://t.co/MGtVIdv9CU pic.twitter.com/eRT0lJsSOT


WATCH: Sweet images of cops carrying little kids and walking children across the street provided a little hope on an otherwise dark day for Philadelphia. https://t.co/yj9p5b0W86
— NBC10 Philadelphia (@NBCPhiladelphia) August 15, 2019
The Fraternal Order of Police represents police officers in the city of Philadelphia.
Our thoughts are with our brothers and sisters from the @PhillyPolice tonight as they work to end an intense and active situation. #prayers #besafe
— PA FOP (@PA_FOP) August 14, 2019
Philly Fire News is a reputable site in Philadelphia.
Update: #Philly Shooter Situation 15th & Erie. Addition shots have been fired as well as flash grenade. 2 officers still trapped in the home. 80 children have just be removed from a nearby daycare. #Phillyshooting
— PhillyFireNews (@PhillyFireNews) August 14, 2019
Officers continue to attempt to communicate with suspect; suspect is still firing at officers. STAY AWAY FROM THE AREA.
— Eric Gripp (@PPDEricGripp) August 14, 2019
Officers are attempting to communicate with the shooter; imploring him to surrender and avoid further injuries.
— Eric Gripp (@PPDEricGripp) August 14, 2019
HSC is Temple University’s Health Sciences Campus.
Lockdown for HSC campus has been lifted. All populations must avoid the incident scene and remain south of Venango St. Allied Security and Temple Police will assist.
— Temple University (@TempleUniv) August 14, 2019
UPDATE: Suspect is still firing. SIX (6) PPD Officers shot – at area hospitals with non life threatening injuries. Additional officers also receiving treatment for non-gunshot injuries. Continue to avoid area. Situation is active and ongoing.
— Eric Gripp (@PPDEricGripp) August 14, 2019
BSL is the Broad Street Line, Philadelphia’s subway line that goes north-south, dividing much of the city in half.
BSL: Service will temporarily bypass Hunting Park, Erie, and Allegheny Stations in both directions due to police activity. Bus route 4 or 16 are available on street level. Courtesy express stops will be at North Philadelphia Station.
— SEPTA (@SEPTA) August 14, 2019
BSL: Service will temporarily bypass Erie Station in both directions due to police activity. Bus route 4 or 16 are available on street level.
— SEPTA (@SEPTA) August 14, 2019
Shooting situation ACTIVE and ONGOING on 3700 15th St. Avoid Area. Several PPD Officers have been injured. Updates will be provided as received
— Eric Gripp (@PPDEricGripp) August 14, 2019
from Philadelphia’s fire commissioner:
.@PhillyFireDept & @PhilaOEM are actively supporting our @PhillyPolice partners right now; please allow us the time/space to handle this active incident…
— Adam K. Thiel (@ThielAdam) August 14, 2019
Lockdown is in effect for Health Sciences Center Campus. Seek shelter. Secure doors. Be silent. Be still. Police are responding.
— Temple University (@TempleUniv) August 14, 2019
TU Alert: Shots fired reported at 1500 Block Erie Av at Health Sciences Center Campus. Use caution. Avoid the area. Police are responding.
— Temple University (@TempleUniv) August 14, 2019
Shooting incident 3700 N 15th Street. Suspect/(s) firing at police. Large police presence. AVOID AREA
— Eric Gripp (@PPDEricGripp) August 14, 2019
“Our nation is in the midst of an epidemic of firearm-related injuries and deaths, and we must treat this as a public health crisis,” — Dr. Bruce Schwartz of Einstein and Montefiore
— Albert Einstein College of Medicine (@EinsteinMed) August 14, 2019
and president @APAPsychiatric https://t.co/dO183i7KBl
Continuing Coverage: Philadelphia Police Department
- State Reps. thank Ross, Philadelphia Police replace him on web Aug. 22, 2019
- Details of the harassment, discrimination suit that led Police Comm. Ross to resign Aug. 21, 2019 (late evening)
- Police Comm. Richard Ross quits amid harassment, discrimination allegations against officers Aug. 21, 2019 (just after midnight)
- Police shooting suspect facing charges over Wednesday standoff, drugs Aug. 17, 2019
- See the 6 police officers shot in the line of duty Aug. 16, 2019
- Suspect surrenders after 6 officers shot, 3 more injured; ‘Miracle’ police all out of hospitals Aug. 14, 2019
- The war on guns, from Philadelphia to the feds Aug. 9, 2019
Philly’s history of warrant-related conflicts stretches back decades and includes both police and civilian fatalities. https://billypenn.com/2019/08/16/the-north-philly-search-warrant-and-ppds-history-of-raids-gone-wrong/