Philadelphia police identify officers involved in May fatal shooting of 25-year-old man.

In a statement released Monday, the Philadelphia Police Department identified the two officers involved in a shooting that resulted in the death of 25-year-old Bruce Harry Garcia nearly two months ago. The incident took place on May 21 in the Fairhill neighborhood and has drawn significant public attention.

According to the police account, Garcia was reportedly in possession of a ghost gun—a type of firearm that can be assembled from unregistered parts—when he engaged in a struggle with Officers Edward Lane and Matthew Galdo. The confrontation occurred shortly before 6:40 PM near the intersection of Front and Somerset Streets. The officers, both in uniform and operating a marked patrol vehicle, spotted Garcia carrying a black bag. They initiated an attempt to stop him, prompting Garcia to flee westbound on Somerset Street.

Officer Lane pursued Garcia on foot, while Galdo followed in their vehicle. As they caught up with Garcia at the intersection of Mutter and Somerset Streets, a physical altercation ensued. The officers attempted to subdue Garcia to prevent him from accessing the handgun located inside his bag.

During the struggle, Garcia reportedly tried to draw a Privately Manufactured Firearm (P-80 9MM) from his bag and discharged it, firing through the bag itself. In response, Officers Lane and Galdo discharged their weapons, fatally striking Garcia in the chest. He was subsequently transported to Temple University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter at 6:55 PM.

While Lane, aged 32 and a member of the police force for over a decade, and Galdo, aged 29 with five years of service, sustained minor injuries during the encounter, neither required medical attention. Both officers have been reassigned to administrative duties pending investigations by the Police Internal Affairs Bureau, the Officer Involved Shooting Investigation Unit, and the District Attorney’s Office.

The department reported that the body cameras worn by the officers captured parts of the incident; however, they were dislodged during the struggle. Additional video evidence was recovered, and body camera footage from responding officers has also been reviewed. Notably, the police explained that the ghost gun malfunctioned during the incident because it was contained within the bag at the time of the discharge, which hindered proper recoil and the ejection of the fired cartridge casing.

In the wake of the shooting, questions have been raised regarding the circumstances leading to the officers’ attempt to detain Garcia, particularly concerning whether there was specific evidence pointing to his possession of a firearm. The officer-involved shooting has prompted inquiries from the deceased’s family, as the case continues to develop.

Media News Source continues to follow the developments in this case as it undergoes further scrutiny and investigation.