We Could Use Those .45s Right Quick
By Wyatt Earp | December 9, 2008
Tony Burrell, Scumbag Toad
They would come in handy when a career criminal like Tony Burrell needs to be “aired out.” I really should look up the number of times toads like Burrell have fired at my co-workers this year. I’ll bet it’s more than a handful.
PHILADELPHIA ― Two Philadelphia police officers are grateful to be alive after a familiar suspect allegedly opened fire on them Saturday in South Philadelphia near 23rd and Reed Streets.
“I heard the bang. I seen the muzzle flash, I saw the smoke and smelled the gunpowder,” said Officer Nathanial Harper.
Harper was about 10-feet away when the suspect, identified as Tony Burrell, allegedly opened fire on him with a semi-automatic weapon. Luckily the bullet whizzed past Harper.
“I’m truly blessed. If it wasn’t for the Lord, there is no telling where I would be right now.”
Moments later, Harper’s partner, Officer Anthony Gamble, cornered Burrell in an alley. The suspect then reportedly tried to open fire a second time just moments before he was placed under arrest.
“I could see the smoke hitting me in the face. I could see the gunfire,” said Officer Gamble.
After investigating the incident, authorities discovered that the suspect’s gun jammed, making it impossible for him to fire the 12 bullets in the clip. This isn’t the first time Burrell has had a run-in with the police. Last August, Burrell was impaled on a fence after trying to elude police, ramming a patrol car with his ATV.
RT posted about that incident HERE.
Despite 17 prior arrests, records show Burrell was released on $500 bail following the ATV incident. Honored as officers of the months three different times in the 17th District, Gamble and Harper are back on patrol looking forward to the holidays more than ever.
“I’m going to make sure my partner gets home to his family and I am happy to be here,” said Harper. (H/T – CBS3)
The fact that the officers did not put down this animal after he fired at them says a lot about their restraint. The media in this town always whines that we use excessive force, but rarely reports when the reverse is true. These officers had every right to fire at this scumbag, and they chose not to do so. Instead, they arrested Burrell, and no one important (police officers, civilians) were injured.
Great job, guys! Maybe this piece of garbage will stay behind bars this time.
Topics: Philly, The Job | 11 Comments »
December 9th, 2008 at 1:17 am
Hopefully this scum bag will be locked up for a lomg time. But with the way the courts are so screwed up he may not see much jail time.
December 9th, 2008 at 2:53 am
I don’t think he reads your blog, but this is why serious shooters carry more than one gun, clean it and the ammunition and practice immediate action drills with the normal paper punching – maturity is amazing in its lack in the criminal wanna be bad guys. Thank the Lord, and pass me more ammunition. So how come the college educated lawyers can’t figure out this type of scum should be sent to China for digging ditches? forever!
December 9th, 2008 at 3:50 am
Geesh. That whole impaling thing didn’t make him rethink his career path? What an idiot, scumbag.
I’m relieved that no one was hurt. That’s too close and too scary.
December 9th, 2008 at 4:22 am
When will we figure out that guy like this are not going to be reformed and they will continue to endanger the civilian population and the police until they are either a) put away for a LONG time or b) (the preferable option) taken out by the police in the course of an arrest.
A little more “Saigon Sideway Justice”, a LOT more peace on the streets!
December 9th, 2008 at 7:45 am
Incredible job not killing this POS.
December 9th, 2008 at 9:59 am
I think there needs to be a “Mad Dog” law for guys like this. Shoot at a policeman and he should have the right to blow you away. Jail is just not enough. Aim a gun at me and you will die. Restraint hell, more ammo… MUD
December 9th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Apparently he didn’t get impaled enough.
December 9th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Rick – He didn’t hit anyone, and our judges scoff at attempted murder charges.
Earl – Because if they were, they wouldn’t be able to hire their legal services again and again.
RT – And five officers killed in 13 months is far too many.
RWK – Amen to that!
Admiral – The scary part is that a lot of officers don’t fire for fear of being destroyed in the press and thrown under the bus by the city.
Mud – Agreed. I am surprised they didn’t light him up, but I wasn’t there.
Doghouse – No he didn’t. Shame.
December 9th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
He obviously didn’t polish the feed ramp either:) I remember sitting watching TV one night, with 1000 grit paper and a can of oil and the barrel of my Mark IV in hand just polishing away. Didn’t stop till it fed 10 magazines at 8 each straight thru. Scum own guns too, thank God they never take care of them. 18 lb springs and neoprene spring guide buffers help alot on recoil too.
used to shoot several times a week until i got married:(
LOL
December 10th, 2008 at 12:28 am
Jon – Sure, blame the wife!
December 12th, 2008 at 4:13 am
These judges are so out of touch its unbelievable.If you tried to kill anyone,no bail.I understand innocent till proven and it takes awhile to go to trial but these thugs if willing to killa cop will kill anyone.And believe me i want these thugs that are robbing our cars and houses in our neighborhood to get a high bail but theres just to many violent people in philly.