On Thursday, July 2, 2026, at approximately 10:21 a.m., Philadelphia Police officers responded to the area of St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children after being dispatched for a report of a person with a weapon. During the subsequent investigation, it was determined that the original 9-1-1 caller, a family member, contacted police out of concern that the male was experiencing a mental health crisis and was suicidal. Subsequent investigation also revealed that around the time of the 9-1-1 call from the family member, the male had been directed away from the hospital by security because he had been asked to leave the day before and was no longer permitted on the property. The male complied and left without incident.
Upon arrival, two 25th District police officers, P/O Azieme Lindsey, and Officer A, who were in full uniform and operating a marked police vehicle, were met by a hospital security officer, who directed them to a nearby bus stop where the individual had last been seen. Officers then observed a 32-year-old Black male standing with a 29-year-old Black female.
As Officer Lindsey exited the patrol vehicle and approached, the male began moving backward while simultaneously removing a handgun from his waistband. At that time, Officer Lindsey discharged his department-issued firearm, striking the male multiple times.
The 32-year-old male was transported by police to Temple University Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at approximately 10:44 a.m.
The 29-year-old female sustained a graze wound to the side of her neck during the incident. She was transported to Temple University Hospital, where she was treated for her injury.
A Smith & Wesson M&P pistol was recovered at the scene alongside the male. The firearm was legally registered to him, and he possessed a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms.
Both Officer Lindsey (discharging officer) and Officer A (non-discharging officer) were equipped with Body-Worn Cameras, which were activated during the incident.
The officer-involved shooting is being investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department’s Officer-Involved Shooting Investigations Unit (OISI), the Internal Affairs Bureau, and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office (DAO).
Per Department policy, Officer Lindsey has been placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
Decedent Info: Joseph Smithers, 32/B/M
Officer #1: P/O Azieme Lindsey, 28/B/M