A Philadelphia police officer is currently fighting for his life after he was shot in the neck during a routine traffic stop on Saturday evening, according to city officials. The 31-year-old officer, who is a husband and father, is currently on life support at Temple University Hospital.

Mayor Cherelle Parker expressed her concern for the officer's well-being and shared her gratitude for his service. She stated, "As your mayor, it is not lost on me that on today a husband, a father, and the son met his partner and went to work to do a job that he's been doing for about six and a half years. He didn't expect that he would be in a fight for his life right now."

The incident occurred in the Kensington neighborhood around 8 p.m. when the officer and his partner conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that had four individuals inside. While inspecting the car, the officers noticed a holster. One of the occupants then fled from the scene and fired three shots at the officers, striking one officer in the neck. The injured officer's partner returned fire, but it remains unclear whether the suspect was hit.

The wounded officer's partner swiftly drove him to the nearest hospital, where he is currently in the surgical ICU in critical condition. Mayor Cherelle Parker provided an update on social media, explaining that the officer is "on a breathing machine and fighting for his life."

Following the shooting, a manhunt was launched to apprehend the person of interest. After two separate barricade situations, authorities were able to take the suspect into custody. Additionally, all other occupants of the vehicle at the time of the incident were also detained.

The injured officer has been a dedicated member of the Philadelphia Police Department for over six years and is considered a veteran of the force. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel called on the community to unite in support of the officer. He stated, "I ask people across the city of Philadelphia to pray for our officer and pray for the men and women who are here today, who went out in the field knowing that they're going to give their lives for this job."

As the investigation continues, the Philadelphia community rallies together to support the brave officer and his family during this challenging time.