Lessons From a Police Ambush

On January 7, 2016, Officer Jason Harnett, with the Philadelphia Police Department, came under fire as he sat in his patrol car. According to reports, the attacker, Edward Archer, emptied 13 rounds into Harnett's vehicle, hitting the officer three times.

Initially, Harnett spotted Archer from the corner of his eye, advancing on him with a gun. The attack happened so fast, Harnett had only a split second to react.

During the trial, Harnett testified that his first instinct was to take cover. However, due to his size and the equipment mounted inside the vehicle, Harnett had little room to maneuver.

As Archer fired into the vehicle, three rounds ripped into Harnett's left arm. Trapped inside his squad car, Harnett had only one option left. He had to mount a counter-attack - and fast!

With his left arm hanging lifeless at his side, Harnett managed to open the door slightly with his right hand, kicking it fully open with his left foot. He then scrambled free from the car, drew his gun with his right hand and opened fire as Archer fled the scene.

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