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Officer Jaime Roman had been in a coma at Temple University Hospital following a shooting on July 22, 2024. He passed away in the hospital just after 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 10, according to the Mayor.
Roman and his Officer Azieme Lindsey, both assigned to the 25th Police District pulled over a blue Toyota Echo on the 3600 block of F Street near Tioga Street in Kensington, the police explained. "The officers discovered that the vehicle lacked registration and insurance and the driver did not have a license" and began to conduct a traffic stop but they allowed the owner, 36-year-old Ramon Rodriguez Vasquez, to remove his belongings from the vehicle before having it towed — that's when "one of the officers spotted an empty holster on the floorboard. As the officer held up the holster, the suspect fled on foot, with both officers pursuing [Vasquez]."
While fleeing Vasquez fired three shots while fleeing from the scene around 8 p.m., as Daily Voice reported at the time.
Roman was struck in the neck by the bullets, police said. His partner returned fire but the driver continued running. He was arrested the following day "after forcing his way into a residence on the 800 block of E. Schiller Street," police said, noting "a firearm and magazines believed to be used by Vasquez were recovered from the scene."
Rodriguez Vasquez has been charged with attempted murder, evading arrest, and other offenses related to the home invasion he made while fleeing. The attempted murder charge is expected to be charged to a homicide charge after a warrant to take him from the prison to the court is issued, Commissioner Kevin Bethel said at a press conference on Wednesday, Sept. 11.
Roman was two weeks away from his seventh anniversary Commissioner Bethel said. He served in the 24th and 25th districts. He is survived by his wife and three children.
His cause of death is being investigated by the Medical Examiner’s Office.
"A grateful City mourns his loss. For now, to Officer Roman and his family, we hold you in our arms and lift you up in prayer," Mayor Parker concluded her statement.
"It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of Officer Jaime Roman, a dedicated and courageous member of our department,” said Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel. “Jaime's unwavering commitment to serving and protecting our community was an inspiration to us all. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the entire PPD family during this difficult time."
Funeral arrangements are underway and details will be forthcoming.
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