Police Officer Involved in Fatal Shooting in Philadelphia Faces Termination

This notice serves to inform the public that an incident involving a police officer and the fatal shooting of a driver in Philadelphia has led to the officer's suspension and impending termination. The police commissioner, Danielle Outlaw, announced that Officer Mark Dial will be officially dismissed after a 30-day suspension for his refusal to cooperate with the investigation concerning the tragic death of Eddie Irizarry, a 27-year-old individual. Officer Dial's suspension is a result of various administrative violations, including insubordination, failure to obey orders from a superior officer promptly, and his refusal to assist in any departmental investigation. Commissioner Outlaw emphasized that the investigation into the shooting itself is ongoing. According to reports, Dial shot and killed Irizarry as he sat in his vehicle. The incident occurred when officers noticed the vehicle being driven erratically and decided to follow it. The situation escalated as the driver turned onto a one-way street in the wrong direction. Dial, who has served on the force for five years, approached the passenger's side and fired multiple shots when the driver "turned" towards the officer. In an initial statement, the police incorrectly claimed that the officers made a traffic stop and shot the driver, who allegedly lunged at them with a knife. However, a review of the officers' body-worn camera footage revealed discrepancies, prompting the altered account of events. The source of the initial misinformation is currently under investigation, and disciplinary action may be taken as warranted. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, during a press conference, expressed the necessity of holding the police department accountable and amplifying community voices. The officer's fate was recommended for termination by the Philadelphia Citizens Police Oversight Commission, emphasizing their responsibility in moments like these. Mayor Jim Kenney expressed his condolences to the victim's family but refrained from further comment pending the ongoing investigation. The police department and the district attorney's office are conducting separate investigations to determine if the officers adhered to both department policies and procedures, as well as the law. The release of the body-worn camera footage remains in the hands of the district attorney, as it constitutes evidence in their investigation.