Two cops hurt, suspect killed in deadly Philadelphia shooting spree

An overnight chase with a shooter in Philadelphia injured two police officers and three civilians, and left a woman and the suspect dead. Officials said they found a "rambling" note at the scene expressing hatred for law enforcement.

The wild night began at about 11:20 p.m. ET Friday, when Sgt. Sylvia Young was ambushed with up to 15 bullets fired at her patrol car, said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross.

Read more about the shooting at NBCPhiladelphia.com

The suspect hit the 19-year police veteran eight times — striking her protective vest and left arm — and then fled, Ross said.

Ed Miller, a former police officer who is now with the police force at the University of Pennsylvania, was also hurt. Both Young and Miller are in the hospital in stable condition.

Photo: NBC News, Melissa Elian

The shooter's next stop was a nearby bar, where he shot a security guard in the leg. The man then grabbed a female patron and used her as a shield before shooting her in the leg as well, according to Ross. The security guard and the female patron were in stable condition, officials said.

As police chased after him, the shooter then fired into a stopped car, hitting a man and a woman, both in the chest. The woman died, and the man is in critical condition, police said.

Miller, 56, and two police officers eventually cornered the man in a West Philadelphia alley, shooting and killing him, officials said.

Police sources identified the suspect to NBC Philadelphia as Nicholas Glenn, 25. NBC News could not independently confirm his identity.

The gunman's exact motive is unknown and the civilian victims of the ambush were apparently targeted at random.

But an envelope marked "DOOMED," which contained a letter outlining a deep loathing of law enforcement, was found at the scene, indicating a possible motive for the police shootings, Ross said.

"It was a bunch of rambling which indicates his hatred for police officers and probation officers," he said.

Officials would not say whether the suspect was known to police. The letter mentioned one probation officer in particular, they added.

"Clearly, we have a lot of unanswered questions," Ross said. "This is a completely bizarre situation."

The chaos was captured on police dispatch audio.

"Help me, please!" Young, 46, was heard shouting. "We've got shots fired at us!"

Later, she said: "We've got two people shot out here, also."

Ross said all officers have been instructed to patrol in pairs after the shooting.

"All in all, it was a really terrible, scary night," Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said.

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