UPDATE: A Philadelphia school safety officer, Craig Romanczuk, who was shot 11 times during a road rage incident, has shared his extraordinary story of survival for the first time. The incident, which occurred on June 30 near Penn’s Landing, has captured national attention as Romanczuk recounts the harrowing details of the attack.
Speaking softly due to a paralyzed vocal cord from a bullet wound, the 68-year-old officer expressed disbelief at his survival. “I don’t know why I’m still alive,” Romanczuk stated, reflecting on the moment he was shot. “When I got shot, I was thinking, ‘I’m going to die.'” His voice may be soft, but his resolve is unbreakable as he continues to recover from the traumatic event.
The attack unfolded as Romanczuk was finishing his shift. A frantic individual mistook his vehicle for a police cruiser and flagged him down, reporting a road rage incident. As Romanczuk exited his car to assist, the suspect opened fire, hitting him multiple times. “As soon as I stepped out, I was shot three times,” he recalled, detailing the chaos of the attack. “Somehow, I got the car in drive, and he shot me again. It was like nonstop.”
In total, Romanczuk endured gunfire that struck his arms, torso, neck, and face, with bullets powerful enough to knock out his teeth. Despite the onslaught, he managed to drive away briefly before crashing his vehicle into a tree. First responders arrived quickly, transporting him to the hospital, where he spent two months recuperating at Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Hospital.
Romanczuk received a hero’s welcome upon his discharge in August, with a community rallying around him during his recovery. “Now I know that there’s a God because I could feel all my coworkers and family praying for me,” he said, acknowledging how the support strengthened his faith.
The suspect involved in the shooting has been apprehended and remains behind bars. However, a hearing today revealed that he is still eligible for bail, which has left Romanczuk perplexed. “I don’t understand that because I was in the hospital for two months,” he expressed.
Through the turmoil, Romanczuk remains grateful for his life and committed to fighting for justice. “Life is good,” he asserted, emphasizing his determination to continue his recovery and advocate for accountability in his case. As he prepares for additional surgeries, his spirit serves as an inspiration to many.
This urgent story highlights the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity, and the community’s support for Officer Romanczuk continues to grow. As developments unfold, many are left wondering about the implications for public safety and the judicial process in this shocking case.
