BREAKING: A Philadelphia school safety officer, Craig Romanczuk, who was shot 11 times during a road rage incident, has bravely recounted his miraculous survival. The dramatic court appearance of the suspect, who remains behind bars, comes as Officer Romanczuk shares his incredible story of resilience and faith.
In an emotional interview, Officer Romanczuk, 68 years old, revealed, “I don’t know why I’m still alive.” The retired police officer spoke softly, a result of a bullet that damaged his vocal cords, but his spirit remains unbroken. “When I got shot, I was thinking, ‘I’m going to die,'” he recalled, providing a chilling account of the attack that occurred on June 30, 2023, near Penn’s Landing.
The harrowing incident unfolded as Romanczuk was finishing his shift. A frantic motorist mistook his vehicle for a police cruiser and flagged him down, reporting a road rage incident. As he exited his car to assist, the suspect opened fire without hesitation. “As soon as I stepped out, I was shot three times,” Romanczuk reflected. “It was like nonstop.”
Despite sustaining multiple gunshot wounds to his arms, torso, neck, and face, Romanczuk managed to shift his car into drive. The vehicle ultimately crashed into a tree, where first responders quickly arrived and rushed him to the hospital.
Officer Romanczuk spent nearly two months in recovery at Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Hospital before being discharged in August to a hero’s welcome. “Now I know that there’s a God because I could feel all my coworkers and family praying for me,” he said, highlighting the emotional support that bolstered his recovery.
The accused shooter was apprehended by police, who used Officer Romanczuk’s own handcuffs to take him into custody. However, during today’s hearing, it was revealed that the suspect remains eligible for bail, leaving Officer Romanczuk perplexed. “I don’t understand that because I was in the hospital for two months,” he stated, expressing his frustration at the legal proceedings.
Through this traumatic experience, Officer Romanczuk remains thankful for his life and is determined to fight for justice. “Life is good,” he said, as he prepares for additional surgeries ahead. His story of survival is a powerful reminder of resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.
As this developing story unfolds, many are left wondering how the justice system will respond to the attack on this dedicated safety officer. Officer Romanczuk’s journey serves not only as an inspiration but also as a call to action for those advocating for safety and justice in their communities.
Stay tuned for updates on this urgent case as the legal proceedings continue.
