10/05/2026
POLICE OFFICER OF THE MONTH
September, 2026
Ilya Didok #2534
Leonard Pell #5343
On July 11, 2026, at approximately 05:00 AM, the offender, G.S., was observed unresponsive inside his vehicle at Rivers Casino, 1001 N. Delaware Avenue. Casino Security attempted to check on the well-being of the male and offer medical assistance. While doing so, G.S. became aggressive and intentionally placed his vehicle in reverse. G.S struck and ran over three individuals, causing severe injuries to all parties and demonstrated a total disregard for human life. G.S. then accelerated away from the scene at high speed, leaving the injured victims lying helpless on the ground.
On August 16th, 7th District officers, acting on information provided by Detectives through a Patrol Alert, located the vehicle that was used to cause injuries to the casino staff, in the 1000
Block of Foster Street, and notified the assigned detective.
On September 12th, 2026, at approximately 08:14 AM, after receiving information that a warrant was issued for the offender, Officers Didok and Pell responded to the 1000 Block of Foster
Street to survey the area and attempt to locate the wanted suspect. The officers conducted a quick assessment of the area & residences and observed the offender in a rear yard. Exercising
sound tactical judgement and command presence, the officers verbally engaged the suspect, instructing him to step to the front of the property and placed him in custody without incident.
Offender was subsequently charged with:
CC2702 Aggravated Assault
CC2701 Simple Assault M2
CC2705 REAP M2.
The officers consistently followed up with detectives on the ongoing investigation to stay informed about the arrest warrant. Their initiative, professional demeanor and proactive actions
directly led to the capture of a dangerous, wanted and violent offender responsible for inflicting serious injuries on multiple victims.
Their actions reflect great credit upon themselves, the 7th Police District and the Philadelphia Police Department. It is for these reasons that we are proud to recognize Officers Didok and Pell as Police Officers of the Month for September, 2026.
https://www.7thpdac.com/police-officer-of-the-month.html
