Joel Johnson, 28, was shot on a Monday evening in May 2019 while panhandling between cars on G Street near Tioga Street in Kensington, Philadelphia. Known around the neighborhood as a man with special needs who often asked drivers for change, Johnson approached an unmarked vehicle occupied by plainclothes Philadelphia Police Detective Francis DiGiorgio. The detective perceived a threat and fired four shots through the closed car window; one struck Johnson in the torso and he fell to the ground.

Witnesses and neighbors identified Johnson as harmless, and his brother Hector Tirado said Johnson never carried weapons. A preliminary police search found no weapon on Johnson or at the scene. Surveillance video captured the moments before the shooting. Johnson was taken to a local hospital in critical but stable condition. Detective DiGiorgio, a seven-year veteran, was placed on desk duty while internal affairs investigated.

The community was left shaken and Johnson’s father, Joseph Vazquez, said he was seeking justice. If anyone saw what happened that evening or has additional information, please share it with investigators.