Unarmed Black Man Fatally Shot by Off-Duty Cop After Offering Roadside Help

Robert Jones, a 54-year-old African American man from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was shot and killed by an off-duty homicide detective after approaching the officer’s car to offer roadside help. His family has filed a lawsuit, calling the shooting unjustified and accusing police of a cover-up.

On October 3, 2023, Jones stopped behind a black Subaru in a North Philadelphia turn lane. The car belonged to Detective Christopher Sweeney, a white officer with 14 years on the force. Though off duty, Sweeney was carrying his service weapon.

According to Atlanta Black Star, Jones, wearing a reflective yellow vest, got out of his car believing the Subaru was disabled. He was trained to provide roadside assistance and wanted to help. As he walked up, Sweeney flashed his badge and shouted through the window that he was a police officer.

Jones was unarmed and posed no threat, the complaint states. Sweeney allegedly fired through his closed window at point-blank range, hitting Jones multiple times. Jones was rushed to a hospital but later died from his injuries. Attorneys for the family say officers at the scene searched for a weapon to link to Jones but found none.

The lawsuit alleges that Sweeney and several officers created a false narrative portraying Jones as the aggressor in a road rage incident. The complaint also claims officers manipulated the scene to protect Sweeney from charges.

In July 2024, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office cleared Sweeney of wrongdoing without public explanation. Jones’ family and community members say the lack of transparency has fueled distrust in police accountability.

Michael Jones, the victim’s brother, filed the lawsuit on behalf of their mother, Sharon Jones. The family is seeking damages for wrongful death, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship. They are also demanding accountability from the city, which oversees the police department.

Before his death, Robert Jones cared for his mother, who had suffered a stroke. He had worked for decades at Southwark Metal Manufacturing and previously spent 10 years as a groundskeeper for the Philadelphia Eagles.

The lawsuit names Sweeney, five unidentified officers, and the City of Philadelphia as defendants. The family is seeking at least $200,000 in damages, with additional punitive claims still pending.