Two police officers who shot an unarmed pizza deliveryman in 2014 have been transferred out of West Philly after pressure from neighborhood groups.

Officers Mitchell Farrell and Kevin Hanvey had resumed street patrol after a suspension for shooting Philippe Holland, who was delivering food near 51st and Willows on the evening of April 22, 2014. Farrell and Hanvey were in plain clothes and investigating a robbery in the area when they approached Holland with their guns drawn. Fearing a robbery, Holland ran to his car and tried to drive away. The officers opened fire, hitting Holland in the head and leg. Police regulations prohibit shooting at a moving vehicle. A total of 14 shots were fired, according to investigators.

After a three-year investigation, Hanvey and Farrell were suspended for 25 days and were back on the streets. A joint letter from Cedar Park Neighbors, Cobbs Creek Neighbors, Garden Court Community Association and Walnut Hill Community Association dated April 28 asking the Philadelphia Police Department to fire the two officers prompted the transfer. 

The letter reads (see the complete letter below):

“We do not understand why these two officers are still with the Philadelphia Police Department. We are astounded that the Police Department is willing to allow these two officers to patrol our neighborhoods. We are very uncomfortable and frightened that these two officers are on our streets. They have demonstrated that they are not good police and must be held accountable.”

Mitchell was transferred to Northeast Philly and Hanvey is in South Philly, according to Philly.com.

Earlier this year Holland, who was critically wounded and endured a long recovery process, won a $4.4 million lawsuit against the city.

Joint letter from community organizations to PPD’s 18th District (click to enlarge).