PRESS RELEASE
.
Attorney Ben Crump Announced Lawsuit Over Death of Ronald Harmon After Penn Police Taser Strike
.
PHILADELPHIA (On October 19, 2026) – Nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump joined the family of Ronald Harmon and co-counsel Greg Zeft at a packed news conference. They announced a federal lawsuit against the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania and University of Pennsylvania Police Department personnel.
Harmon, 52 dies on January 9, 2025, following a November 5, 2024, encounter with Penn police on Spruce Street. According to the complaint, an officer fired a Taser that struck Harmon in the back as he ran past, and he fell and struck his head, sustaining the injury that led to his death. His death certificate classifies the manner of the death as homicide. The complaint alleges Harmon had not threatened anyone and officers had not observed a weapon.
A University spokesperson wrote in a statement that Penn “extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Ronald Harmon.”
“The University and the Division of Public Safety take any use of force and loss of life with the utmost seriousness,” the spokesperson added. “Because this matter is now the subject of active federal litigation, the University cannot discuss the specific factual allegations or legal claims outside of the judicial process.”
Legendary Philadelphia private investigator, Kitty Hailey and her associates Anthony Colagreco and Malik Mubashshir are leading the investigation.
.
