The crash happened around 1:40 p.m.
"It is clearly an absolute deliberate act," Bethel said during a news conference.
Commissioner provides update on crash into 2nd District police building
Police said five people, who were inside the lobby waiting for police assistance when the vehicle crashed into the building, were injured. None of the victims suffered serious injuries.
According to Bethel, officers had responded earlier in the day, around 11:45 a.m., to a disturbance involving the suspect and his father.
At some point later, police say the suspect was seen driving south before making a hard right turn and crashing into the district headquarters.
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Video obtained by ABC Philadelphia affiliate WPVI shows the driver plowing into the police station after people were standing nearby.
A witness said the driver tried to run from the scene, but he was tackled and arrested.
WPVI's helicopter was overhead as crews worked to assess the situation.
Crews later boarded up the damaged building and reopened the road. Despite the damage, Bethel said the district continues to serve the community.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene.
Clarence Armstrong Jr. said he was in the bathroom when the SUV hit the building.
"I feel pretty lucky," he said. "I hear the loudest boom. And shattering is one of the most startling sounds I think I ever heard in my life. Metal and glass everywhere, and still some moans and screams from people."
Chopper 6 video of crash at Philadelphia Police 2nd District
Another witness, Tiffany Ilconich, said she saw officers take the suspect into custody.
"They tackled him to the ground, and put him in cuffs and took him," she said. "I was scared."
Police said the bomb squad inspected the vehicle before it was towed for further investigation. Bethel said officers executed search warrants after the crash and are working with the FBI.
Armstrong said the incident left him shaken.
"For somebody to just run into a police station with no regard for who can be there, kids, men, women or police officers, is pretty sad, and these people really do need some kind of help."
Businesses along the street closed early Tuesday but were expected to reopen on Wednesday.