An 18-year-old suspect from Pennsylvania has been charged with murder in the tragic shooting that killed a Temple University police officer in the line of duty near the school’s campus Saturday night.
Pennsylvania Suspect, 18, Charged With Murder After Shooting Temple University Police Officer (PHOTO: 6ABC)
The Pennsylvania Suspect Of The Temple University Police Officer Murder
The Temple University police officer was trying to intervene in a carjacking in the area of 18th Street and Montgomery Avenue in North Philadelphia when he was shot and later died at Temple University Hospital, according to police reports. The deceased officer has been named Chris Fitzgerald by local authorities and Temple University.
Moreover, the Pennsylvania suspect, identified by authorities as 18-year-old Miles Pfeffer, was captured on the 2300 block of Quarry Road in Bucks County around 7 am Sunday. Pfeffer was transported to Philadelphia Police headquarters where he was charged with Murder, Homicide of a Law Enforcement Officer, Evading Arrest, and related charges, according to police officials. Pfeffer also faced Theft by Unlawful Taking, Theft-Receiving Stolen Property, VUFA, and related charges in relation to a carjacking police say followed the shooting.
The Affidavit Probable Cause Of The Pennsylvania Suspect
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by FOX 29, the suspect was seen in video surveillance shooting a handgun at the officer after a foot pursuit and brief struggle. The affidavit goes on to say that when Officer Fitzgerald fell to the ground, the suspect stood over him and fired ‘more shots into the face and head area.’
The District Attorney’s office says Pfeffer searched the officer’s pockets and tried to grab his gun, and then carjacked another individual. Pfeffer can allegedly be heard on the video stating, ”Give me the keys, or I’ll kill you,” during the carjacking scene and fled the scene in that vehicle.
The affidavit goes on to say that the suspect was later picked up by his mother at 29th Street and Ridge Avenue, and driven to their home in Bucks County where he was taken into custody Sunday morning. Pfeffer was identified by his brother, who the affidavit states were with Pfeffer when Officer Fitzgerald initially tried to stop him.
Lastly, the 18-year-old Pennsylvania suspect was placed under arrest using Fitzgerald’s handcuffs, according to the Temple University Police Association.
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