Temple University police officer fatally shot in head while trying to apprehend robbery suspect
The wounded officer was taken to Temple University Hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said.
By 6abc Digital Staff
Raw video: A Temple University police officer has died following a shooting Saturday evening in North Philadelphia.
PHILADELPHIA — A Temple University police officer has died following a shooting Saturday evening in North Philadelphia, authorities said.
According to Philadelphia police, the shooting happened at about 7 p.m. near 18th Street and Montgomery Avenue. The officer was shot in the head.
BREAKING: Sources within the Temple University Police Department confirm an officer was shot and killed a short time ago in North Philadelphia. Awaiting further details from investigators. @CBSPhiladelphia
— Joe Holden (@JoeHoldenCBS3) February 19, 2023
The officer was on patrol at the time of the shooting.
The wounded officer was taken to Temple University Hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said.
The university released a statement Saturday night saying the shooting happened while the officer was trying to apprehend a suspect in a robbery of a convenience store at the corner of Cecil B. Moore and 15th Street.
“Both the Philadelphia Police Department and the Temple University Police Department are still gathering information regarding the incident. Out of respect for the officer’s friends and family, we will not be releasing his identity at this time.
There are simply no words that can make sense of such a tragedy. It tears at our sense of community, and wounds us to our very soul. Temple has lost an officer and hero to senseless violence. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family, friends and the entire Temple community during this tremendously difficult time,” the statement said.
Gov. Josh Shapiro tweeted that he was “devastated” for the family whose loved one died “bravely serving his community.”
Lori and I are devastated for the family of the Temple University police officer who was killed in the line of duty tonight, bravely serving his community.
We’re sending prayers to his loved ones, Temple Police, and the entire @TempleUniv community. May his memory be a blessing.
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) February 19, 2023
Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge President Joseph Regan echoed those sentiments.
“There are no words to describe the news of another one of our officers being shot. This officer is a hero whose legacy and unselfish act will live in our hearts and memories forever. The 40,000 men and women of the PA FOP send their deepest condolences to the family of this hero and to the Temple University Police Department during this extremely difficult time,” Regan said in a statement.
No arrests have been made.
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