A Philadelphia police officer was shot and killed, and another officer was wounded on Thursday night during a confrontation with individuals breaking into a car at Philadelphia International Airport, according to the police. The incident occurred in the parking garage area of the airport’s Terminal D, prompting a temporary closure of the terminal for investigation.
Interim Police Commissioner John Stanford stated that the officers, who were assigned to the airport unit, had just arrived for work and were parked in the garage when they noticed several people attempting to break into a vehicle. As the officers approached, the suspects opened fire, striking one officer multiple times in the upper body and the other in the arm.
The injured officers were immediately transported to a hospital, where one officer, a 50-year-old with 22 years of service, succumbed to his injuries shortly after 11:30 p.m. The deceased officer’s identity has not been released. He leaves behind a spouse and one child. The second officer, a 60-year-old with 20 years of service, is in stable condition.
Authorities are searching for the suspects who fled the scene in a stolen Dodge Durango. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that an 18-year-old male, dropped off at a hospital with two gunshot wounds, matched the description of a potential suspect. However, investigators have yet to confirm his involvement.
The shooting comes just a week after three officers were shot and wounded while responding to a call. Interim Commissioner Stanford expressed the department’s deep sorrow and emphasized the emotional toll these incidents have on the city and the police force.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.
