A police officer of Temple University was killed after he was shot in the head while responding to a robbery near the Philadelphia campus on Saturday night, according to officials.
The university said the officer was trying to arrest a suspect linked to the robbery of a convenience store near the campus, at 1700 W. Montgomery Avenue, when the shooting occurred.
The university sent out an alert shortly after 7 p.m. local time notifying of the shooting. It said in a Twitter post at the time: “Use caution. Avoid the area. Police are responding.”
The officer was pronounced dead at Temple University Hospital.
Temple University President Jason Wingard said in a statement following the officer’s death: “There are simply no words that can make sense of this tragedy. It tears at our sense of community and safety. We all mourn this unspeakable loss.”
Suspect Fled
“The suspect in the shooting has fled the Temple area. 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 family and friends, we are not releasing his identity at this time,” Wingard said.It was the first death of a Temple University officer in the line of duty, Jennifer Griffin, the university’s vice president for public safety, told reporters at a press conference late Saturday, reported ABC News.
“Heartbroken and outraged by tonight’s news of the shooting and death of a Temple University police officer,” Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said on Twitter. “The City of Philadelphia joins the Temple community in mourning. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
“The City will continue to work with Temple Police to support them during this difficult time,” Kenney added. “I urge anyone with information about this heinous and tragic crime to report it to 215-686-TIPS. Tips can also be made anonymously.”
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro also sent a message offering his condolences.
“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,” the Democrat governor said on Twitter. “We’re sending prayers to his loved ones, Temple Police, and the entire [Temple University] community. May his memory be a blessing.”
