Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Temple University Police Officer Christopher Fitzgerald was shot and killed Saturday night as he was responding to reports of a robbery near campus.
Miles Pfeffer, 18, is accused of shooting the officer during the struggle, reports 6ABC.
Authorities also believe the suspect stood over Fitzgerald as he was on the ground and shot him several more times in the head. Additionally, authorities say Pfeffer went through Fitzgerald’s pockets as he was lying on the ground and attempted to take the officer’s firearm.
Fitzgerald is the first Temple University police officer to be killed in the line of duty, reports ABC News. The officer is survived by his wife, four children, and parents.
Most of the altercation between Fitzgerald and Pfeffer was caught on video surveillance, which helped law enforcement track down Pfeffer. Video also appears to show the suspect committing a carjacking after he fatally shot Fitzgerald, reports 6ABC.
The suspect was apprehended 12 hours later on Sunday morning about an hour away from the shooting in Buckingham Township. Pfeffer has been charged with murder, murder of a police officer, and other offenses. He told police that he melted down the firearm used in the shooting.
Funeral services for Fitzgerald will be held on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the John F. Givnish Funeral Home.
“Officer Fitzgerald gave his life to selflessly serve and defend this community,” Temple University Vice President for Public Safety Jennifer D. Griffin said in a statement. “The courage and bravery he displayed highlights the day-to-day sacrifice made by our Temple University Police Officers to keep our community safe. This loss leaves an enormous hole in all of our hearts. He was a father, a husband, a son, a colleague, and a friend.”
A Go Fund Me page has been set up to help support Fitzgerald’s family.
