Suspect arrested in murder of Temple University police officer

An 18-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the shooting of a Temple University police officer near campus on Saturday night, officials said.

The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office said Sunday that suspect Miles Pfeffer was arrested shortly after 7 a.m. Sunday at the Buckingham Township home where he lived. and arrested the suspect,” the county prosecutor said.

CBS Philadelphia’s Alicia Roberts reports. It added that multiple weapons had been seized, The residence belongs to Pfeffer’s mother., was at home when his son was arrested. She was also detained for questioning.

Police officer Christopher Fitzgerald was shot while responding to a robbery, according to the university.

Pfeffer will be charged with murder, murder of a law enforcement officer, robbery, carjacking, and a weapons offense. Prosecutors said Fitzgerald was shot in the head.

District Attorney Larry Krasner said in a statement on Sunday, “There are also allegations that he attempted to wrest a gun from Officer Fitzgerald and try to pull it through his pocket while he was lying on the ground, mortally wounded. “Additionally, Pfeffer is alleged to have committed a carjacking near the scene of the police officer’s murder and shortly afterward.”

Fitzgerald was taken to Temple University Hospital and pronounced dead, the university said Saturday.

School officials said Fitzgerald had been with the police since October 2021.

“Officer Fitzgerald selflessly gave his life to serve and protect this community,” Jennifer Griffin, the university’s vice president for public safety, said in a statement. “This loss leaves a huge hole in our hearts. He was his father, husband, son, colleague and friend.”

University president Jason Wingard said he was “heartbroken” and said the city and country are dealing with “the daily courage and bravery of our police officers to protect our students, faculty and communities.” It’s a poignant reminder of sacrifice.” An unprecedented epidemic of violence. ”

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro tweeted that he and his wife were “devastated for the family of the Temple University police officer who was murdered on duty tonight and who has served his community bravely.”