Temple University officer dead after shooting near campus
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- City officials say a Temple University officer tried to stop a carjacking blocks away from campus when he was shot. According to the university, this is the first Temple police officer to be killed in the line of duty.
Officials tell CBS News Philadelphia they have made an arrest on Sunday morning.
CBS Philadelphia has seen countless investigators, first responders, and the homicide unit arrive. Several streets are blocked off.
Temple officials say one of their officers was shot on West Montgomery Avenue near 17th Street. The officer later died at Temple University Hospital Saturday night.
This is still a very fluid situation.
The university says the officer was attempting to catch a suspect in a robbery of a convenience store at the corner of Cecil B. Moore Ave and 15th Street. However, police commissioner Danielle Outlaw said the shooting happened when the officer tried to intervene during a carjacking.
"This is happening way way too much," Outlaw said. "And PPD is doing everything that we can to make sure that not only is this person responsible taken into custody and brought to justice."
We're still unsure if either of these incidents is connected.
Many people and first responders were gathered outside of the hospital where an emotional Temple University President Jason Wingard spoke.
"One of our beloved police officers of Temple University has lost his life tonight," Wingard said. "I just met with his wife and his family, his fellow police officers, there are no words to convey just how heartbroken we all are."
Sunday morning, the university is asking the community for prayers.
"We're devastated at the loss of a Temple University police officer who was protecting and safeguarding our community when they were taken from us. This is the first Temple University police officer who has lost their life in the line of duty. We are eternally grateful for the love and support we have received from our fellow officers, the Temple community, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police and countless other agencies who have reached out to us," Jennifer Griffin, Temple University's vice president for public affairs, said.
Officials are not releasing the name of the officer as of now.
The community is home to many college students since Temple is just about a 10-minute walk.
CBS News Philadelphia has spoken to a few in the area and many are devastated by the ongoing gun violence.
In a statement from Temple officials, they say the officer was shot while trying to get a suspect into custody of a robbery at a convenience store:
"Temple University is heartbroken to confirm that a Temple University police officer was shot at 1700 W. Montgomery Avenue while trying to apprehend the suspect in a robbery of a convenience store located at the corner of Cecil B. Moore and 15th Street. The officer was later pronounced dead at Temple University Hospital.
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."
Below are statements from government officials and more about the deadly shooting.
Temple University Police Association President Alec Shaffer:
"The Temple University police department and community is in shock tonight after learning that one of our brave, heroes was killed in the line-of-duty after being shot. Details and specifics around the shooting death are incomplete at this hour, but we remain committed to supporting this officer, his family and fellow police officers. There are no words that can express our deep sorrow to this officer and our Temple University Police family who attempt to process this horrific tragedy.
Please keep this officer's family and our fellow Temple University Police family in your thoughts and prayers. We are thankful for the outpouring of support and love from the Temple University community, our colleagues with Philadelphia Police and law-enforcement across the country."
Governor Josh Shapiro:
District 5 Councilmember Darrell Clarke:
The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Jerry Jordan:
"I am horrified to learn of the fatal shooting of a Temple University police officer this evening. The catastrophic, relentless devastation of gun violence is unbearable. I am so sorry for this officer, his family, and all impacted by tonight's tragedy.
"It is well past time for meaningful, systemic gun reform. As we mourn for this officer and his loved ones, we must organize and act in order to stop this horrific crisis."
The State Fraternal Order of Police Lodge President Joseph Regan:
"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."
On Sunday around 5 a.m., police motorcycle units were escorting the fallen officer's body from the Medical Examiner's Office to a funeral home.
The Temple University Police Association also tweeted Sunday morning that they have started a memorial at Montgomery Avenue and Bouvier Street.
