DA charges man who shot Temple cop

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The Office of U.S. Marshals detained a man on Sunday morning in connection with fatal shot at a Temple University police officer. The suspect, 18-year-old Miles Pfeffer, was arrested in Buckingham, Bucks County.

Pfeffer from Buckingham Township turned 18 in January 2023.

The Philadelphia District Attorney’s office announced that Pfeffer will be charged with murder, murder of a law enforcement officer, robbery, auto theft, crimes with a firearm, possession of a crime weapon, and related crimes. The DA’s office also adds that “Pfeffer is not eligible for bail.”

Authorities also identified the deceased policeman as Chris Fitzgerald. The Temple Police Association posted photos of the officer on their Twitter page.

The association also said that Pfeffer was arrested while handcuffed by Fitzgerald.

On Sunday morning, Pfeffer escorted a convoy of law enforcement officials, including U.S. Marshals, to Philadelphia Police Headquarters.

Less than 24 hours after the murder of the Temple officer, the police uncovered a wealth of evidence.

Sources say CCTV footage showing the entire incident, witness statements and a police radio detailing every step of the shooting that took place in North Philadelphia, where a memorial to the dead officer is now growing.

“Officer down! All available units are on their way to Temple,” police radio said after the shooting.

When the officers rushed to 17th Street and Montgomery, Fitzgerald was already lying and laying to die from several shots.

The shooting frightened one student from her home.

“I heard about eight shots,” said one of the students. “Just in shock, couldn’t believe it was happening so close to us.”

Investigators say Fitzgerald tried to stop three people, including Pfeffer, during the robbery. Two other members of the robbery, including Pfeffer’s brother, are in police custody for questioning.

But Pfeffer ignored Fitzgerald’s order to stop.

A sworn statement about the probable cause obtained by CBS News Philadelphia through sources shows that Fitzgerald is repeatedly heard on surveillance video telling the suspect to lie down on the ground.

As Fitzgerald catches up to him, the police report that a fight has broken out between him and Pfeffer.

According to the Philadelphia district attorney, Pfeffer pulled out a gun and shot him in the head.

Pfeffer then stood over Fitzgerald and, according to an affidavit, fired several more shots into his face and head.

According to the district attorney’s office, Pfeffer also tried to take the gun from Officer Fitzgerald and rummaged through his pockets while the officer lay on the ground and was mortally wounded.

The DA says Pfeffer stole someone’s car.

After the shooting and car theft, Pfeffer allegedly went to 29th Street and Ridge Avenue, where he was picked up by his mother and taken to the town of Buckingham.

According to the university, this is the first Temple police officer to be killed in the line of duty.

The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office said in a statement:

“Today, we join in mourning with the communities of Temple University and the City of Philadelphia, as well as the family of Officer Fitzgerald, who died a hero while responding bravely to a dangerous and volatile situation. I want to express my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. those who knew the dangers he faced at work and supported him in his chosen profession, as did all law enforcement families.”

Meanwhile, the officer’s family is in mourning.

“Not all heroes wear capes and Chris was definitely a hero to this community,” said Juan Marrero, Fitzgerald’s cousin. “He just didn’t have a cape.”

Marrero says family meant everything to the 31-year-old husband and father of four.

“He is the perfect father to his beautiful children and does anything for them,” Marrero said. “I don’t know how they feel now that their father won’t come home.”