The 18-year-old suspect has been charged with the murder of a Temple University officer, the district attorney said.

PHILADELPHIA – The 18-year-old suspect has been charged with murder in the tragic shooting that killed a Temple University police officer in the line of duty near the school’s campus Saturday night, according to the district attorney’s office.

Police say an officer was trying to intervene in a carjacking near 18th Street and Montgomery Avenue in North Philadelphia when he was shot dead. He later died at Temple University Hospital.

Local authorities and Temple University named the deceased officer Chris Fitzgerald. The husband and father have served in the university police since October 4, 2021.

The suspect, identified by authorities as 18-year-old Miles Pfeffer, was arrested at the 2300 block of Quarry Road in Bucks County around 7 a.m. Sunday.

Pfeffer was taken to Philadelphia Police Headquarters, where he was charged with murder, murder of a law enforcement officer, evading arrest, and related charges, police said. He was also charged with theft by unlawful seizure, theft with stolen property, VUFA and related charges in connection with a carjacking that police said followed the shooting.

Law enforcement sources told FOX 29’s Steve Keely that the suspect was taken to Curran Fromhold Correctional Facility early Monday morning by Temple University and Philadelphia police.

According to a probable cause statement obtained by FOX 29, the suspect was seen on CCTV firing a handgun at an officer after a chase and a brief struggle.

The affidavit goes on to state that when Officer Fitzgerald fell to the ground, the suspect stood over him and fired “a few more shots to the face and head.”

The district attorney’s office says Pfeffer searched the officer’s pockets and tried to take his gun, then stole another man’s car.

Pfeffer can be heard in the video saying “give me the keys or I’ll kill you” during the car theft. He then fled the scene in that vehicle.

The affidavit goes on to state that the suspect was later picked up by his mother at 29th Street and Ridge Avenue and taken to their home in Bucks County, where he was taken into custody Sunday morning. Pfeffer was identified by his brother, who, according to the affidavit, was with Pfeffer when Officer Fitzgerald initially tried to stop him.

The 18-year-old suspect was arrested using Fitzgerald’s handcuffs. Temple University Police Association.

“It’s a tradition we do every time there’s a dead officer, and we felt it was important to remember Officer Fitzgerald,” Deputy Robert Clarke explained.

A home in Bucks County, a large lot with a “Boxley Farm” sign in front of the entrance, was the subject of hours of searches on Sunday, where fire, ATF, SPCA and the Philadelphia Crime Squad could be seen coming and going. .

Sources say Pfeffer had a history of dealings with the police as a teenager that allegedly included a terrorist threat.

FOX 29’s Kelly Rule spoke to neighbor Michael Meller, asking, “Have you ever seen the police there before?”
“A lot,” answered Meller.

“Buckingham town,” Rule asked.

“Yes,” Moeller replied. “I just thought it was because of the motorcycles because they are young. These are kids and it’s terrible. I feel so sorry for the cop. It is sad”.

A growing memorial to the fallen officer was also started by fellow officers and his Temple community on the 1700 block of West Montgomery Avenue.

Temple University mourned the loss of its brave officer in a statement Sunday afternoon:

“Officer Fitzgerald gave his life to selflessly serve and protect this community. The courage and bravery he displayed highlights the daily sacrifices our Temple University police officers make to keep our community safe. This loss leaves a huge gap all over our hearts. He was a father, husband, son, colleague and friend.”

The Temple University Police Association released several photos dedicated to Officer Fitzgerald, saying the community is “forever indebted” to their “eternal hero”.

The Police Association also created GoFundMe on behalf of the Fitzgerald family to raise donations.

Friends tell FOX 29’s Chris O’Connell that his family is the “pillar” of the Cobbs Creek community.