Temple University Police Officer Christopher Fitzgerald was shot and killed on Saturday Night.
The shooting happened on the 1700 block of Montgomery Avenue shortly after 7 p.m. Police say it started when officer Fitzgerald who, was alone at the time, saw three men in masks in an area where there had been a series of robberies and carjackings. Police say Fitzgerald then tried to conduct a “pedestrian investigation,” but the three men fled on foot and Fitzgerald radioed to say he was chasing them. Fitzgerald eventually caught up with one of the men when police say, 18-year old Miles Pfeffer, whom Fitzgerald told to “ go to the ground,” the two then started to “ tussle,” and Pfeffer allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Officer Fitzgerald.
The other two men involved, 16 and 17 years old, were detained and interviewed and led authorities to Pfeffer. Pfeffer was arrested on Sunday, on charges including murder and Robbery.
Temple University Hosted a Vigil on Tuesday Afternoon to celebrate Officer Fitzgerald’s life. Students and Faculty gathered at the Bell Tower along with Officer Fitzgerald’s family showing them they were not alone.
Marissa Fitzgerald, the wife of the fallen officer, wanted everyone to know her husband loved us all and will always be with us. “ I know he’s not here anymore to protect us but just know that he’s always with yall. And he’s always protecting this community. You did such a good job baby. Your brothers and sisters and I will take it from here. You just rest cause we got you”
Students are devastated by the loss of Officer Fitzgerald. Some are scared and question whether they feel safe or not on campus.
Sophomore Grace Rufalo stated, “This is quite frankly devastating, this is only my second semester here at temple. I’m a transfer student uhm so to go from a more rural community college to this honestly a shock. This was a heavy service”
President of Temple University Jason Wingard says, “we will strengthen this community with the ideals that Officer Christopher Fitzgerald modeled with our service, commitment, and family. We are one family, the chapel family.”
Be the first to comment