Officer Alhassane Barry, 29, was killed early Sunday morning in a double shooting in Southwest Philadelphia.
Police say the male suspect was seen walking to the location of the shooting in the area of 73rd Street from Buist Avenue. After the shooting, he fled the scene on foot southbound on 73rd Street.
The shooting happened outside an after-hours lounge early Sunday, according to police. The establishment has since been closed. A notice on the window cited nuisance activity.
Police found Barry and the second victim suffering from gunshot wounds just before 4 a.m. along the 7200 block of Elmwood Avenue. Both men were taken to Penn Presbyterian Hospital and underwent surgery, but Barry died from his injuries.
The second victim is listed in stable condition.
Police obtained surveillance video that shows Barry, the other victim, and the suspect arguing inside before it escalated outside.
"At some point, there's an assault and then a separation, then shots were fired by the one individual," said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel.
Family members and fellow officers gathered outside the hospital as the officer's body was escorted from the facility and placed into an ambulance.
"We are here now to support his family and the men and women of the 12th district," Bethel said.
Investigators said it remains unclear what led to the shooting.
Residents say the lounge near the scene of the shooting has operated in the area for several years.
"Just an after-hours bar. People go there get a couple drinks, party there, that's about it," one person in the area said.
According to the city Department of Licenses and Inspections property search, inspectors have issued several violations at the property since 2021, including one for not having a proper zoning or use permit to operate an after-hours lounge.
Authorities said they are investigating the location and why the officer was there.
"We'll be doing a complete investigation of everything involving, leading up to this incident, and what transpired," said Bethel.
Police said a handgun and several spent shell casings were recovered at the scene.
Funeral arrangements were held Monday for Barry.
"My brother is a really friendly person. He's really sweet. He's a generous, giving person," said the officer's sister, Idiatou Barry. "We're very proud of him, very proud."
"We want this thing to stop, this gun violence. We want this to stop," added his mother, Aissatou Bah.
Barry's family says he lived a life of service - as a soldier in the military and an officer in the 12th District.
"He was a nice person. I was glad he was able to patrol our neighborhood," said a friend, Alisha Walker.
A $20,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.
Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to call police at 215-686-TIPS.