Man charged with murder in shooting death of FedEx coworker in Tinicum Twp.

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A man has been charged with murder after officials say he shot and killed a coworker at a FedEx distribution center near the Philadelphia's airport earlier this month.

According to Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Keith Lamont Blount, 59, of Philadelphia, is charged in connection with the October 7 murder of Bartholomew Masciulli, 51, of Levittown.

Blount has been charged with criminal homicide, first-degree murder, third-degree murder and related firearms charges.

SEE ALSO: Suspect wanted for killing FedEx worker in Tinicum Twp. shot by police in North Philadelphia

He is also charged with multiple counts of assault on a law enforcement officer in connection with his arrest by Philadelphia police officers.

Stollsteimer said Masciulli had been a FedEx employee for 28 years.

"...He had been assigned to evaluate the readiness of a fellow employee to become a driver for FedEx. When the defendant did not receive a positive evaluation, he decided to retaliate in the worst way possible. In committing this senseless act..." Stollsteimer said.

Officials said there is no threat to the community and the shooting is being investigated as a possible workplace violence incident.

Tinicum Township police were called to the report of a shooting in the Cargo City area of the airport on the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 7.

Arriving officers found a silver Jeep Patriot with a gunshot victim inside. Authorities say the victim, later identified as Masciulli, was suffering from gunshot wounds to the face. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Five 9mm fired cartridge casings were located approximately 50 feet behind the vehicle.

Witnesses told police they saw the suspect approach the victim, and after speaking to him fired five shots.

One witness told police he knew the suspect. The witness said the suspect was training to become a FedEx driver and the victim was the driver training instructor.

The witness was able to positively identify Blount from a photo array.

Authorities obtained documents from FedEx which confirmed Masciulli had evaluated Blount on Aug. 29 and Sept. 2 and did not approve of him to become a FedEx driver.

Investigators found security camera footage which showed a silver Honda Accord in the area for approximately two hours prior to the shooting. They determined the vehicle was associated with a Philadelphia address of the suspect.

The vehicle's information was sent out to law enforcement agencies across the area, including the Philadelphia Police Department.

At about 5:45 p.m. that day, authorities say Blount opened fire on two Philadelphia police officers who were traveling in a marked patrol vehicle on the 3300 block of North 10th Street.

Four additional Philadelphia officers responded to the scene and observed the suspect in the middle of the street armed with a gun. They say Blount fired at the officers who returned fire, striking the suspect.

Blount was taken to Temple University Hospital.

Investigators found fired cartridge casing, a 9mm firearm and additional ammunition in the Honda. They say the casings recovered from the scene in Tinicum Township matched the 9mm firearm found in the suspect's vehicle.

"His actions are reprehensible. We will work to ensure that he is held responsible to the full extent of the law," said Stollsteimer.

Blount is currently being held without bail in Philadelphia, but will be transferred to the George W. Hill Correctional facility.