$10K reward offered after man allegedly takes gun from scene of deadly Philadelphia police shooting
The Philadelphia FOP Lodge #5 is offering a $10K reward for any information that leads to Jose Quinones-Mendez's arrest
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- JOSE QUINONES-MENDEZ CAPTURED. CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST.
A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of a man who allegedly stole a gun from a shooting crime scene that left an officer wounded and a suspect dead on Friday night.
Authorities say they are now searching for 42-year-old Jose Quinones-Mendez. He is facing several charges, including obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence. He is considered armed and dangerous, according to police.
The incident took place around 8:45 p.m. near the 2800 block of North Mascher Street inside a local corner store, Jennifer Tavern.
Two officers stepped inside the store and attempted to stop the suspect, later identified as 28-year-old Alexander Spencer, but a scuffle ensued.
WATCH | Police officer shot inside corner store in North Philadelphia; suspect dead
Spencer allegedly shot a nine-year police veteran in the leg, prompting the officer's partner to then shoot Spencer, who was later pronounced dead.
The wounded officer is in stable condition and recovering in the hospital, police say.
On Saturday, a video surfaced on social media, which had been shot by a bystander and showed a portion of the shooting. The clip is just over 30 seconds long.
In it, you can hear two gunshots, but it is unclear who fired. The bystander then questioned the incident and an officer called for help.
Police say they're aware of the video and it is part of an ongoing investigation.
After the shooting, police say Quinones-Mendez stole the suspect's gun, which had fallen on the ground inside the business.
He is wanted for charges including Violation of the Uniform Firearms Act (VUFA), Theft, Obstruction of Justice, and Tampering with Evidence.
Officers described him as being 5'8" tall and approximately 160 lbs. His last known address was on the 2900 block of North Hancock Street.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Homicide Unit at 215-686-3334 or dial 911.
Meanwhile, at the site of the shooting, Spencer's loved ones created a memorial on Sunday to honor him.
They are insisting Spencer is innocent.
Some friends told Action News he went to the corner store often and they are trying to process what happened.
"He was a good neighbor. People look at him like a brother," said one friend who wanted to remain anonymous. "He had two kids. He was just trying to live life, trying to do everything positive for his kids."
"We just want justice. We want to know why. We just want answers," the person continued. "What did he do?"
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