Police officer shot inside corner store in North Philadelphia; suspect dead
According to police, two officers confronted an armed man inside a business on North Mascher Street.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A Philadelphia police officer was hospitalized after being shot during a scuffle with an armed man inside a business on Friday night.
It happened around 8:45 p.m. near the 2800 block of North Mascher Street inside Jennifer Tavern.
According to police, two officers confronted a group of men standing in the building.
While attempting to stop one of the men, a scuffle ensued and that's when a male suspect shot an officer in the leg.
"Shots fired, shots fired," a Philadelphia police officer can be heard urgently saying during a call for help. "I need someone right now, my partner is shot."
Police later identified the suspect as 28-year-old Alexander Spencer.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel says the officer's partner returned fire, striking Spencer.
He was later pronounced dead at Temple University Hospital.
The injured officer was also rushed to Temple University Hospital and is listed in stable condition.
Court documents show that back in November, Spencer was sentenced to six months of probation for possessing an instrument of crime with an intent to use it.
"I've been here too many times. It is unacceptable that my officers, my men, and women, are shot on these streets in the City of Philadelphia," said Bethel.
"I am proud of the men and women who work for me. I am proud of the fact that they go into these areas and they fight this battle each and every day," he added.
"I want to state for the record something that you've heard us say quite often, and that is that the violence in our city must not and cannot be permitted to stand, and I've said it over and over again that this sense of lawlessness must stop in the City of Philadelphia," said Mayor Cherelle Parker.
Parker also addressed the shooting during an event on Saturday.
"We need to send a very strong message to every man and woman who puts on a uniform on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, especially when they make our public health and safety their number one priority. They gotta know we have their back," she said.
Both officers involved are assigned to the 24th District.
The officer who was shot is a nine-year veteran of the force. The discharging officer is a five-year veteran.
The discharging officer has been placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
Police say someone inside the business stole the suspect's gun after the shooting. That person is still being sought.
Images released by police show a person of interest wanted for questioning. Officers warn the public that this person is considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information is asked to call investigators at 215-686-TIPS.
If residents encounter a person of interest, police urge them to call 911 immediately.
