Philadelphia airport shooting: $244,900 reward offered in murder of Philadelphia police officer
PHILADELPHIA - The outpouring from the city in the wake of the fatal shooting of a Philly police officer has been overwhelming, in terms of the number of groups who have contributed to the reward for the arrest of the suspects and the dollar amount.
The reward stood at $180,000, the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police announced Friday evening.
FOP President John McNesby said FOP Lodge 5 and Delco FOP Lodge 27 initially offered $30,000 for any information that leads to an arrest.
By late Friday afternoon, a wide variety of groups and organizations had contributed to the reward fund, including at least five unions, several restaurants, several elected officials, and various law enforcement support organizations, including Bucks County FOP, New Jersey State FOP, PA State Police Troopers Association, University of Pennsylvania Police FOP, Temple Police FOP, as well as anonymous donors.
Saturday morning, the amount grew to $184,500 and by Saturday evening, the reward swelled to $225,000.
The slain officer was identified as 50-year-old Richard Mendez. Mendez was three days shy of his 23rd year with the Philadelphia Police Department. His partner, injured in the shooting, is identified as 60-year-old Raul Ortiz, a 20-year veteran of the force.
City leaders spoke out after the deadly shooting to express their "anger, devastation and heartbreak."
Officer killed in shooting at Philadelphia International Airport; second officer wounded
A Philadelphia police officer was killed late Thursday night and another was injured after a shooting inside a parking garage at the Philadelphia International Airport.
"Anger, devastation and heartbreak are the emotions. One officer gave his life tonight and one is recovering. Please wrap your arms and prayers around their families and our department. We will continue our search for those responsible and won't stop until all are in custody!" Stanford said.
Mayor James Kenney offered his thoughts and prayers to the families of both officers after the city's "tragic loss."
District Attorney Larry Krasner is urging anyone with information to come forward to help them identify suspects in the deadly shooting.
"Police go to work every day knowing they could at any moment encounter someone who has no business holding a gun, has a gun anyway, and is willing to fire upon others for no reason at all," Krasner said.
Philadelphia police identify officer, suspect killed in shooting at PHL; more suspects at large
Officer Richard Mendez, 50, was identified as the officer who was killed during a shooting inside a Philadelphia International Airport parking garage late Thursday night.
Interim Commissioner John Stanford described the killing as a "numb moment" for his department after three officers were injured in a shooting last week.
Police are actively searching for the suspects and a black Dodge Durango that sources say was seen fleeing the scene. The Durango was later found on fire by police in South Brunswick, New Jersey.
Officials say no arrests have been made in connection with the fatal shooting.
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