PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — An officer is injured and a suspect is dead after a shooting inside a North Philadelphia store Friday night.
Officials say it happened around 8:45 p.m. along Mascher and Cambria streets in Fairhill.
Two officers, both of the 24th District, were on a routine patrol when they entered a corner store and approached a group of men inside.
Police say the two officers attempted to stop one of the men, later identified as 28-year-old Alexander Spencer, and a scuffle broke out.
That's when Spencer fired a gun, striking one of the officers in the leg. In response, the officer’s partner fired back, striking Spencer.
Both Spencer and the officer were taken to Temple University Hospital, where Spencer died. The officer is listed in stable condition.
Police say at some point during the incident, Spencer's gun fell to the floor and someone grabbed it and ran out. Police are now looking for that person.
“I’ve been here too many times,” said Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel. “It is unacceptable that my officers — my men and women — are shot on the streets of Philadelphia. I will not ask you for your prayers. I will ask you to support us.”
Mayor Cherelle Parker says the violence in the city is out of control.
“There are far too many guns in our city and too many too willing to pick up a gun.”
The injured officer has been with the police department for nine years. The discharging officer, who has been with the department for five years, has been placed on administrative duty.
This is a developing story. Stay with KYW for the latest.