UPDATED: 7:28 p.m.
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Authorities have released more information involving the man fatally shot by Philadelphia police in the early morning hours of Christmas Day in Kensington.
Police say they were called to the scene, along Westmoreland and Emerald streets, to break up a fight. More neighbors heard the disturbance and joined in the fight.
As the situation escalated, officials say 43-year-old Jesus Perez took out a gun and fired, striking two teens in the neck.
The officers on the scene, Officers Timothy Strano and Leggie Thompson, fired back at Perez, striking and killing him.
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Fifteen-year-old Jeremy Perez was killed, and the other victim, a 17-year-old boy, was taken to Temple University Hospital, where he is expected to recover.
Both officers remain on desk duty.
“The decision to utilize deadly force is the most serious action a police officer can undertake,” Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said in a statement. “As such, we will ensure that a thorough, complete and objective investigation takes place. I would implore any and all first-hand eye-witnesses to come forward and share their accounts with our investigators.”
Strano, 39, is a six-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department. Thompson, 45, has been with the department for nine months.
An investigation is ongoing.