PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia Police chased after, confronted and shot a homicide suspect in Kensington Tuesday evening, investigators said.
It was around 5:30 p.m. when two officers on patrol in the area of Reach Street and Allegheny Avenue saw 29-year-old Spencer Majett, a homicide suspect Deputy Police Commissioner Frank Vanore said police had been looking for for several weeks.
The officers called for backup then ran after Majett and they ended up in an alley.
“Mr. Majett was armed, with what we know now is a 40 caliber firearm. The officers and Mr. Majett discharged. Mr. Majett was hit one time in the shoulder area, maybe one or two times,” Vanore said.
Majett was taken to the hospital and is said to be in critical, but stable condition. The officers were not hurt. Vanore said they were wearing body cameras and any footage would be part of the investigation by internal affairs, which investigates all police-involved shootings.
This incident occurred blocks away from the beer store where a deadly shooting happened on Oct. 8.
Police said Majett was involved in a confrontation inside the shop that spilled out onto the sidewalk. Authorities said Majett then fired shots, but the intended target was not hit. Instead, investigators said a stray bullet hit Felicity Vanatta, 23, who was a few hundred feet away. The Penns Grove, New Jersey resident was struck in the chest and died later at the hospital.
Police identified Majett as the suspected shooter in the days that followed.
“We’ve been actively seeking his arrest,” Vanore said. “When the officers recognized him they did what they’re supposed to do and went to try to stop him.”