Philadelphia Police Officer Killed At Airport Identified

PHILADELPHIA — One Philadelphia Police officer is dead and another injured after a shooting Thursday night at the Philadelphia International Airport.

Killed was Philadelphia Police Officer Richard Mendez, 50.

The shooting occurred just after 11 p.m. in parking garage D of the airport.

Mendez and Officer Raul Ortiz, 60, were arriving for work at the airport when police said they saw three or four men breaking into a vehicle in the garage.

They approached the men, which is when police said the suspects opened fire, striking the officers.

Mendez was hit four times, and Ortiz once in the arm.

They were taken to hospitals, and Mendez was pronounced dead at 11:34 p.m.

Ortiz is in stable condition.

Mendez was a 22-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department and spent much of his law enforcement career with the 24th District before moving to the airport. He was married with one child.

To honor the memory of Officer Richard Mendez, all City of Philadelphia flags will be flown at half-staff for 30 days.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Authorities believe one of the suspects, 18-year-old Jesus Herman Madera-Duran, was taken to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where he was pronounced dead.

Police said it's unclear who shot Duran.

Authorities said the black Dodge Durango used by the suspects was stolen a week ago in South Philadelphia and that it was found burned in South Brunswick, New Jersey early Friday morning.

The Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 and Delco FOP Lodge 27 are offering a $30,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest.

Temple University Police's union is also offering a $5,000 reward.

There is a $20,000 reward available on all homicides in Philadelphia.

"Our hearts ache as we mourn the loss of a brave, Philadelphia police officer and pray for the full recovery of a second injured officer," Philadelphia FOP Lodge 5 President John McNesby said in a statement. "Sending our heartfelt condolences to the officer's family, friends, and colleagues on the department."

Interim Philadelphia Police Commissioner John Stanford called it a "numb moment."

"Heartbroken by the tragic loss of a Philly Police officer," Mayor Jim Kenney said. "My thoughts are with their family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time, and I pray for the second officer’s swift recovery."

"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," District Attorney Larry Krasner said. "We are thankful that they are recovering, and that the second officer shot last night is expected to survive. We send our deepest condolences to the loved ones of the officer who was killed last night, and are in close contact with investigators seeking to apprehend the individuals responsible, so they can be held accountable."

"I want to offer my sincerest condolences to the family, colleagues, and loved ones of the officer who died a hero, bravely responding to a criminal act in progress," Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry said Friday. "He gave his life doing what he had for decades prior to this tragic incident — selflessly serving and defending his community from harm. "We wish for healing and recovery for the second officer who has also devoted many years protecting and serving the residents of Philadelphia."

Anyone who has information on the shooting should contact Philadelphia Police at 215-686-8477.