🌱 Temple U Police Officer Killed + Pipe Bomb Found+ Golf Cart Kidnap

Hey, friends! I'm back with your fresh edition of the Philadelphia Patch newsletter. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town. Today we have these stories and more...

• Slain Temple University Police Officer Christopher Fitzpatrick leaves behind four children.
• St. Dominic's R.C. Church in Holmesburg was the site of a pipe bomb found behind the building.
• A woman was abducted on the streets of Port Richmond by a man driving a golf cart.

---

But first, today's weather:

Decreasing clouds. High: 59 Low: 42.

---

Business owners and marketers in Philadelphia: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

---

Here are the top three stories in Philadelphia today:

1. Temple University Police Officer Christopher Fitzpatrick was shot and killed on duty Saturday night near 17th and Montgomery Avenue. Miles Peffer, 18, was taken into custody the next morning from his residence in Bucks County by members of the U.S. Marshals Service, the Central Bucks Special Response Team and state, Philadelphia and Buckingham Township police. He was restrained with Fitzpatrick's handcuffs .(PA Patch)
2. An 18-inch pipe bomb was found behind St. Dominic's R.C. Church along railroad tracks and Pennypark Park Trail. A pedestrian found the device with capped ends and an unknown black powder on it. Streets in the Holmesburg neighborhood were blocked off as the city's bomb squad secured the device. (New York Post )
3. Port Richmond doesn't have any golf courses but that didn't stop a kidnapper. Police say a man driving a golf cart followed a woman early Sunday morning and abducted her at gunpoint. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Special Victims Unit at 215-685-3251 or 911. (6abc Philadelphia)

---

Today in Philadelphia:

• PCCMC Interim Reports - Parkway Center City (12:00 AM)
• Presidential Symposium Kickoff and Keynote: "Inspire Beyond Inclusion" (1:00 PM)
• Post Haste Pop up at a.bar (4:00 PM)
• Comedy Open Mic Free Show At Sweeney's (7:30 PM)

---

From my notebook:

• You're gonna have some door knockers this week-it's petition time in Philadelphia. There are over 30 candidates running for City Council-at-large as well as 10 mayoral candidates. Here's a crash course on what they need and why they're asking for your autograph: Philadelphia election deadlines: Signature petitions and challenges (billypenn.com)
• Did we mention you can each as many donuts as you want on this Fat Tuesday? Check out Haegele's - a 4th generation family owned, German inspired bakery in Mayfair. Fastnacht Day is Tuesday but both today and tomorrow you need to get in line! They've been baking in Philadelphia since 1930-(Haegele's Bakery | Philadelphia PA | Facebook)
• Just in case you weren't hurt enough over the Eagle's Super Bowl Loss, the guys at Crossing Broad wrote this post-mortem piece on the biggest stomach punch this year. (Lessons Learned from a Super Bowl Stomach Punch - Crossing Broad) More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• 1600 Spruce Street Home, Design & Gift — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Presidents' Day at The Candy Lab! (February 20)
• Medicare Education Webinar (February 23)
• An Evening with New York (March 9)
• Add your event

Featured announcements:

• Introducing a New Podcast: Honestly Aging by VigR Health (Details)
• Add your announcement

---

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update!

— Patty-Pat Kozlowski

About me: Patty-Pat Kozlowski has been writing community news and Philly-cenric Op/Eds for over 20 years. A Jill of all trades she's been a stand-up comedian, chef, DJ, newspaper editor, food trucker and Parks Director for Philadelphia Parks & Rec as well as a community relations/legislative aide for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Philadelphia City Council.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Philadelphia Patch newsletter? Contact me at philadelphia@patch.com