Temple University Cop Killed By Teen: Authorities

PHILADELPHIA, PA — A teen wanted for fatally shooting a Temple University police officer in the head and attempting to rob him was apprehended early Sunday at his Buckingham Township home, according to authorities.

Miles Pfeffer, 18, was taken into custody shortly after 7 a.m. at his residence in the 2300 block of Quarry Road by members of the U.S. Marshals Service, the Central Bucks Special Response Team and state, Philadelphia and Buckingham Township police, authorities said.

Police used the fallen officer’s handcuffs to place Pfeffer under arrest, according to authorities.

Pfeffer will be charged with murder, robbery, carjacking, and numerous other offenses, and is ineligible for release on bail, authorities said.

The teen encountered Officer Christopher Fitzgerald when Fitzgerald was investigating an incident Saturday night near the border of the university’s campus in the 1700 block of West Montgomery Avenue, according to authorities. Pfeffer shot Fitzgerald in the head, tried to rob the officer of his gun and went through Fitzgerald’s pockets as he lay dying on the ground, authorities said.

Pfeffer then committed a carjacking near the scene of the killing, according to authorities. Fitzgerald was later pronounced dead at Temple University Hospital, authorities said.

“Officer Fitzgerald’s life was ripped from him and his loved ones violently and senselessly,” Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said in a news release. “As the DA’s Homicide Unit begins the work of holding Miles Pfeffer accountable for his alleged crimes, our Victims Services team will also be extending loving support to Officer Fitzgerald’s family and loved ones.”

Krasner called on state and federal lawmakers to take swift action regarding the “obscene supply and availability” of guns in Pennsylvania communities.

Fitzgerald was hired by Temple in October of 2021, according to the university. He was married and had four children.

"This loss comes at a time when gun violence continues its horrific impact on our city and our country," Temple President Jason Wingard said in a message to the university community. "Philadelphia and the nation are dealing with an unprecedented epidemic of violence, and the tragedy that took place tonight is a gut-wrenching reminder of our police officers’ daily bravery and sacrifices to protect our students, faculty, staff and community."

Wingard directed those in need of support to Tuttleman Counseling Services.

“There are no words to describe the news of another one of our officers being shot,” Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge President Joseph Regan said in a prepared statement. “This officer is a hero whose legacy and unselfish act will live in our hearts and memories forever. The 40,000 men and women of the PA FOP send their deepest condolences to the family of this hero and to the Temple University Police Department during this extremely difficult time.”