Jose Mendez: Police identify suspect wanted in shooting case that left officer injured and another dead
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
FAIRHILL, PHILADELPHIA: Amid a police investigation into a series of disturbances culminating in a shooting, surveillance footage has emerged.
The outcome of the incident left one police officer injured, and the suspect was declared deceased.
Officials stated that the incident took place on Jan 26, around 8:45 pm as two officers were patrolling in the vicinity of Mascher and Cambria Streets.
During their patrol, the officers came across an individual and entered a store. While inside, they noticed the suspect carrying a firearm.
When the officers attempted to detain him, a scuffle broke out with the man, who then fired a gunshot, hitting one of the officers in the leg, according to investigators.
Subsequently, the injured officer's partner drew a weapon and fired back, resulting in the shooting of the man, according to officials.
Philadelphia police are in search of Jose Quinones-Mendez
Following the Friday night shooting incident, authorities launched a search for an individual who seized the shooter's weapon and fled the scene.
Following the gunshot wound, the individual, identified as 28-year-old Alexander Spencer, was taken to Temple University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The injured officer initially reported to have been shot twice, was also transported to the hospital, and is currently listed in stable condition, according to the police.
On Saturday, police disseminated images of an unidentified man, captured from surveillance footage, who is being sought in connection with the suspect's firearm.
They designated him as a person of interest in the investigation, emphasizing that he should be considered armed and dangerous.
This subject is wanted for questioning in reference to the shooting of a @PhillyPolice Officer on 1/26/24 at 2800 N. Mascher Street. He was seen leaving the scene of the incident with a firearm. Consider this subject armed and dangerous. Call 911 or 215-676-TIPS(8477) with info pic.twitter.com/IRFikN8oEx
— Philadelphia Police Department (@PhillyPolice) January 27, 2024
This individual, later identified as 42-year-old Jose Quinones-Mendez, was seen in photos taken inside the corner store.
Authorities revealed that the wounded officer has served on the force for nine years, while the officer who discharged the firearm has five years of service. It was clarified that both officers were initially reported to have six years of service with the department.
What did the Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel say?
As reported by CBS News, the incident occurred just before 9 pm on Friday while two officers were conducting a routine patrol.
According to Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, the officers encountered an individual during their patrol and entered a store. While inside, they observed the suspect in possession of a firearm, leading to a scuffle between the officer and the individual.
Mayor Cherelle Parker expressed relief that the injured officer is expected to "survive this terrible incident." However, she emphasized that the prevailing violence in the city "must not and cannot be permitted to stand."
Addressing the issue of lawlessness in Philadelphia, Mayor Parker stated, "This sense of lawlessness must stop in the city of Philadelphia. There are far too many guns in our city, and too many individuals are too willing to pick up a gun as per Fox News.
