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Bucks Gunman Faces Murder Charge In Slaying Of Temple University Officer

An 18-year-old Bucks County man is facing various charges including murder in connection with the shooting death of Temple University Police Officer Christopher Fitzgerald, authorities said.

Miles Pfeffer

Miles Pfeffer

Photo Credit: Quakertown Police K9 Unit
Miles Pfeffer is charged with murder in the death of Temple U officer Christopher Fitzgerald.

Miles Pfeffer is charged with murder in the death of Temple U officer Christopher Fitzgerald.

Photo Credit: Philadelphia PD/GoFundMe photo/US Marshals
Miles Pfeffer was captured in the shooting of Temple U officer Chris Fitzgerald.

Miles Pfeffer was captured in the shooting of Temple U officer Chris Fitzgerald.

Photo Credit: US Marshals Office/Miles Pfeffer Instagram

Miles Pfeffer was captured at his home on the 2300 block of Quarry Road in Buckingham Township by members of the US Marshals — who used Fitzgerald's handcuffs to take him into custody — at 7:12 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, according to Daily Voice sources and the Bucks County DA's Office.

Pfeffer was charged with murder, homicide of a law enforcement officer, VUFA and more in connection with Fitzgerald's killing; and carjacking, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, VUFA and more in the incident that led to the pursuit and shooting that ultimately left Fitzgerald dead.

Pfeffer allegedly continued shooting Fitzgerald as he lay on the ground wounded, according to 6abc and CBS, both citing court papers. He then rummaged through the officer's pockets and allegedly tried robbing him of his service weapon, police papers say.

More than $94,000 had been raised on a GoFundMe for Fitzgerald's loved ones as of Sunday evening. He leaves behind a wife and four children.

Pfeffer shot Fitzgerald during a foot pursuit on the 1700 block of West Montgomery Avenue Saturday evening, Feb. 18, authorities said. He disregarded the officer's orders and a struggle ensued, authorities said. That's when Pfeffer opened fire, killing Fitzgerald, the DA's office said.

Fitzgerald was hired as a Temple University officer on Oct. 4, 2021.

"Officer Fitzgerald gave his life to selflessly serve and defend this community," Temple's vice president of public safety, Jennifer D. Griffin, said. 

"The courage and bravery he displayed highlights the day-to-day sacrifice made by our Temple University Police Officers to keep our community safe. This loss leaves an enormous hole in all of our hearts. He was a father, a husband, a son, a colleague, and a friend."

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