Off-duty detective fatally shoots suspect in Philadelphia

LAWNDALE -- Authorities say an off-duty detective fatally shot a suspect in Philadelphia's Lawndale section.

It happened just before 11:30 p.m. in the 6900 block of Rising Sun Avenue.

Chief Inspector Scott Small of the Philadelphia Police Department said the detective had just ordered food at Rising Sun Pizza when two suspects walked in.

They allegedly took $20 from the detective's hand and one of the suspects put a gun to his head while forcing him to the ground.

The suspects then turned around to the counter where the owner and employee were standing. The officer identified himself and pulled out his gun.

Police say one suspect then fired two shots at point blank range at the officer.

The detective returned fire, and hit one suspect who later collapsed on the 500 block of Tyson Street and died.

Philadelphia police Chief Inspector Scott Small said, "The detective is extremely lucky that he was not shot, extremely lucky that he was not killed."

The second suspect fled and remains at large.

The incident is under investigation.