Philadelphia police officer fatally shot while trying to stop robbery

PHILADELPHIA -- A police officer shot multiple times in North Philadelphia has died and two people have been taken into custody.

The shooting occurred around 4:45 p.m. Thursday in a shopping center at the intersection of West Lehigh Avenue and North 21st Street.

Officer Robert Wilson III, a 22nd district officer, was shot three times, once in the head, once in the chest and once in the eye.

He was taken to Temple University Hospital in critical condition. He was pronounced dead at 6:25 p.m.

Officer Wilson III was a 8-year veteran of the force and leaves behind a 9-year-old and a 1-year-old.

"One of the best police officers this city has to offer period. A very, very brave and heroic individual," Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey.

Police say Officer Wilson III was inside a GameStop store located inside the shopping center.

Two suspects entered and announced a robbery and there was an exchange of gunfire.

The officer's partner, who was outside at the time, heard the gunfire and entered the store.

There was more gunfire between police and the suspects and one of the suspects was shot and wounded.

The wounded suspect and a second person were taken into custody.

Formal charges are pending.