Nov 23, 2009 11:00 pm US/Eastern
Fatal Police Involved Shooting Under Investigation
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Philadelphia Police are investigating a shooting involving an off-duty officer in Port Richmond that left one man dead.
Police Lt. Frank Vanore tells CBS3 that a large fight, involving 20 to 40 young people, broke out in the 2600 block of Elkhart Street at about 11 p.m. Saturday.
Officer Frank Tepper told investigators he was having a christening party for his granddaughter when his daughter's ex-boyfriend came to the home with a group of friends.
Tepper said a fight erupted and he was assaulted, prompting him to open fire. The shot struck 21-year-old William 'Billy' Panas in the chest.
Friends of Panas said he was trying to offer assistance, not attack. Witnesses said Panas was trying to stop the fight when he scuffled with Tepper.
"We all walked over to make sure everything was alright, and Billy got shot. He pointed it at my face and he pointed it at Billy and shot him in the chest at point blank range with no remorse," said witness Anthony Picklo.
"He never said he was an officer," said Panas' friend Travis Marko.
Panas was taken to Temple University Hospital by responding medics, but he was pronounced dead at 11:33 p.m.
Family and friends of Panas gathered for an emotional vigil Sunday night. Panas' parents and friends spoke to CBS 3's Robin Rieger saying they are overwhelmed with grief and anger.
"He's out of jail and my son is dead. I just don't think it's fair," said Bill Panas Sr.
Neighborhood residents told CBS 3 they have complained about officer's behavior, saying he has pulled his gun and fired shots into the air in the past.
"We have to look at this incident. What you did yesterday, last week, two months ago is not relevant to what happened at that particular moment in time." Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey said.
Philadelphia Internal Affairs, Homicide and the District Attorney's office are all investigating the shooting. Tepper has been placed on desk duty, as is standard procedure for all police involved shootings.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Hottest Celebrity Redheads
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
