Philadelphia police arrested a New Jersey teenager Monday in connection with the deadly shooting of a cop at the city’s airport.
Authorities said they took Yobranny Martinez Fernandez, 18, of Camden County, New Jersey, into custody around 2 a.m. for his role in the shooting that killed Philadelphia police officer Richard Mendez last week.
Mr. Fernandez is being held with New Jersey State Police and is awaiting extradition to Philadelphia to face murder charges, according to law enforcement.
Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore said two suspects are still being sought in the shooting that erupted around 11 p.m. Thursday at Philadelphia International Airport.
Police said Officer Mendez, a 22-year veteran with the force, and Officer Raul Ortiz were walking to a terminal to start their shift when they heard glass breaking in a parking garage.
The officers saw at least four people busting into a car, police said, and the suspects opened fire as the officers went to confront them.
Office Ortiz was shot in the arm while police said Officer Mendez was shot multiple times in the upper torso, likely from behind. Police don’t believe the cops shot back at the armed suspects.
One of the suspected robbers, 18-year-old Jesus Hernan Madera Duran, also was shot in the fracas.
“We believe that one of these accomplices was responsible for firing a firearm which shot all three of these individuals,” Commissioner Vanore said.
Officer Mendez and Mr. Duran died while at the hospital. Officer Ortiz was released from the hospital on Saturday.
Police haven’t shared descriptions of the two suspects still at large.
A reward of nearly $245,000 is being offered to those with information leading to the suspects’ arrests.
• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.
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