Police have identified a police officer who was shot and killed while off-duty in North Philadelphia.
It happened on 20th and Cecil B. Moore Avenue on Saturday around 6 a.m. Police say 40-year-old Moses Walker Jr., a 22nd District officer and 19-year police veteran, was on his way home after a shift.
"He had just gotten off work, and one of his coworkers offered him a ride and he said its a nice day out, I'll walk," said Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey in an afternoon press conference.
Investigators say he was walking to a bus stop when he was shot several times by an unknown suspect. He was struck at least twice in the chest and abdomen, according to officials.
When police arrived, investigators say Walker was found face down on the ground with his weapon underneath him. Police believe he got the weapon out of his holster but are unsure if he fired it.
They also say he was not in uniform at the time of the shooting. Investigators say the shooting may have been a robbery though they have not yet confirmed this.
Credit: Philadelphia Police
He was taken to Hahnemann Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Police escorted Walker's body to the Medical Examiner's Office around 11:15 a.m.
No arrests have been made. Police are searching for a suspect who they say was spotted fleeing the scene after the shooting.
"He was known as a very gentle individual, very kind, never had a harsh word for anyone. Many of his coworkers, the first thing they said was he wouldn't harm a fly. He was just a guy with one of those mellow personalities-- always smiling, always looking to help people and it's just tragic his life ended this way," said Commissioner Ramsey.
Walker was not married, does not have any children and has five siblings. Officials also say he was set to retire next year.
"It's hard for us, it's going to be hard for our family to take this loss. We're going to be strong, keep our heads up, but it's going to be hard," said Walker's cousin, Craig Seawright Sr.
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The city is offering a $20,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of the suspect in Walker's murder. The Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police is also offering a $10,000 reward. Police say they're currently speaking with witnesses.
