Arrest Made in Killing of Philadelphia Police Officer at Airport Parking Garage
PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia police have made an arrest in connection with the killing of Officer Richard Mendez, who tragically lost his life last week in a parking garage at Philadelphia International Airport. Mendez, 50, was shot multiple times while confronting several individuals attempting to break into a vehicle late Thursday night. Despite immediate medical attention, Mendez was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The person arrested in connection with this heinous crime has been identified as Yobranny Martinez Fernandez of Camden County, New Jersey. The Philadelphia Police Department, in collaboration with the U.S. Marshals, the FBI, New Jersey State Police, and the Philadelphia Police Homicide Division, moved in on Fernandez after receiving information of his whereabouts in the Cherry Hill area around 2 a.m. on Monday. The arrest was executed around 4 a.m. with the use of Mendez’s handcuffs.
Fernandez is currently in custody in New Jersey and awaits extradition back to Philadelphia to face charges related to the killing of Officer Mendez. However, it is still unclear who pulled the trigger during the incident, and authorities are actively searching for at least two more individuals involved.
Officer Raul Ortiz, a 60-year-old veteran of the force, was also shot during the confrontation but suffered non-life-threatening injuries. After receiving medical treatment, Ortiz was released from the hospital on Saturday.
Authorities have discovered that the suspects fled the scene in an SUV that had been reported stolen a week prior. The vehicle was later spotted at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where 18-year-old Jesus Herman Madera Duran was found. Duran, believed to be involved in the confrontation with the officers, had sustained fatal gunshot wounds to his chest, abdomen, and left arm.
Further investigation has revealed that the same weapon was used to shoot both Officer Mendez, Officer Ortiz, and Duran. However, Officer Mendez’s gun has yet to be located, and it is unclear if it was fired during the incident.
Police have released video footage of “at least one suspect” and the vehicle involved in dropping off Duran at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Over the weekend, a black Dodge Charger was discovered in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood, which officials believe is linked to the suspects involved in the shooting.
In an effort to bring the culprits to justice, a reward of $244,000 has been offered for information leading to an arrest. The Philadelphia Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
The killing of Officer Richard Mendez has sent shockwaves through the Philadelphia community, and his colleagues are mourning the loss of a dedicated officer who served the force for over 20 years. The arrest of Yobranny Martinez Fernandez brings hope for justice, but the investigation continues to unravel the events and identify all parties involved in this senseless act of violence.