VIDEO: 2 Brothers Face Murder Charges in Philly Officer's Shooting Death
Philadelphia Police Officer Robert Wilson III, an 8-year veteran with the 22nd District, died from his injuries after he was shot by suspects several times at close range during an attempted robbery inside a North Philadelphia GameStop late Thursday afternoon. The 30-year-old father leaves behind two young children, ages 8 and 1, reports NBC Philadelphia.
Wilson, who was in full uniform, went inside the GameStop at the Hope Plaza Shopping Center around 4:30 p.m. when two men — identified by police as brothers Carlton Hipps, 30; and Ramone Williams, 26 — entered the store as Williams stood at the counter.
"He was making a security check and he was also picking up a gift for his 8-year-old son who had done exceptionally well at school," said Police Capt. Darrell Clark.
"Officer Wilson drew his service weapon and became engaged in a fierce and violent gunbattle with both armed suspects," said Clark. "During this violent encounter, Officer Wilson was shot multiple times in the body and once in his head — that is the shot that ultimately killed him."
Police charged both suspects with first-degree murder in Wilson's death and attempted murder for attacking his partner, Officer Damien Stevenson, said Clark.
Police later recovered the suspects' weapons at the scene of the shooting, a .40-caliber and a 9mm. One of the weapons had an extended clip, allowing the suspect to fire more rounds than usual, officials said. Police also recovered an AK-47 rifle from the Brewerytown home the brothers shared.
