One of two brothers accused of killing Philadelphia Police Officer Robert Wilson III was arraigned overnight Friday, the other remains in the hospital, restrained with the fallen hero's handcuffs.
Officer Wilson, 30, died Thursday from injuries sustained during an attempted robbery in the GameStop store at Hope Plaza Shopping Center at 2101 W. Lehigh Ave.
"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 Philadelphia Police Homicide Capt. Darrell Clark.
The father of two was in full uniform when brothers Carlton Hipps, 30, and Ramone Williams, 26, entered the store and announced a robbery, said investigators. The officer and the brothers engaged in a gunbattle which resulted in Wilson's death, Clark said.
"They were both firing at him," said Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey. "He was actually being hit during the exchange of gunfire but he continued to fight, continued to shoot until the fatal wound was fired and it brought him down."
Hipps was injured in a shootout with Wilson's partner outside the store following the attempted robbery. He's being restrained with Wilson's handcuffs in Einstein Hospital, according to police.
Williams tried to blend into a nearby crowd to avoid arrest after the deadly shooting. Witnesses pointed him out to authorities and he was taken into custody.
He was arraigned overnight Friday.
Both men face murder and attempted robbery charges.
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Wilson was hailed a hero following his death and that title was cemented earlier Friday when surveillance video of the gunbattle inside the store was released.
The video shows Officer Wilson act immediately, moving away from store patrons before firing his weapon.
"Not only in doing his job did he protect the store, he protected the employees," said Capt. Clark. "Like I said before, he was a hero."
Officer Wilson is an 8-year veteran of the 22nd District Police. He leaves behind two sons, 8 and 1.
A trust fund was set up for the boys Friday. It's being managed by the Police and Fire Federal Credit Unions. Actor and comedian Dan Aykroyd has promised a donation to Wilson's children. He made the announcement during an appearance at the Philadelphia Flower Show.
Donations can be made at various branches around the city.
A mass to honor the fallen officer is scheduled for Sunday morning at St. Martin De Porres Church in North Philadelpia on Lehigh Ave. in North Philadelphia at 10 a.m.
