Philadelphia Police have identified the gunman shot and killed after firing what proved to be blanks at an off-duty police officer during a pizza shop heist.
Police officials say the detective was picking up food at Rising Sun Pizza late Thursday when two men came in and put a gun to his head. They say the pair forced him to the floor and took $20 from him before the detective identified himself and pulled his weapon.
"It just speaks volumes about the dangers of this job, what our police officers deal with on and off duty," Philadelphia Police Deputy Commissioner Richard Ross said.
Chief Inspector Scott Small says one suspect fired what proved to be blanks from close range before the detective returned fire.
The pair fled the shop before 33-year-old suspect Andrew Ellerbe collapsed and died. Police have recovered his weapon.
Philadelphia court records for Ellerbe show a 2013 driving citation and a misdemeanor 2005 drug case.
The other suspect remains at large.
