Philadelphia

Vehicle of interest in officer's slaying found in Kensington, officials say

A black Dodge Charger SRT believed to be tied to the shooting that killed Philadelphia Police Officer Richard Mendez was recovered Saturday evening

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Another car wanted in connection to the shooting that killed Philadelphia Police officer Richard Mendez and injured Philadelphia Police officer Raúl Ortíz has been found, according to police.

A law enforcement source told NBC10 that a black Dodge Charger SRT was found on the 3700 block of L Street in Kensington on Saturday around 7:30 p.m.. Officials on the scene said they believe this is a vehicle of interest.

The vehicle was towed away as part of the ongoing investigation by police.

NBC10 found about a dozen police officers on the ground at the location.

Just after 11 p.m. on Thursday night, Mendez and Ortiz were starting their shifts at the Philadelphia International Airport when they heard the sound of glass breaking and then spotted a group of people breaking into another car inside the parking garage, according to investigators.

As the officers approached them, at least three people in the group pulled out guns and opened fire, police said.

The reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in Mendez's killing was up to at least $225,000 as of Monday morning.

Entering Monday, there were 343 homicides in Philadelphia in 2023, according to police data. That's down about 20% from the same time last year, but still on pace to be one of the deadliest years in the city since data began being tabulated.

There are additional resources for people or communities that have endured gun violence in Philadelphia. Further information can be found here.

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