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A police officer was shot in the head and killed while pursuing a hit-and-run driver in a Philadelphia suburb on Thursday, a day before his 35th birthday, officials said.
Brad Fox, an Iraq war veteran, is the first police officer in Plymouth Township, Pa., to be killed in the line of duty.
Authorities say Fox was shot in the head during the pursuit. "There are just no words that can begin to express the magnitude of this tragedy, " said Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman at a Thursday night press conference.
"I think we're all in shock. This is the very first time that the Plymouth Township Police Department has had to deal with an officer killed in the line of duty," said Ferman.
Authorities say Fox had a little girl, and his wife is pregnant with their second child.
"Officer Fox served two tours of duty in Iraq. He put his life on the line day in and day out. Men around him lost their lives. He was able to come back from that service, come back to the comfort of his country and to lose his life so senselessly today. There are just no words to explain how horrific it is, how senseless it is," Ferman said.
Fox had been with the Plymouth Township police department for seven years, said Chief Joseph Lawrence, who called the officer a "hero." He had just graduated from the Philadelphia K-9 school.
His fellow officers gathered outside the emergency room Thursday night as Fox's body was transported to the Medical Examiner's Office.
Authorities have confirmed that the suspect was also shot and killed. "There is no gunman out on the street. There is no imminent danger to anyone out there," Ferman said.
Fox's K-9 officer was also shot, but authorities say the dog, Nick, survived.
The district attorney did not release any further information about the exact circumstances leading up to Fox being shot. Ferman said the investigation is ongoing.
Joseph Kaczmarek / AP
Police gather to salute slain Plymouth Township officer Brad Fox, on Sept. 13, at Montgomery Hospital in Norristown, Pa.
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Godspeed Officer Fox :(
It was a 9mm Beretta. The killer used a 9mm Beretta hand gun. I had to look around to find that info, but it was a hand gun.
I wonder when Americans will smarten up and restrict the availability of hand guns, so that people like Brad Fox can live to see his children grow up.
so sad.another policeman dies because of some low life in philly area.been to norristown..not a nice place.
He was shot in Plymouth Meeting, NOT Norristown.
PA - Does it really matter where he was shot? The officer is dead and his K9 Injured because of some POS. He survived being overseas on 2 tours, all those bombs and shootings, only to be killed back at home by this SOB. I really don't think the town freakin matters.
Trial was short & sweet. Love the verdict !
Rot in hell you POS!! What an unbelievable tragedy and waste of a good, honest life. Here's to hoping the suspect suffered immensely before his death. Thoughts are with the Officer's widow and children, may they find peace knowing their husband and father died a hero.
There are few traffic incidents that are lower than a hit-and-run, but this just made the list.
Condolences to the officer's family, friends and co-workers.
My Condolences to the Family.
RIP
Godspeed Sir!
Our respect to those that serve to protect us.
At least the POS was killed so our courts won't have to deal with him. I'd still like to know what the hell was going on.
Terrible! RIP Officer Fox. Major condolences to his family, friends and his K9 partner!
Me and the nuge keep a tellin ya..theres no gun problem.. nope not in 'merica.
Your compassion is truly underwhelming.
RIP
You're right but there is a SCUM problem. You and nudge qualify!
My prayers go ou to the family. so sad
I would like to thank the suspect, it will mean one less officer to give us a speeding ticket.
Why don't you go F yourself!!! Stick your privates in you hand a pull real hard!! Hope your gun never goes off again!!
I bet you wouldn't say that face to face with Officer Fox's colleagues, would you tough guy?
I bet he wouldn't either, knowing full well that some hot-headed roid-raged psychopath would pull out his glock .40 and murder hum for saying it. Nothing tough about suicide by cop, that would be just stupid.
Oh they wouldn't shoot him, but they wouldn't leave a mark on him either ;-}
Oh, don't waste your time on Private Private. He is just trying to get a rise out of you. This is a horrible thing. Went to war and got shot in the head. That is sooooooooooooooooo America. RIP. God Bless the families
Must be some kind of troll record for mindless heartless brain dead commentary.
RIP
I don't know who sickens me more - you, or the other low-lifes that voted you "up".
""Officer Fox served two tours of duty in Iraq. He put his life on the line day in and day out. Men around him lost their lives. He was able to come back from that service, come back to the comfort of his country and to lose his life so senselessly today"
This is terrible news but we have to face the reality that these are dangerous occupations to begin with. I went to the military and although I never wanted to be shot down, it was a daily reality for my in Iraq. I accepted the job and that is the consequence of being a soldier, you might come under enemy fire and not survive.
The same applies as an officer of the Law. I applied to be a Police officer after leaving the military in 1996 and took the test and scored in the top 3%. I went to the interview and did the lie detector test. I had an interview to go and I spoke with my family. That's when I realized that this could potentially be disastrous for them and I could be killed over just a routine traffic stop, that comes with the job. And as tragic as this seems, I am sure this Officer knew that as well and FULLY accepted it.
God bless.
personally ..i think the best cops are the combat veterans...you dont have to worry about them being bad or corrupt...not after what you guys go through overseas.
Really? They are never bad or corrupt?
They are sometimes really damaged mentally through the violence the have experienced...Some are not fit to breed, much less enforce the laws of this country.
No dis-respect to this officer, or to vets...It is not their fault that our governments keep sending them to war. As the son of a severely damaged combat vet...I can tell you first hand about the effect of war and the breakdown of my family. Violence begets more violence...To read about it in depth I recommend reading a book that delves into the effect of war, and the increased violence in society. It is called On Killing By Lt. Col. Dave Grossman.
The only problem with guns are the bullets they keep coming out when fired at the wrong people! RIP Officer!
Very sad. I hate when this type of thing happens.
Hey everyone is there a link or website where donations can be made to his family and where Support letters can be sent????
This is a link to the Plymouth township PD..
I'm sure they will gladly point you in the right direction.
http://www.plymouthtownship.org/policeindex.cfm
Thank you for your service. Rest In Peace. My heart goes out to your family.
My heartfelt condolences are extended to Officer Fox's family, friends and colleagues. It's terribly sad to have survived a war and then come home to be killed this way. I appreciate Officer Fox's dedication in his service given to all of us... may he now rest in peace.
So sad. RIP Officier Fox. I feel so sorry for his pregnant wife and young child.
RIP. Sad to hear. Life just doesn't mean much to the low lifes of our society.
I am in Plymouth Township often. I have been posting for two days on the articles about the Texas cop who was firm with that speeding "granny". Anyone else want to criticize that texas cop? Traffic stops are no joke!
RIP Officer Fox...
Not even remotely close.
RIP
So sad, best wishes to the family. RIP for your servitude good sir.
Very sad. The Bay Area just had a similar incident last week with a CHP officer. 8:30 in the morning approached a vehicle that was pulled over and the driver shot him in the head, for no reason. Had only spoke to the guy for 25 seconds and the guy pulled a gun. Fortunately his partner shot and killed the guy. Crazy world man.
My very sincere condolences to the family and co-workers of Officer Brad Fox.
Wow, they are cementing the back story kind of quickly.
Let me be one to express my condolences to his family. I am so sorry for your loss. I also want to express my gratitude to his fellow officers who showed much respect at the hospital when his body was taken to the medical examiner. May God give you the peace you all deserve. Now, everyone who was upset about the officer's treatment of the 77 year old who would not comply with his directions - this is why he acted the way he did. You never know who these people are and what they might do when acting this irresponsibly. But again I digress. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fellow officers. Thank you for putting your lives on the line everyday on the job, to keep us safe. God Bless.
Lisa, I thought of that as well. It's a hard job and often thankless. Thank you, Officer Fox.