Philadelphia Police Officer Killed in Airport Garage Shooting Posthumously Promoted, Laid to Rest
Promoted to sergeant and awarded several medals at his funeral, Officer Richard Mendez fatally shot during car theft confrontation at Philadelphia International Airport leaves behind accomplished career of 22 years and family grappling with loss.
- Officer Richard Mendez, a 22-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department, was fatally shot during a car theft confrontation at Philadelphia International Airport and was posthumously promoted to sergeant at his funeral.
- Mendez and his colleague, Officer Raul Ortiz, had just started their shift when they encountered several people breaking into a car, leading to a shootout that also injured Ortiz.
- Three men have been arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with the shooting, while a fourth suspect died in hospital from gunshot wounds sustained during the confrontation.
- The slain officer's daughter, Mia Mendez, spoke at the funeral, describing her father as a 'kind, loving, patient and humble' man and expressing her fears about rising crime rates in the city.
- The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with police pursuing other individuals who may have assisted the suspects or tried to obstruct the investigation.
The Philadelphia Inquirer 
Washington Post 
Associated Press 
