Philly Cop Suspended In Shooting Death

PHILADELPHIA - First On Fox: A veteran Philadelphia police officer has been suspended for 30 days with intent to dismiss in the fatal shooting of an unarmed man while off duty last November.

16-year police veteran Frank Tepper left the Internal Affairs Bureau Monday afternoon where he was stripped of his gun and badge, reported Fox 29's Dave Schratwieser.

William Panas Jr., 21, was shot to death outside Tepper's home on Nov. 21. It happened amid a brawl on Elkhart Street in the city's Port Richmond neighborhood.

Lt. Frank Vanore said that the decision to fire Tepper, 43, was based on information gathered by detectives who investigated the shooting. Tepper is still on the payroll but was suspended with intent to dismiss.

A grand jury is investigating whether to pursue criminal charges against Tepper for the death of Panas Jr.

Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 President John McNesby says newly inaugurated District Attorney Seth Williams might want to review the case before the grand jury makes a decision.

Family members say the shooting was excessive force.

"I'm grateful, this is one of the first steps we're waiting for is for him to be terminated, to protect other children," said the victim's father, William Penas Sr., choking up. "And maybe give him a little bit of justice for my son, but I'm very happy, very happy. There's so many offenses against him, but this is just, it's like a Christmas gift that I didn't get from my son."

Tepper claimed he was in fear for his life; other witnesses say the unarmed Panas posed no threat.

Some neighbors say the fight spilled out of a party at the officer's home.

“He's obviously very upset with these circumstances, as well as what happened that evening. It's a very tragic situation,” said Tepper's lawyer, Fortunato Perri, Jr. “From what we know about the case, the circumstances of this situation, while tragic, I think the evidence will show that the actions were justified under the circumstances."

Perri said Tepper was suspended for allegedly violating several departmental policies and failing to give a statement regarding the shooting.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey said the officer violated several police policies. First, if you're an off-duty cop, you call 911.

"To be personally involved in something, taking action usually results in something happening that's really not what we'd like to see," Ramsey said. "The next is violation of a firearms use policy. And then, lastly, not cooperating with the investigation."

Tepper has been on desk duty, stripped of his police powers since the incident. Panas' family has demanded criminal charges against the veteran officer.

"He's a hardworking dedicated public servant, loves his job and, again, we look forward to clearing his good name," said Perri, Jr.

Perri, Jr. said his client will fight the suspension and any possible criminal charges if they are brought by the District Attorney’s Office.