Tensions Running High In Port Richmond

PHILADELPHIA - Tensions are running very high in the neighborhood where an off-duty Philadelphia police officer shot and killed a 21-year-old man over the weekend.

Family and friends of Bill Panas stood outside Officer Frank Tepper's home again on Monday night in Port Richmond demanding justice for the victim.

Tepper shot and killed Panas while trying to break up a fight outside a party over the weekend.

No one has been charged in Saturday's fight or shooting.

"I will not rest until you'll be punished for murdering in cold blood my only son," the father, William Panas Sr., screamed toward Tepper's home from across Elkhart Street.

Karen Panas sobbed heavily as she spoke about the loss of her son near a street-side memorial at the shooting scene.

Mourners visited the memorial all day Monday.

Officers have been stationed outside Tepper's home for the time being, and there is some very real concern about potential retaliation.

At least one teenager has been questioned with regard to comments he made out on the street about possible retaliation, and police said they will continue to monitor phone situations and Internet chatter.

Neighbors claim Tepper has a long history in their neighborhood that includes dozens of complaints.

Police said the veteran officer assigned to the civil affairs unit told investigators he tried to break up a fight in a large crowd on the street Saturday night and was assaulted. Claiming he was in fear for his life, he fired one shot, striking the unarmed Panas one time.

Tepper remains on desk duty as the police department's internal affairs bureau, homicides investigators and the city's district attorney investigate.