Cops Probed For Robbing Philly Bar

Philadelphia police internal affairs is investigating of two officers accused of breaking into a bar where a cop was killed in 2006, and stealing money from a safe.

Officer Gary Skerski was gunned down in 2006 at Pat's Café in the city's North Juniata section.

Police commissioner Charles Ramsey will say only that two officers are now on desk duty and that they face serious accusations.

Investigators from internal affairs carted out two safes from Pat's Cafe on Wednesday night.

Fox 29 is told that the two officers answered an early morning alarm at an auto body shop behind Pat's and that alarm turned out to be unfounded.

A person who has seen the video tape tells Fox29 that the camera then clearly catches two officers going into the bar after it had closed.

That person also tells us that after about 30 to 45 minutes the officers can then be seen leaving and that at least one officer is seen entering the bar through a ground level delivery gate.

A person connected to the owner of the bar tells us that money, about $1,100, was discovered missing from the basement safe.
This bar, as we mentioned, is the same bar where officer gary skerski was shot and killed back in may of 2006.

Ramsey spoke about this latest investigation.

"We've got an issue that's under investigation right now--and that's where we're at. Internal affairs is taking a look at it--certainly the district attorney. And, we'll see what develops from there. It's far too early to really say too much about it, other than the fact that we do have an issue we're taking very seriously. They'll be removed from duty until we figure out what's going on."

Through Ramsey, the family of Officer Skerski has requested that media not use his picture for this report.

We have chosen to honor that request.