Philadelphia police shoot dead suspect in Kensington murder

Philadelphia police shot and killed a man Tuesday night in Kensington when they tried to take him into custody on a murder warrant, but he fled and fired a gun at them, authorities said.

Around 5:30 p.m., officers patrolling Kensington Avenue spotted 29-year-old Spencer Mudgett, Deputy Police Commissioner Frank Vanor said. Mudgett is a suspect in October 8, murder of a woman. who was shot outside the Steak N Beer deli on Kensington Avenue when an argument escalated into gunfire, he said.

Officers confirmed the man was Mudgett by matching his description with alerts on his phone and called for backup, Vanor said. Two more officers arrived and attempted to stop Mudgett, who then fled on foot, he said.

As officers pursued Mudgett, he fired at least one shot from a .40-caliber handgun, Vanor said. Officers returned fire, hitting Mudgett in the shoulder in an alley between the 3100 blocks of Custer Street and Rich Street near Kensington Avenue, police said.

Mudgett was taken to Temple University Hospital and is listed in stable condition.

Along with the murder charge, Mudgett will likely face aggravated assault charges for shooting at the officers, Vanora said.