Sugar Land police on former officer killed in Philadelphia: 'Close to our hearts'

A suburban Houston law enforcement agency said it lost one of its own in a shooting at Temple University in Philadelphia on Saturday. 

According to the Sugar Land Police Department (SLPD), university police officer Christopher Fitzgerald started his career as a detention officer in Fort Bend County's largest city before moving east as part of a desire to pursue the footsteps of his father, ex-Missouri City Chief of Police Joel Fitzgerald. 

The younger Fitzgerald was killed while trying to arrest an alleged carjacking suspect near the school, Houston CBS affiliate KHOU reported.

SLPD wrote on Facebook that Fitzgerald left behind a wife and four children. 

“Temple University may seem far away, but Officer Christopher Fitzgerald who tragically lost his life in the line of duty Feb. 18, 2023 was close to our hearts here at Sugar Land PD,” the department’s memorial post read. “Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Officer Fitzgerald and we ask that you keep his family and department in your prayers.” 

Fitzgerald was 31 years old.

Citing Temple officials, KHOU reported that Fitzgerald joined the university’s police force in October 2021. 

Temple vice president for public safety Dr. Jennifer Griffin said in a released statement that Fitzgerald served and defended his community “selflessly,” the station reported. 

“This loss leaves an enormous hole in all of our hearts,” Griffin said. “He was a father, a husband, a son, a colleague and a friend.”

Philadelphia NBC affiliate WCAU reported that authorities arrested and charged 18-year-old Miles Pfeffer in Fitzgerald’s death. 

According to the Philadelphia District Attorney’s (DA) Office, aside from a murder charge, Pfeffer has been charged with alleged robbery, carjacking and weapons possession, WCAU reported. 

KHOU reported that authorities placed the suspect in Fitzgerald’s handcuffs upon the former’s apprehension. 

Funeral arrangements are reportedly pending.