Philadelphia experienced a significant police chase that ended in gunfire involving a homicide suspect in the Kensington neighborhood. According to NBC Philadelphia, the incident unfolded yesterday as police officers on patrol identified and pursued 29-year-old Spencer Majett, wanted for the fatal shooting outside a beer store along Kensington Avenue earlier in the month.
A foot chase followed a visual confirmation, with law enforcement pursuing Majett up Reach Street, culminating in an exchange of gunfire in an alleyway. Caught during the pursuit intended to seek his arrest after an alert by officers, Majett was ultimately shot by the officers. Neither of the officers were harmed in the altercation, as detailed in a statement obtained by CBS News Philadelphia.
The chase and ensuing confrontation happened around 5:30 p.m. near Reach Street and Allegheny Avenue, not far from where the initial homicide took place. Deputy Police Commissioner Frank Vanore commended the officers for their work, stating they “did what they were supposed to do” when they spotted Majett and attempted an arrest, as he told FOX29. The chase led to the alleyway between Custer and Reach where “there's a confrontation and shots are fired and the individual was struck by gunfire,” Vanore added.
Majett was wanted for the death of Felicity Vanatta, a 23-year-old woman from Penns Grove, New Jersey, who authorities believe was a bystander hit by a stray bullet during an altercation outside the Steak N Beer store on Oct. 8. Following the shooting, through video evidence, a warrant was issued for Majett, who, bearing what now is known as a .40 caliber firearm, was apprehended and taken to the hospital in critical but stable condition. Leading to his apprehension, the confrontation with Majett saw both the suspect and officers discharging their weapons, revealed NBC Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Police Department, along with the district attorney's office, will continue to review body-worn camera footage as part of their investigation into the shooting, according to officials.
