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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Philadelphia officer shot during robbery dies

Associated Press The Spokesman-Review

PHILADELPHIA – A police officer shot during a robbery shop died Thursday morning, and his killer remained at large. He was the third city officer shot in the span of four days.

Chuck Cassidy, 54, was shot in the forehead Wednesday at a Dunkin’ Donuts when a hooded robber spun from the counter and fired at him as he walked in the door, according to an employee.

The 25-year police veteran died at Albert Einstein Medical Center, Commissioner Sylvester Johnson said.

“This is a sad day for the city of Philadelphia,” Johnson said.

The gunman went into the shop and demanded money just before Cassidy opened the door, according to witnesses.

Police released portions of a chilling videotape that shows the hooded robber pushing aside two customers and waving a gun as he approaches the counter. It also shows him grabbing Cassidy’s pistol as he fled.

The officer came in twice a day for a large coffee with cream and sugar, shop employee Sandra Kim said. “He’s always nice to all the employees,” she said. “The officer was just coming in for a cup of coffee like normal.”