WATCH LIVE: Philadelphia Police will hold a news conference at 11:15 a.m. to discuss more details in the case.
Slain Philadelphia Police Officer Robert Wilson III was getting a gift to reward his 9-year-old son for good grades when he was gunned down inside a GameStop, authorities said Friday.
"He had done well in school and was just buying him a video game," said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey as he arrived at Philadelphia Police Headquarters Friday morning. "What parent probably hasn't done that for a child in recognition of good work and he just happens to be there at the time that these two guys come in there for a robbery."
Wilson, an 8-year veteran with the 22nd District, died from his injuries after he was shot several times at close range during an attempted robbery inside a North Philadelphia GameStop late Thursday afternoon. The 30-year-old father left behind two young children, ages 8 and 1, as well as a grandmother.
"Take a moment and say a prayer for this family," Ramsey said Thursday. "And this (boy) who will now grow up without a father. A 1-year-old is going to grow up without a dad because of what happened."
Police charged both suspects with first-degree murder in Wilsons' death and attempted murder for attacking his partner, said Police Capt. Darrell Clark. The District Attorney's Office later named the suspects as 30-year-old Carlton Hipps and 26-year-old Ramone Williams.
Wilson, who was in full uniform went inside the GameStop at the Hope Plaza Shopping Center on 2101 West Lehigh Avenue around 4:30 p.m. when two armed men suddenly announced a robbery.
Wilson immediately confronted the pair, leading to a shootout. The suspects, who were on both sides of the officer, shot at him several times at close range as Wilson returned fire, officials said.
Ramsey, who watched video of the deadly exchange, said the officer "redefined what being a hero is all about,"
Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams also hailed both Williams and his partner, who fired at the suspects as well, as heroes, saying Wilson "was trying to protect all the citizens that were inside of that GameStop."
One of the suspects was struck by the gunfire — police have not yet confirmed whether he was shot by Wilson or his partner — and taken to Einstein Hospital. Officials have not yet revealed his condition. The second suspect who wasn't struck fled the store and tried to blend in with a crowd outside but was quickly apprehended by responding police officers, according to investigators.
Both suspects are no strangers to law enforcement. The 30-year-old suspect is on parole for robbery, while the 26-year-old who is hospitalized has a prior arrest for aggravated assault and a theft that happened outside of Philadelphia, Ramsey said.
Police later recovered the suspects' weapons at the scene of the shooting, a .40-caliber and a 9mm. One of the weapons had an extended clip, allowing the suspect to fire more rounds than usual, officials said. Police also recovered an AK-47 rifle from one of the suspect's homes.
"Those two cowards that took his life were pure evil," said Williams.
Wilson along with his partner were part of the group of 22nd District Officers who volunteered to participate in the trial run of the Philadelphia Police body camera program. During a December interview, Wilson told NBC10 he wanted to work to rebuild trust between police and the community.
"It's less negative reaction from the community," Wilson said. "They're recording us and we're recording them also."
Funeral plans are pending.