Chase for man wanted in fatal shooting leads to officer-involved shooting, successful arrest: police

PHILADELPHIA – There was chaos in Kensington as bullets flew as two Philadelphia police officers confronted a suspect wanted for murder.

Philadelphia police say two emergency officers on routine patrol in Kensington made the sighting on Tuesday The 29-year-old was wanted for murder three weeks ago and as they approached him, the suspect began to run away.

“We actively sought his arrest. When the officers recognized him and did what they had to do, they tried to take him into custody,” said Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore.

SKYFOX broadcast the scene live at 3100 Reach Street. The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m

Investigators say the suspect, identified as Spencer Majett, fled and a foot pursuit ensued.

“The pursuit continued up Reach Street and entered the alley between Custer and Reach,” Vanore said. “At some point there was a confrontation behind these two properties, shots were fired and an individual was struck by gunfire.”

Police say Majett was wanted for killing 23-year-old Felicity Vanatta of Pennsgrove on Oct. 8 at 12:30 p.m. outside the store.

Police say she was hit by a stray bullet after the argument spilled into the street.

“She was fatally shot that night,” Vanore explained. “In the days following this homicide, we obtained an arrest warrant for Spencer Majett based on the video.”

Majett was hit in the shoulder and taken to hospital in critical but stable condition.

“Mr Majett was armed with a .40 caliber firearm, as we now know. The officers and Mr. Majett were fired,” Vanore said.

The officers were not injured. Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore stressed that the police had done a huge job to remove the murder suspect from the streets.