Trial For Accused Cop Killer Begins In Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Jury selection began Monday morning in the capital murder case against Rasheed Scruggs (below right), charged in the 2009 shooting death of Philadelphia police officer John Pawlowski.
According to the prosecution, in February 2009, Scruggs assaulted a hack cabbie. When the cabbie threatened to call police, Scruggs said he would shoot the cabbie and the cops.
When 25-year-old officer John Pawlowski and his partner arrived on the scene near Broad and Olney, Scruggs allegedly opened fire.
Police commissioner Charles Ramsey, shortly after the murder, said, "As the officers approached, the suspect shot one time through his coat, striking Officer Pawlowski."
A witness testified at an earlier hearing that Pawlowski said, "Oh, I'm shot. I'm hurt," and collapsed. Scruggs allegedly continued firing and other officers returned fire, wounding Scruggs.
The prosecution is seeking the death penalty. Scruggs has pleaded not guilty.
Reported by KYW's Tony Hanson
