FedEx driver kills armed robber during shootout in Philadelphia

A wounded FedEx delivery driver turned the tables on an armed robber who shot him, killing him during a shootout in Philadelphia, police said.

“Based on the preliminary story that was relayed it appears to be self defense: he was shot first, he fired back,” Acting Police Commissioner Christine Coulter said.

The 32-year-old FedEx driver was making a delivery in Northeast Philadelphia around 7:05 p.m. Tuesday to make a delivery. As he walked to the home he was approached by an armed robber who stole items from his FedEx truck, according to investigators. The robber then opened fire, shooting the driver in the abdomen.

The driver, who police said was armed with his own weapon, returned fire, striking the robber several times. The injured robber managed to escape with several stolen items. Meanwhile, the injured delivery driver got into his vehicle and drove away from the scene.

Officers found him a few blocks away and then took the driver to Einstein Hospital where he was listed in stable condition.

“We’re hopeful that he will be OK,” Coulter said.

Around the same time, police found a 27-year-old man, who they believe was the armed robber, bleeding from multiple gunshot wounds in nearby rear alley. Police said the man also had several items in his possession that were stolen from the FedEx driver.

The 27-year-old man was taken to Einstein Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 8:27 p.m.

Police also found a vehicle that they believe was used to transport the robber after the initial shooting. Police discovered blood inside the vehicle as well as another man standing near it.

The man near the car was not injured and police don’t know at this point whether he was involved in the robbery. That man was taken into police custody and is considered a person of interest.

Police recovered the FedEx driver’s weapon, but have not yet recovered the robber’s weapon. They told NBC10 the robber’s weapon may be inside the bloody vehicle which was taken to a police garage. They plan to search through it after obtaining a warrant.

Police will also search through surveillance video from the multiple crime scenes. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small told NBC10 they will continue to interview the FedEx driver who is cooperating with the investigation.

“I don’t know if the FedEx driver has a valid permit to carry, but that’s definitely going to be part of the investigation,” Small said.

FedEx released a short statement to the media saying:

“We are not at liberty to disclose details of our internal policies. All further questions should be directed to law enforcement. The safety of our team members and service providers is a top priority and we are cooperating fully with the investigating authorities at this time,” the spokesperson wrote.