Sergeant Richard Carrero Mendez

Richard Carrero Mendez

Sergeant Richard Mendez was shot and killed at the Philadelphia International Airport's Garage D at about 11:00 p.m.

He and his partner arrived in the parking garage, preparing to start their shift, when they observed subjects breaking into a vehicle. As they approached the men, the subjects fired at them. Sergeant Mendez was struck multiple times, and his partner was shot in the arm.

Sergeant Mendez was transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he succumbed to his wounds at 11:34 p.m.

The suspects fled in a stolen vehicle. One of the suspects, who died from gunshot wounds, was dropped off at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The rest of the suspects remained at large until October 16, 2023, when an 18-year-old suspect and two others, ages 21, were arrested. In 2025, the 18-year-old was found guilty of first, second, and third-degree murder and other offenses and was sentenced to life in prison, followed by 25-50 years. One of the 21-year-olds was sentenced to life in prison for second-degree murder. Almost two years later, thirteen men were indicted for their involvement in a multi-state car theft ring, which was tied to Sergeant Mendez's death.

Sergeant Mendez had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for almost 23 years and was assigned to the Airport Unit. He is survived by his wife and daughter.

Sergeant Mendez was posthumously promoted to Sergeant and awarded the Purple Heart and Medal of Honor.