Officer Derrick Walker was recognized as the 7th Police District’s Officer of the Month for May during a meeting of the 7th Police District Advisory Council at Deer Meadows Retirement Community.
Walker, a member of 3-Platoon, was on patrol on May 30 when police received a report of an armed robbery at the Wawa store at 8151 Castor Ave. A 911 caller told a police dispatcher that the crook used a knife in the heist.
While surveying the neighborhood around the store, Walker spotted a black van parked on the corner of Loretto Avenue and Arthur Street with its interior light illuminated.
As Walker approached the suspicious van, he saw a man trying to hide in the front seat. Moments later, the suspect left the van, and the man attempted to flee on foot.
Walker chased him westbound on Arthur Street and ordered him to stop, but the male kept running. Walker got close enough to him to use a Taser weapon to bring him to the ground. The suspect was arrested without further incident.
Walker also recovered cash allegedly stolen from the store at the scene. A store employee identified the suspect as the robber.
In other 7th PDAC activities:
• The council is planning a series of community outreach activities for late summer and the fall, all intended to support its mission of facilitating better understanding between the police and the community they serve.
In conjunction with National Night Out, Tuesday, Aug. 2, the 7th PDAC will sponsor a barbecue luncheon for the community at the police station that day.
The 7th district is at Bustleton Avenue and Bowler Street. The PDAC seeks volunteers to help plan and work the luncheon.
In the fall, the PDAC will sponsor a public-safety-related essay contest for fourth- and fifth-grade students at William Loesche School. The format and awards are yet to be determined.
On Saturday, Oct. 29, the PDAC will sponsor its third annual community Halloween party on the grounds of American Heritage Federal Credit Union. The party goes from noon to 3 p.m.
• The 7th district’s Police Service Area (PSA) 3 meeting was cheduled for Thursday, June 30, at 7 p.m., at Walker Lodge 306, 1290 Southampton Road. ••
