Suspect in custody after fatal shooting of former Waterloo police chief’s son

WATERLOO, Iowa (KCRG) - Police have arrested a man suspected of shooting and killing a Temple University Police Officer.

It happened in Northern Philadelphia Saturday night. Officials have identified the victim as officer Christopher Fitzgerald.

He is the son of former Waterloo Police Chief Joel Fitzgerald, who served with the Waterloo Police Department from 2020 to 2022.

Officials say Christopher Fitzgerald encountered the suspect during an ‘incident investigation’ near Temple’s campus.

Investigators said 18-year-old Miles Pfeffer fatally shot Fitzgerald in the head.

Officers say he allegedly tried to rob Fitzgerald of his gun and went through his pockets after the shooting.

After a manhunt lasting over 12 hours, Pfeffer was taken into custody. He was arrested using Fitzgerald’s handcuffs.

Waterloo Mayor Quentin Hart released the following statement:

“On behalf of the City of Waterloo, Waterloo Police Department, city staff and elected officials who serve our community, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Joel Fitzgerald, the former Waterloo police chief from 2020 to 2022, on the passing of his son Christopher. Like his father, Christopher Fitzgerald was in law enforcement currently serving as a police officer at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was killed in the line of duty.

No parent should have to endure the loss of a child. We are praying for the Fitzgerald Family and hope they can find peace and comfort in the legacy of the life he lived. Our thoughts also are with Christopher’s wife and children at this difficult time,” said Mayor Quentin Hart.

The Waterloo police protective association also released a statement on Facebook, sending condolences to the former chief and his family.