April 28, 2015

Wednesday fundraiser for slain officer's family

Sgt. Robert Wilson III was killed at a Gamestop in March.

By Michael Phillis
PhillyVoice Contributor

A fundraiser is scheduled for Wednesday to benefit the family of the Philadelphia officer who was shot and killed at a Gamestop in early March.

The fundraising dinner for the family of Sgt. Robert Wilson III will be held at Johnnie’s Fine Italian Cuisine from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. It costs $30 per person to attend. To make a reservation call the restaurant at 215-533-9920.

Wilson was killed during a shootout with two robbers. He was praised by Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey as a hero for protecting customers who were in the store during the gun battle. Two men were arrested and charged with his killing.

At the time of his death, police said Wilson was buying a video game for his 9-year-old. Wilson also had a 1-year-old son.

This is not the first fundraising effort for the family. The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 5 collected donations for the family and an online fundraiser brought in more than $30,000. Gamestop also donated $50,000, according to NBC10.

A flier for Wednesday’s fundraiser said all proceeds and tips will go to the officer’s family.

Michael Phillis
PhillyVoice Contributor