Officer dies; police press manhunt

"This is not a time for political statements. This is not a time for anything other than sorrow, condolences for the family of the deceased," Johnson said.

Cardinal Justin Rigali, who visited the wounded officer at the hospital on the day of the shooting, offered his condolences.

"I hope and pray for an end to the senseless violence plaguing the city of Philadelphia," the cardinal said. "The lack of regard for human life plays out tragically on city streets each day. I urge all people of good will to join me in working for an end to violence."

Cassidy was a devout Catholic who attended St. Jerome Church in the Northeast. Services were pending.

In a statement delivered by the hospital, the family said: "Obviously, we are in mourning. We are deeply appreciative of all the support and prayers from the police, the clergy, the community and many folks we don't even know."

The doughnut shop remained closed yesterday, the pavement stained where the officer fell.

Detectives said that the gunman entered the Dunkin' Donuts about 10:30 a.m., pulled out a gun, and forced his way to the counter.

Cassidy arrived moments later as part of his regular rounds - the shop had been held up before. After getting out of his vehicle, a woman told him, "Something is going on in there," according to investigators.

Detectives who viewed the surveillance video said Cassidy, his gun drawn, entered the shop while the robber's back was turned toward him. As the robber moved toward the officer, he appeared to lean to the side to avoid the gun's aim.

In the video, the assailant can be seen stooping to pick up Cassidy's sidearm before running away. He had an uneven gait.

Police believe the gunman may have been involved in at least four previous robberies, including a Sept. 18 strike at the same doughnut shop. Yesterday, police displayed a hooded gray sweatshirt that they said was discarded by the man who committed the Sept. 18 robbery. The sweatshirt has a depiction of a basketball cartoon and the words Paco Jeans. There are yellow and black stripes on the sleeves. Police hope the sweatshirt will help lead to the suspect.

Residents of the neighborhood were fearful yesterday.

Kenya Thompson, 30, a mother of five who lives around the corner from the shop, said she would not let her children play outside, even in her front yard. The night before, there was no trick-or-treating in the neighborhood.

"It was crazy yesterday. My older daughter, who is 8, understands," she said. "I walked her this morning to school, just to be safe."

Anwar Kane, an employee at a used-car lot next to the doughnut shop, said his business was closed for five hours Wednesday. He said he heard the gunshot.

"It's a shame, in this day and age, that people go to that extreme to survive," he said of the robbery and killing. "Here's a man desperate enough that he'll shoot a cop. He'll shoot anyone."

Some residents expressed resentment of the intense police presence in West Oak Lane.

"It's harassment," said Ken Smith, 42, who was cruising the neighborhood on a scooter. "No way they can stop everybody. [The killer] is not around here anymore. I think they're just wasting taxpayer's money flying around here and breaking into people's houses."

Audrey Brooks, 47, a resident of 16th Street, was among those who were struck by the resources devoted to searching for the killer of a police officer, compared with the hunt for a more common homicide.