PHILADELPHIA, PA—Richard Kralle has been sentenced to 25 1/2 to 51 years in prison after a 2020 incident where he shot and seriously injured Philadelphia Police Lieutenant Robert Friel. The shooting occurred inside a CVS store in South Philadelphia on May 29, 2020.
Kralle, who had been missing for several days and was reported to be armed and suicidal, was confronted by Lt. Friel, a 28-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department. Friel was responding to a call about Kralle’s presence in the store shortly after ending his shift. During an attempt to subdue Kralle, the latter drew a firearm and shot Lt. Friel in the leg, causing severe injuries that required immediate life-saving measures and multiple surgeries.
After shooting Lt. Friel, Kralle also tried and failed to seize another officer’s service weapon. He later pleaded no contest to two counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, robbery, and violations related to firearm laws.
The Philadelphia Police Department and Assistant District Attorney Anthony Voci were recognized for their efforts in managing the case and ensuring a conviction, highlighting the bravery and quick action taken by Lt. Friel and his colleagues during the incident.