Chaos erupted near Temple University on Sunday evening when gunfire broke out, alerting both the university police force and local officials to a scene of disorder with two suspects nabbed and a third on the lam. According to the CBS News Philadelphia, shots rang out around 7:00 p.m. in the 1600 block of Sydenham Street, with police later recovering a firearm and finding 11 shell casings.
Temple University Police Association (TUPA) detailed how officers chased suspects to Temple Towers parking lot, eventually apprehending two individuals near campus. One at 1700 Liacouras Walk and another at the corner of 12th and Jefferson Streets while Philadelphia Police dispersed about 30 juveniles from the initial scene, the commotion continued with reports of a student's car getting hit by gunfire and an active search for a third suspect—described as wearing a pink hoodie with dreads and a skull cap, remains at large as officers combed the vicinity for potential leads or a second weapon.
Officers are once again contending with a large group of juveniles at Broad/Cecil B Moore. Although this situation is not new for TUPD and PPD, it is becoming a more frequent occurrence without a plan in place to address it.
— Temple University Police Association (@officialTUPA) March 31, 2024
03/31/24- 6:55pm
Shooting incident: 1600 N Sydenham St…
A TUalert was sent out urging members of the university to steer clear of the area shortly after the incident unfolded, bringing an unsettling reminder of last week's occurrence where approximately 100 to 200 juveniles caused a ruckus by hurling rocks and bricks at police. This information was offered by 6abc, which also noted that there were no immediate reports of injuries due to the gunfire as local authorities remain diligent in their efforts to track down any additional suspects.
The events unfolding around Temple University point to a pattern, a trend, perhaps, one where the youthful indiscretion crashes against the hardened walls of an institution, as echoed when TUPA also responded to a confrontation at Broad Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue with a large group of juveniles some days before, Philadelphia Police remain in the thick of activity in the area due to the presence of about 60 juveniles. The search is ongoing as detectives release scant details about the custodies taken, an air of disquiet lingers, and TUPA gears up for another bout against the shadows that have taken to skulking around their patrolled streets. Anyone with information regarding the recent shooting is requested to get in touch with the authorities.
