In a shocking turn of events in North Philadelphia, a 9-year-old boy was wounded and a 33-year-old man lost his life in a hail of gunfire this past yesterday evening. The incident unfolded on the 600 block of North 12th Street when two gunmen reportedly targeted the man who, in an attempt to escape the barrage, entered a vehicle where a family including the young boy were present resulting in the boy being shot in the leg, according to FOX 29.
Philadelphia Police Inspector D.F. Pace described the vehicle as having taken quite a bit of gunfire, as reported by CBS News Philadelphia, the young victim was fortunately in stable condition at Jefferson Hospital, and the targeted man, shot multiple times, tragically succumbed to his injuries, The area was promptly cordoned off last night as multiple shell casings littered the scene, and a car riddled with bullet holes stood testament to the violent encounter. Block captain Regina Farrell, hearing the shots, immediately saw to the safety of her neighbors.
As the community grapples with the aftermath, officials are actively seeking at least two suspects thought to be connected to the crime; further investigations hinge on surveillance footage and witness accounts, 6abc details the gray Hyundai involved as having been riddled with bullets while the suspects remain at large, last seen fleeing in a black Jeep SUV, anyone with information pertinent to the case is urged to contact police at 215-686-TIPS.
While the motive behind the shooting remains undisclosed, officials affirm that there was no evidence that the child was an intended target, as per Inspector Pace's statements to CBS News Philadelphia.
