In a chaotic scene unfolding in the Fairhill section of Philadelphia, a 25-year-old woman suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, while another nearly faced a similar fate in her own bed as bullets flew early Wednesday morning. According to CBS News Philadelphia, at least 17 shots were fired around 2 a.m. near the intersection of North Marshall Street and West Lehigh Avenue. A stray bullet from the firefight traveled about a block before narrowly missing a woman who was asleep, entering through her bedroom window.
While Pablo Fernandez, the nephew of the woman who narrowly escaped harm, expressed relief, claiming that "That's God that was with her." In his statement to NBC10, he recalled the harrowing moment, "I ducked down on the floor fast when I saw the boom boom," and then discovered the stray bullets that had penetrated his aunt's window. Captain James Kearney of the Philadelphia police linked the shooting to an argument between two groups and is believed that the injured woman, who is now in stable condition, was simply crossing the street at the time of the incident.
At least 19 shots were reported to have been fired during the shootout, as per on-scene evidence, including bullet casings circled on the ground. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small shared with NBC10 that the wounded individual was found "in a lot of pain and was unable to get up." Medics rushed the woman to a hospital where she received treatment for her injuries.
Addressing the frightening experience of the woman almost hit while sleeping, Natividad Rodriguez, 67, told 6abc, "I feel frightened. I cannot sleep," expressing gratitude for her safety while describing the violence as out of proportion. As she lay in bed, only narrowly missing her, a bullet shattered a window. She spent the night praying, in the aftermath of the shooting that left her shaken.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, calling upon public tips to track down the shooters responsible. Surveillance video capturing the shootout is being reviewed by police, who are asking anyone with information to contact the Shooting Investigation Group at 215-686-8270 or through the Philadelphia police tip line.
