A man has died, and two others have been wounded following a triple shooting in North Philadelphia Monday evening. The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. near the 1500 block of North 18th Street, close to Temple University, CBS News Philadelphia reports.
Local bodega owner Ramon Cruz described the scene to NBC10, recalling he heard about "15, 14 shots" and instructed anyone inside his store to "Get down! Get down" Cruz, whose store has been in the vicinity of multiple shootings, conveyed a sense of being accustomed to the violence, yet remained visibly concerned, "It's scary and makes you nervous. At the same time I'm used to this. It's like the third or fourth time it happened," he said.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the identity of the man who lost his life, nor have they provided extensive details on the conditions of the two injured men. One of the victims is reported to be shot in the leg, while another is listed in extremely critical condition, as per Action News. All three were taken to Temple University Hospital, where one was pronounced dead at 7:42 p.m., according to police.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement officials have not yet made any arrests nor disclosed a possible motive for the shooting. However, police are said to be looking for a Nissan sedan, reportedly stolen out of New Jersey, which may be connected with the incident, Action News sources indicate. A $20,000 reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest, and local residents with any pertinent information are urged to contact the Philadelphia Police. Cruz lamented the prevalence of unauthorized firearms in the community, suggesting it to be a factor in the recurring violence. "Too many weapons in the streets. Too many people carrying weapons. Everybody's carrying firearms. I understand that a lot of people, illegal. A lot of people carrying weapons with no license," Cruz told NBC10.
The university's notification system, TU Alert, had advised people to steer clear of the area via social media, signaling the gravity of the incident and its proximity to the campus community, CBS News Philadelphia noted. Community unease mounts as this corner of North Philadelphia is faced once more with the echoes of gunfire and the sorrowful aftermath that ensues.
