A quiet West Philadelphia block turned into a crime scene after a gunman reportedly ripped the front door off a rowhouse, chased a man through the home and opened fire in the back driveway, leaving the victim critically wounded. The attack unfolded on the 5800 block of Sansom Street and rattled neighbors as family members inside the home spoke with investigators. Police say the victim was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition, and no arrests have been announced.
What police say
Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small told NBC10 Philadelphia that officers responding to gunfire found a 30-year-old man in the rear driveway with multiple gunshot wounds to both arms, one leg and his stomach. Small said the suspected shooter tore the front door off its hinges, chased the victim through the house and into the backyard, then fired at least nine times.
Family members who were inside the home are cooperating with detectives as investigators work to figure out what sparked the violence. Police have not publicly discussed a possible motive.
Neighborhood context
The shooting is the latest jolt for West Philadelphia in recent weeks. Earlier this month, a deadly shooting near 60th and Market underscored tensions along the corridor, according to rush-hour gunfire at 60th & Market. Local leaders and residents have been calling for stepped-up patrols and faster evidence processing after a string of daytime and evening shootings.
Anyone with video or information about the Sansom Street attack is asked to contact police: call or text 215-686-TIPS (8477), email [email protected], or submit a tip online.
Investigation ongoing
Detectives are canvassing the block and urging neighbors to check doorbell and security cameras for footage that could help identify the shooter. NBC10 Philadelphia reported that officers recovered shell casings at the scene and that detectives are working to piece together a precise timeline as they process evidence.
This is a developing story; Hoodline will update this article as police release further information.
