A closing-time argument between employees at a West Philadelphia bar turned deadly just before 4 a.m. Sunday when one worker allegedly shot a co-worker inside the lounge, police said. The victim was pulled from the scene, taken to a hospital, and later died. The suspected shooter ran off and had not been arrested as of Sunday.
What police say
According to investigators, the shooting happened at the 227 Lounge on the 1200 block of North 52nd Street, just off Girard Avenue, after the bar had closed. Police told NBC10 Philadelphia that two employees started arguing over closing duties. The dispute escalated and one worker allegedly shot the other in the chest. Detectives said the suspected gunman ran from the business, and an active search is underway.
Investigation update
The victim, who has not been publicly identified, was believed to be in his 40s or 50s, authorities said. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. As reported by FOX 29 Philadelphia, the shooting unfolded just before 4 a.m., and investigators have not released further details about what triggered the argument. Detectives are treating the case as an active homicide investigation.
How to help
Police are asking anyone with information to contact the department’s Shooting Investigation Group or submit an anonymous tip to the city tip line, the Philadelphia Police Department says. The department lists the Shooting Investigation Group at 215-686-8270 and the anonymous tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477) on its website. Investigators say witness video or cellphone footage could help them piece together the moments leading up to the shooting.
Local pattern
The killing is the latest in a string of late-night violence at city lounges this month. NBC10 Philadelphia reported that a June 21 quadruple shooting outside a Fairhill lounge left two men dead and two others wounded. In that case, police said the gunfire erupted shortly after the venue closed, and no arrests had been made.
