Gunfire broke out outside St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in North Philadelphia on Thursday morning, as police say an officer discharged their weapon and investigators quickly launched a shooting probe. According to authorities, two people were shot near the hospital and a firearm was recovered at the scene. Police have not yet released information on the victims' conditions or what led up to the exchange of gunfire.
As reported by CBS News Philadelphia, the department's Shooting Investigation Group confirmed it is handling the case and said units, including a news helicopter, were sent to the area around the hospital. The outlet noted that investigators have not determined whether the officer's shot struck either of the wounded individuals. A gun was recovered outside the hospital, CBS reported, and police say their review remains ongoing.
St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, at 160 East Erie Avenue, is the city's pediatric hospital and a regional pediatric care and trauma center. The facility's listing is available through Tower Health.
How the investigation proceeds
Officer-involved shootings in Philadelphia are reviewed by specialized investigators and oversight bodies, with evidence such as body-camera footage and witness statements examined as part of that process. The city's Citizens Police Oversight Commission explains that the Office of Involved Shooting Investigation and internal affairs teams coordinate the review, and officers who fire their weapons generally have up to 72 hours to provide statements. OISI then compiles a report that is often shared with the District Attorney’s Office for charging decisions.
Other officer-involved shootings this year have drawn public scrutiny, including a January incident in Strawberry Mansion that left a suspect wounded, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Anyone with information or video related to Thursday's shooting is asked to contact the Philadelphia Police Department's Shooting Investigation Group at 215-686-8270 or the anonymous tips line at 215-686-TIPS (8477), in line with guidance on the Philadelphia Police site.
