Philadelphia police are asking the public to help identify a man who chased a complainant into a Northeast Philadelphia parking lot and fired a handgun three times in late September. Police say the shots missed, and investigators have released surveillance video as they seek information about the suspect.
The Philadelphia Police Department said the incident happened at about 2:29 p.m. on September 27 in the department's 2nd District. Police said the suspect argued with the complainant, followed him to a nearby parking lot and fired a handgun three times. The complainant was not injured and fled, according to police.
Delaware Valley News reported that the argument began inside a store on the 6500 block of Castor Avenue and continued outside. The outlet also reported that the suspect fired three shots and missed.
Suspect Description and Clothing
Police describe the suspect as a man between 20 and 29 years old with a thin build and multiple tattoos on his neck. According to the department, he was heard speaking Portuguese during the incident.
At the time of the shooting, police say the suspect wore a tan hat, a gray jacket, a white T-shirt, white pants, black socks, and black Nike sandals. Investigators believe he may live near the area of 6600 Lynford Street, based on the police description.
Surveillance Video Released, No Audio
The surveillance footage released with the police bulletin has no audio, according to the department. The bulletin did not say whether the suspect had been identified or arrested.
A separate incident and support resources
In a separate Northeast Philadelphia case, NBC10 Philadelphia reported that police said a worker was shot in the leg during a smoke-shop robbery on the 2000 block of Cottman Avenue on Nov. 24, 2024. That case involved a robbery and an injured victim, unlike the September incident described here. The City of Philadelphia lists its Network of Neighbors Trauma Response as a free resource addressing traumatic stress related to community violence. The program can be reached at 267-233-4837; the city does not indicate that it is involved in this investigation.
Anyone who spots the suspect is urged not to approach him and to call 911 immediately, Philadelphia police said. The incident has been logged under case number DC 26-02-051046, and anyone with information can reach the Northeast Detective Division at 215-686-3153 or 215-686-3154. Tips can also be submitted confidentially by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477).
