A man was killed and a woman was left fighting for her life after a late-night shooting in Northeast Philadelphia on Sunday, according to police.
Philadelphia police said the shooting happened around 8 p.m. in the 2100 block of Knorr Avenue, when a silver or gray Honda pulled up next to a tow truck and gunfire erupted.
What police say happened
Investigators said the man and woman were inside a tow truck that was parked outside Smokers World when at least one vehicle pulled alongside them. As the man reportedly began to exit the truck, multiple shots were fired at close range into the passenger side of the vehicle.
“It looks like two persons opened fire on that truck on the passenger side of that truck, striking both occupants,” said Philadelphia Police Inspector D.F. Pace.
Police believe there may have been two shooters involved in the attack.
Victims identified
The male victim, identified only as 25 years old, was pronounced dead at the scene. The female victim, 21 years old, was struck multiple times and rushed to the hospital, where she remains in critical condition, police said.
Authorities have not released the victims’ names pending family notifications.
Evidence recovered at the scene
Officers recovered 15 to 20 spent shell casings at the scene, indicating a rapid and sustained burst of gunfire. At least two bullets traveled through a window of a nearby senior living center, striking the second floor of the building.
“There were multiple people inside when those bullets came through those windows,” Pace said. “Fortunately, no one on that floor was injured.”
Investigation ongoing
Police have not identified any suspects and are actively searching for the occupants of the suspect vehicle. Investigators have also not confirmed a motive but say evidence suggests the shooting was targeted.
“Clearly, one or both of those individuals inside that vehicle were being targeted by the shooters,” Pace said.
Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras in hopes of identifying the suspect vehicle and those involved.
Community concern
Residents in the area expressed concern over the violence, particularly given how close the gunfire came to hitting uninvolved bystanders inside nearby buildings.
Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or has information about the suspect vehicle to contact Philadelphia Police immediately.
Conclusion
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to determine who was responsible for the deadly ambush and why it occurred. No arrests have been announced, and police say the case remains active.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Philadelphia Police or submit an anonymous tip through local crime tip lines.
