The Philadelphia Police Department is investigating a double shooting that occurred early March 25 in West Philadelphia, which appears to involve an exchange of gunfire between the two victims.
At approximately 12:07 a.m., 18th District officers responded to a report of a person with a gun and a shooting on the 6000 block of Sansom Street. Upon arrival, officers located a 22-year-old male suffering from a single gunshot wound to the abdomen. Police immediately transported the victim to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. During the transport, the victim stated that three unidentified males had exited a dark-colored SUV, possibly a Ford, and opened fire on him, noting that two of the suspects were armed with handguns and the third with a rifle. The victim further informed officers that he utilized his legally owned firearm to shoot back at his attackers. Police have since recovered the victim’s weapon.
Shortly thereafter, at approximately 12:44 a.m., 18th District officers responded to a separate radio call reporting a shooting inside an apartment on the 6000 block of Pine Street. There, officers discovered a 25-year-old male suffering from a graze wound to his head. He was also transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center for treatment. Investigators currently believe the second shooting victim matches the description of one of the suspects who initially fired upon the 22-year-old victim on Sansom Street.
A motive for the shooting remains unknown at this time. This information is preliminary and subject to change as the investigation progresses.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is urged to contact the Philadelphia Police Department’s Shooting Investigation Group.