The shooting in southwest Philadelphia leaves the father dead, a 6-year-old boy expected to survive, another man injured

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) – A father was killed and his son and another man were seriously injured after several gunmen opened fire in southwest Philadelphia.

It happened shortly before 7:30 p.m. Wednesday near 53rd Street and Baltimore Avenue.

Police said a 6-year-old boy was riding in a car with his 28-year-old father and another 30-year-old man when the shooting occurred.

The car was hit by bullets at least 12 times, police said.

The man in his thirties was able to get out of the vehicle and flag the police.

“He was pointed out by a 30-year-old African-American man who said he had been shot,” Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said.

Police believe the boy’s father was driving the vehicle when he was shot.

Investigators said he tried to walk away, but eventually crashed into several cars parked near the shooting scene on Baltimore Avenue and 55th Street.

The 28-year-old father was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead around 9pm

The 6-year-old boy, who was shot twice, and the other man were taken to hospital in critical condition. The boy was conscious at the time, police said.

“They told me, which is good, that he was crying when they took him to the hospital,” Outlaw said.

The boy has had surgery; now listed as stable and expected to survive, police said.

Police are still investigating what caused the shootings. No arrests have been made.

Outlaw said tougher sanctions were needed for those who violated gun laws.

“Until there are serious consequences for those who choose to make bad decisions about the use of illegal arms transport and the illegal use of firearms, there is nothing to deter people. to do what he’s doing with those weapons, ”Outlaw said.

He also said that major social changes must take place to curb violence.
“In the long run, until you get more jobs, housing, education and until these things are resolved, we, being the police, will continue to be here chasing our tails ultimately,” Outlaw said.

Police are looking for several suspects who may be driving a white vehicle.

Anyone with information is asked to call the police at 215-686-TIPS.

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