Philadelphia – An 83-year-old woman was wounded Wednesday evening when stray gunfire erupted on the 2300 block of North Gratz Street. The senior citizen was sitting on her porch when approximately 40 shots were fired, striking her twice in the torso.
Police investigation
Chief Inspector Scott Small of the Philadelphia Police Department said surveillance video captured a gunman exiting a blue stolen sedan and opening fire down the block. The crime scene stretched the length of the block between Dauphin and York streets.
After the shooting, the suspect fled eastbound on Dauphin Street toward 18th Street. Officers later recovered a white sedan that had been hit multiple times by gunfire. Small described how the vehicle “jumped the curb and struck a telephone pole, breaking it, causing that wooden telephone pole to actually be still laying on top of that vehicle” while the engine was still running.
No one was inside the white sedan when police arrived, but a firearm was found in plain view inside the vehicle. Investigators are reviewing additional surveillance footage from the area to determine what prompted the gunfire.
Victim condition and response
The elderly woman was rushed to a nearby hospital and is listed in stable condition. No other injuries were reported at the scene.
Police are asking anyone with information about the incident or the stolen blue sedan to contact the Philadelphia Police Department by calling 215‑686‑8477 (TIPS).
Community impact
North Philadelphia residents have expressed concern over the incident, noting that stray gunfire and vehicle‑related crimes have been a growing issue in the neighborhood. Community leaders are urging city officials to increase patrols and explore additional safety measures to protect seniors and families living in the area.
The Philadelphia Police Department has pledged to continue its investigation and work with local partners to address the underlying causes of gun violence in the city.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
