Christmas Village shooting: 14-year-old boy critical in triple shooting at Dilworth Plaza
PHILADELPHIA - A 14-year-old boy is fighting for his life after police say he and another person were shot at Christmas Village in Dilworth Plaza.
Investigators say gunfire erupted around 4:30 p.m. near the Rothman Ice Rink, which is located in Dilworth Park just outside City Hall.
Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore told reporters at the crime scene that two teen boys were shot when a fight escalated to a shooting.
One 14-year-old was hit in the face and was taken to Jefferson Hospital where he remains in critical condition.
A 15-year-old boy sustained a gunshot wound to his right calf. He was also taken to Jefferson and placed in stable condition.
Police later shared that another 14-year-old boy was driven to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia by his mother with a gunshot wound to the leg. He is in stable condition.
One suspect, who police say is 14 years old, was taken into custody blocks away from the shooting.
Philadelphia police initially reported that the teen would be charged as an adult. However, they told FOX 29's Steve Keeley that the case is being re-filed in juvenile court on Monday.
Police are still searching for additional suspects in this case.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Philadelphia Police Department's Shooting Investigation Group at 215-686-8270 or provide anonymous tips at 215-686-TIPS.
Christmas Village is Philadelphia's annual outdoor market that stretches from LOVE Park into the courtyard of City Hall, and draws tourists to Center City for the holiday shopping season.
Center City District President and CEO, Prema Katari Gupta, sent the following statement regarding Dilworth Park incident:
"We are deeply saddened by the shooting that occurred early yesterday evening in Dilworth Park, a space we are committed to maintaining as a safe and welcoming environment for the region. Our hearts go out to the three teenagers who were injured and all those impacted by senseless violence. The safety of visitors, merchants and park staff is our highest priority. Immediately after we received word of the incident, we shut down operations at Dilworth Park, including the rink, the cabin and the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market.
Today, and in the coming days, we will be working with police and city officials to ensure that Dilworth Park remains a safe and welcoming space for everyone.
It is important to emphasize that this was an isolated incident at Dilworth Park, which has seen more than 11 million visitors so far this year. A full complement of CCD’s dedicated on-street team is deployed at the park every day, including safety patrol staff and Community Service Representatives, and we will continue working to ensure that it remains a space for patrons to enjoy, during the holidays and year-round."