Man fatally shot after trying to stop carjacking in South Philadelphia, police say
PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia police have identified a man they say was shot and killed when he attempted to intervene in a carjacking.
It all unfolded in the area of 12th and Porter streets around 11:45 p.m. Wednesday.
Officers responded to a report of a shooting in the area and arrived on the scene to find Michael Salerno, 50, lying on the ground next to a double-parked vehicle with gunshot wound to the head.
He was pronounced dead at the scene by responding paramedics.
(Courtesy: Brittney Decker)
During a press briefing Thursday afternoon, Philadelphia police stated that video evidence supported their initial findings that Salerno was trying to intervene in a carjacking.
While attempting to stop three male suspects from stealing his car from a female friend of his, Salerno was shot by one of the suspects.
MORE HEADLINES:
- 2 sought in attempted abduction of girl, 14, inside Willow Grove Park Mall: police
- Police: Suspect sought after stealing police cruiser with K9 inside in West Deptford
- Bridgeton youth coach, 73, charged with sexual assault of minor: officials
After the shooting, police say the suspects got back into a newer, red Kia Soul with an out-of-state license plate. They then fled the scene, and were last observed heading south on 12th Street. Authorities say they are also looking into the possibility that the Kia the suspects fled in may also have been stolen.
Police have described the suspect as three males in their teens dressed in dark clothing.
Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance in the case and say they will be released surveillance video from the incident.
Philadelphia police also say it appeared as though the suspects were observed on surveillance video driving around the area prior to the incident, seemingly looking to either rob a person or take a vehicle.