Neighbors react after 13-year-olds shot allegedly trying to steal car
Neighborhood reacts after 2 teens shot allegedly trying to steal car
Residents in a Southwest Philly neighborhood react after two 13-year-olds were shot while police say they were attempting to steal a vehicle.
SOUTHWEST PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia Police are investigating a double shooting in the Cobbs Creek neighborhood involving a group of juveniles.
It all started when a man confronted a group of teens trying to steal his car, according to police, around 6:15 p.m. near the intersection of Windsor Avenue and South 59th Street.
What we know:
Neighbors have mixed feelings about the gun violence considering two 13-year-olds were sent to the hospital with injuries, but also knowing they’re accused of attempting to steal a car.
Police said a neighbor called the owner of the Honda to tell him a group of juveniles were breaking into his vehicle, and that’s when the car owner went outside to confront the group.
According to police, one of the juveniles pulled a gun prompting the car owner to pull out his weapon and fire several shots, striking two teens who were taken to CHOP for treatment. They were listed in stable condition Tuesday night.
Two teens, both 13, shot while attempting to steal car: officials
A violent situation unfolded Tuesday evening as two 13-year-olds were shot while attempting to steal a vehicle with a weapon, officials said.
Responding officers from the 12th District located an additional two teens a couple blocks away. Police said they are aware of at least six juveniles involved in the incident.
What neighbors are saying:
"It was just a bunch of cops out here, so they blocked it off as far as we know, it was kids around 13 shooting," said Sayyid Halim who was out walking his dog during the investigation. "It’s 13-year-olds, so nobody would expect 13-year-olds to be out here that time of night trying to rob somebody, but it’s Philly."
"Sometimes you got to protect yourself in that moment and deal with the consequences later and that’s just how it is now in Philly," Halim added.
Big picture view:
Outreach workers with Penn Community Violence Prevention were offering support and resources in the neighborhood a day after the shooting.
"We come from the area. I was one of these ones that you would call high-risk, but I just didn’t have any guidance, you know, so we just try to provide it for them," said Elijah Tadlock of Penn Community Violence Prevention. "It hit home for real. So, like this is a priority, I got to get out here. I have a son who’s 14 years old, you know what I’m saying? So I just couldn’t imagine getting a phone call he was with his friends and he was getting shot."
What's next:
Police say the 31-year-old car owner has a valid permit to carry and is cooperating with the investigation.
The Shooting Investigations Group is investigating and anyone with information can provide an anonymous tip by calling 215-686-TIPS.