News · From the Street · West Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
Employee shot three times outside West Philadelphia deli after argument, police say
A 24-year-old store worker was wounded by gunfire outside a West Philadelphia business Monday night after a man argued with an employee inside, according to Philadelphia police. No arrest has been announced, and the gunman has not been identified.
Officers were sent to Spruce Street's 4800 block a little after 7 p.m. for a reported shooting, Police Inspector D.F. Pace told CBS Philadelphia. NBC10 named the business as the Quick and Quality Breakfast & Deli, while CBS Philadelphia called it a convenience store.
Both outlets reported that the worker was hit three times, in the abdomen, a thigh and the back. CBS Philadelphia said he was taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and was in serious but stable condition. The outlets differed on one wound: CBS Philadelphia placed it in the upper thigh, NBC10 in the lower thigh.
Pace's account, as relayed by CBS Philadelphia, is that the man first visited around 6:15 p.m. Roughly 40 minutes after that, he returned and became involved in a heated dispute with a female employee. NBC10 described the person he argued with as the cashier.
CBS Philadelphia reported that the 24-year-old and one coworker attempted to calm things down without success, while NBC10 said two other employees intervened. Pace said the man allegedly directed the 24-year-old to step outside, and when the worker did so, the man pulled a gun and opened fire, CBS Philadelphia reported.
Investigators collected four spent shell casings, and the shooter kept firing as he fled, according to CBS Philadelphia. That outlet also reported Pace saying surveillance cameras recorded most, if not all, of what happened.
The suspect is described as a man who looks to be in his 20s. Both outlets said he had on a black hat or cap, a black long-sleeve shirt and light-colored pants. CBS Philadelphia added black shoes to the description, and NBC10 said the pants were tan.
Police have not given a reason for the shooting, and CBS Philadelphia reported that the motive is still unknown.
Police are asking anyone with information to reach out. According to NBC10, tips can be phoned in to 215-686-TIPS (8477) or sent anonymously online.
Compiled by True News from reporting by CBS Philadelphia and NBC10 Philadelphia. Each outlet's original story is linked below.
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