Gunfire hits homes and vehicles as thieves take cars in Bucks County's Croydon section

Suspects shot into houses and parked vehicles in the Croydon section of Bristol Township, Bucks County, early Friday as vehicles were taken from the neighborhood, FOX 29 and NBC10 reported. Neither outlet reported any injuries.

Citing police, FOX 29 said the incident happened at about 4:15 a.m. NBC10 placed the start of the gunfire at around 4 a.m.

Witnesses told FOX 29 that a resident came upon masked people outside a home. The group dispersed around the block, later came back, and fired an estimated 10 to 13 shots at that neighbor's house and car. According to NBC10, neighbors said the suspects fired at a man who interrupted them while they were trying to take his vehicle. They did not get away with it, NBC10 said.

The two outlets give slightly different counts of stolen vehicles. FOX 29 said two were taken: a newly purchased pickup belonging to a resident and a second car from the area. NBC10 said neighbors reported that at least two other vehicles were taken.

Descriptions of the damage also differ. Police told FOX 29 that bullets struck a nearby SUV and no fewer than two houses. NBC10 said rounds hit a Dodge, a garage wall and another house, some going through the Dodge's side panel and others embedding in the garage.

Kyle Brooks told NBC10 that one of the stolen vehicles was his truck, which he had bought just days before. He said he depends on it for his roofing and siding company and that it was carrying tools, equipment and paperwork. NBC10 said the truck had not been found.

Brooks told NBC10 the shooting bothered him more than losing the truck. "It's just a shame that you've got to fire shots off for innocent people just because you're annoyed," he said.

Brooks said he reported the theft to Bristol Township police. NBC10 said he and others on his street have recorded video of what happened.

According to FOX 29, investigators said a group came into the township in a single vehicle and moved through the area trying car door handles. FOX 29 also reported that authorities believe the group could be tied to a broader regional car theft ring. NBC10 said it was not clear how many people police are looking for. Neither outlet reported any arrests.

FOX 29 reported that police are urging residents to stay away from anyone acting suspiciously, avoid confrontations, and dial 911 to report such activity or any related home camera recordings.

Compiled by True News from reporting by FOX 29 Philadelphia and NBC10 Philadelphia. Each outlet's original story is linked below.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/461