6 injured, including 2 teens, in early morning shootings

Six people, including two teenagers, were wounded in a series of separate shootings early Wednesday morning.

Gunfire erupted when two teens encountered another group of young people at around 2 a.m. on the 1900 block of W. Allegheny Avenue in North Philadelphia, investigators said.

One of the teens, a 15-year-old boy, was shot in his right foot, and the other, a 17-year-old boy, suffered a gunshot wound to his right thigh, according to police. A 44-year-old man who was not involved in the confrontation was struck by a stray bullet, which hit him in the buttocks, authorities said.

All three victims were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the PPD.

Someone shot two dog walkers just before 3:15 a.m. Wednesday near the corner of Elkhart and Almond streets in Port Richmond, police said.

The victims were approached by a man, and, in the midst of an argument, he pulled out a gun and fired multiple times, according to investigators.

Authorities said a 27-year-old man was shot four times in his chest, once in his neck and twice in his lower body. He was rushed to Temple University Hospital in critical condition. A 35-year-old man was in stable condition with a gunshot wound to his arm, the PPD said.

Investigators described the suspect as a white man in his late 50s with a gray beard who was wearing a gray zip-up jacket, long pants and black shoes. He was last seen fleeing eastbound on Elkhart, according to detectives.

About half an hour later, at around 3:45 a.m., a 56-year-old man was shot in his stomach on the 2000 block of N. Bodine Street in North Philadelphia, authorities said. He was hospitalized in critical condition.

Police did not provide any information about a possible motive in the shooting.

No arrests were reported in connection with any of the incidents. Anyone with information is asked to contact the PPD’s tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or by visiting www.phillypolice.com/forms/submit-a-tip.

Overall, the number of shooting victims in Philadelphia is down about 38% compared to the same point last year, according to the most recent police data.

Counseling, peer support, and victim advocacy services are available for victims, family members, and others affected by gun violence. Go to metrophiladelphia.com/gun-violence-resources for more information