A second teenager has been arrested – and another is now considered a fugitive – in connection with last week’s triple shooting outside the ice rink in Dilworth Park, authorities said Wednesday.
The incident, which happened on the afternoon of Friday, Dec. 13, left three teens wounded, including a 14-year-old boy who was shot in the face and remains hospitalized in critical condition, according to police.
“He still is fighting for his life,” Deputy Police Commissioner Frank Vanore told reporters. “He had several surgeries. We believe he lost his eye.”
Officers served warrants Wednesday morning in search of two 14-year-olds, Vanore said. One of the teens was apprehended and is expected to be charged with aggravated assault and other crimes, police added. The other suspect was not located and is subject to an active arrest warrant, according to Vanore.
An initial arrest, of a 14-year-old boy, occurred immediately after the incident. All three participated in the fight that led to the shooting, though they did not pull the trigger, investigators said. The PPD is still working to identify the lone shooter.
Vanore said the dispute stemmed from the bullying of someone in the group’s younger sibling.
Earlier this week, Mayor Cherelle Parker and other city leaders gathered in Dilworth Park, in part to stress that the shooting was an “isolated incident,” as people come to Center City for Christmas Village and other holiday festivities.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the PPD’s Shooting Investigation Group at 215-686-8270 or call or text 215-686-TIPS (8477).
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.
