Someone shot a 16-year-old boy Wednesday morning in Germantown, forcing a nearby elementary school to go into a brief lockdown at the start of classes.
Police said the teenager was struck by gunfire at around 8:40 a.m. on the 4900 block of Knox Street. Officers took him to Einstein Medical Center, where he was being treated for nonlife-threatening injuries, according to authorities.
Fitler Academics Plus School, located at Knox and Seymour streets, was locked down for about 30 minutes, law enforcement officials said.
A School District of Philadelphia spokesperson confirmed that the victim does not go to the K-8 school. Fitler students are supposed to arrive at 9 a.m., with teachers reporting at least 10 minutes prior, according to the school’s website.
No one was arrested in the immediate aftermath of the shooting, and police did not comment on a motive. Anyone with information is asked to call or text the PPD tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).
Through May 27, 25 children under the age of 18 had been killed or injured in gun violence this year, compared to 54 on the same date in 2025, according to the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting’s dashboard.
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.
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