A man returned fire after a trio of gunmen ambushed him early Tuesday morning in West Philadelphia, investigators said.
Officers found the victim, a 22-year-old man, with a gunshot wound to his abdomen just before 12:10 a.m. on the 6000 block of Sansom Street, according to police. He was rushed to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in critical condition, law enforcement officials said.
He told the officers that three suspects had hopped out of a dark-colored SUV. Two were armed with handguns and the third was carrying a rifle, detectives said. Authorities indicated that the man pulled out his own legally-owned firearm to defend himself when they began shooting.
At around 12:45 a.m., police were called for a report of a shooting at an apartment on the 6000 block of Pine Street, a few blocks away from the original scene, officials said. They found a 25-year-old man with a graze wound to his head, according to the PPD.
Investigators said the 25-year-old matched the description of the suspects from the Sansom Street shooting. He was hospitalized and taken into police custody. No charges had been filed as of Tuesday afternoon, with a PPD spokesperson saying the incident remains under investigation.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call or text the police tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).
Overall, through May 25, 242 people have been shot in Philadelphia this year, down nearly 36% from the same date in 2025, according to PPD 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.
MORE: Two alleged intruders shot in separate Philly break-ins
