Eight teenagers were shot when three gunmen opened fire on a group waiting for a SEPTA bus after school dismissal Wednesday afternoon at the busy “Five Points” intersection in Northeast Philadelphia, authorities said.
The victims – students at nearby Northeast High School – range in age from 15 to 17 years old, and at least one suffered multiple gunshot wounds and is in critical condition, Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel told reporters at the scene.
He said preliminary evidence shows that three gunmen jumped out of a car that was parked near the Dunkin’ Donuts at Cottman, Rising Sun and Oxford avenues in the Burholme neighborhood and began shooting into the crowd at around 3 p.m. At least 30 shots were fired, according to Bethel.
No was immediately arrested in the aftermath of the shooting. Anyone with information is asked to call or text the PPD’s tip line at 215-868-8477.
Gunshots struck two SEPTA buses that were in the area – serving routes 18 and 67, authority spokesperson Andrew Busch told Metro. One of the drivers contacted 911, and no riders inside the vehicles were hurt.
The incident is the second mass shooting this week involving students leaving school on public transportation. On Monday, two suspects fired upon young people who were boarding a Route 6 bus at Ogontz and Godfrey Avenues. Dayemen Taylor, a 17-year-old Imhotep Institute High School student, was killed.
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.
