Suspects allegedly kill man, crash into SEPTA bus during West Philly robbery

Two suspects fatally shot a 36-year-old man during an attempted robbery Wednesday night inside a West Philadelphia store before their getaway car crashed into a SEPTA bus, authorities said.

One of the alleged perpetrators, a 17-year-old boy, was struck when the victim returned fire, and officers tracked him down, took him to a local hospital and placed him in police custody, according to investigators.

Police said the boy and another person tried to rob the man just after 10 p.m. inside a shop on the 800 block of N. 40th Street in the Mantua neighborhood. One of the suspects opened fire, and the victim responded by pulling out his own weapon and shooting, authorities said.

Officers found the 36-year-old on the floor suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, according to the PPD. Medics declared him dead at the scene. Authorities have not publicly identified the victim.

The suspects fled in a blue vehicle, and the driver crashed into a Route 31 bus a short distance away, near 41st and Brown streets, police said. They then tried to escape on foot, investigators said.

Nine people, including a driver, were on the bus, and no injuries were reported, a SEPTA spokesperson told Metro.

Law enforcement found the teen who had been shot on nearby Preston Street, police said. He was taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in stable condition with wounds to his arm and chest, according to the PPD.

Police have not released his name, though he is expected to face charges. No one else was apprehended in the immediate aftermath of the killing.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call or text the PPD’s tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).

Homicides are down 42% compared to the same date last year, with 194 people murdered this year, according to 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