Mom, 2-year-old daughter innocent bystanders shot after large Olney gun battle, police say
OLNEY - A 30-year-old woman is in critical condition and her 2-year-old daughter was shot in both legs after a gun battle in Olney in which, police say, the two were innocent bystanders to the violence.
The shooting happened on the 100 block of East Albanus Street Wednesday night, around 8 p.m.
According to Deputy Commissioner James Kelly, the mother and daughter were sitting on the front porch when gun fire broke out between two different groups. The mom and daughter were caught in the middle of the gun battle. Authorities say at least 30 shell casings were found.
Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said the little girl was shot in both legs. She was taken to Einstein Medical Center and is listed as stable.
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The mom was shot in the head, back and chest. She was rushed to Einstein and is said to be in critical condition.
Police say it appears two people got out of a vehicle and started shooting. Someone else, possibly more than one person from the block returned fire.
Several people were brought in for questioning by Philadelphia Police, but they were all allowed to go home.
"It used to be nice," neighbor Jahmail Davis stated. "It has good residents. People in the neighborhood, we just want things to change."
Davis is fed up with what’s happening in the community. "It’s just – it almost feels like not real right now, but it is and it hurts."
Investigators believe two people got out of a dark vehicle and started shooting. Authorities say they found many shell casings, at least 30, at the location, as well as one weapon. White circles, still visible Thursday, indicating where the shell casings were found. Bullets hit at least one car and just missed Davis’ grandmom’s home.
"She lives here. She pays her taxes, she does her job. She does what she can do and we want better. That’s all."
Police say they recovered some video, but are hoping to gather more. Anyone with additional video or information on the shooting is urged to contact police.
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