8 dirt bike suspects sought after teen shot, chased in South Philly attempted robbery: police
PHILADELPHIA - Scary moments for a 17-year-old when Philadelphia police say he became the target of a group of robbers.
A motor scooter sits on its side on South 10th Street, near Federal Street, early Wednesday morning as Philadelphia police investigate.
Neighbor Martin Alfaro said, "It’s upsetting to hear that because it’s not very common."
Police say the teen was playing with friends at a nearby park around 12:20 a.m. when a group of six to eight people, wearing masks, on motor scooters and dirt bikes, stole his motor scooter in the area of 10th and South streets.
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Police say the teen got in a car with his friends and followed the group to get it back and, at one point, might have even bumped into the group with their car.
Police say, at 10th and Federal streets, the group left the scooter and while getting away, fired one shot, striking the 17-year-old in the leg. The teen was transported to a local hospital in stable condition.
It’s unclear if any of the vehicles were legally registered, but it’s sparking a conversation about ATVs and dirt bikes in the city.
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Alfaro remarked, "It’s a huge problem, especially if things like that are happening. It’s more violent and people are potentially getting shot and killed. It’s terrible, it’s scary and something needs to be done."
Police say they are investigating if this group is behind other reported scooter thefts in South Philadelphia, dating back to 2023.
A longtime homeowner on 10th Street, asking for her identity to be protected, stated, "I can’t imagine it happening so close to where I live. I’m more afraid now."
A single shell casing was also found at the scene.
Police are currently checking nearby cameras for suspect descriptions.