Man shot in driveway after being chased by gunman through West Philadelphia home
PHILADELPHIA - A 30-year-old man is fighting for his life after investigators say a gunman violently barged into a West Philadelphia home and chased the victim through the house and onto a rear driveway where he was shot multiple times.
What we know:
Officers from the Philadelphia Police Department were called to the 5800 block of Sansom Street around 10 p.m. Tuesday for reports of a shooting.
Police found a 30-year-old man shot multiple times lying on a driveway behind the property, according to Chief Inspector Scott Small.
The victim was brought to a local hospital and is currently in very critical condition.
The backstory:
Investigators say the shooter tore a storm door and a screen door off their hinges before barging through the front door.
It's believed the suspect chased the 30-year-old through the first floor of the home and out the back door onto a driveway.
That's where police say the shooter fired nine times at close range, striking the victim multiple times in the arms, legs, and abdomen.
The chase and shooting were captured by several surveillance cameras in the area, which police hope to use to identify a suspect.
What they're saying:
Police say several people, including at least one child younger than 3-years-old, were inside the home at the time of the incident.
The witnesses are said to be cooperating with investigators.
Community groups respond to violence
Bilal Muhammad, an advocate with the Philly-based nonprofit Eddie’s House, spent Wednesday leaving information pamphlets at homes along Sansom Street.
The organization offers counseling, financial help and other resources to neighbors after violent events.
"Our environments would have you to believe this is normal…" said Muhammad. "It’s not normal at all."
Muhammad, who grew up in the area, said, "I’m 28 years old… I was born in 97 and I just remember when I was coming up it was all types of people and Powell Centers, after school programs and stuff like that… that you just don’t see anymore."
He added, "It’s this thing going on where people keep getting shot and hurt where they live…When will it stop? I know that’s cliche to say… but that’s how I felt when I heard it… when will it stop?"
Muhammad said the impact of violence reaches the entire community, not just the family involved.
What’s next for the investigation
Police say they are reviewing surveillance video from the area to help identify the shooter.
The victim’s name has not been released. Anyone with information is asked to contact Philadelphia police.
What we don't know:
No arrests were reported immediately after the shooting.
Police have not released a description of the shooting suspect.