PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Philadelphia police rushed to the 800 block of Emerson Street in the city’s Fox Chase section around 11:30 p.m. on Thursday.
“They found a 25-year-old male laying in the front driveway. He was suffering from a gunshot wound to his chest and he was unresponsive,” said Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small.
Medics transported the victim to Jefferson-Torresdale Hospital, where he later died. Witnesses told police the 25-year-old lived in the home where the homicide happened.
Investigators recovered six shell casings inside the house, most of them in the victim’s bedroom, indicating the shooter followed him inside.
“The 25-year-old victim and shooter were involved in an argument right outside of the front door of the property. And during the argument, the shooter pulled a gun. And that’s when the 25-year-old victim ran inside of the property where he lives. The shooter followed the victim inside and began firing shots,” said Small.
Residents say they’re stunned this happened in their quiet neighborhood.
“Things like this don’t typically happen around here. Sorry to hear about it. Hope the family’s doing okay,” said a resident.
Police said the shooter, believed to be 24 or 25 years old, took off in a white sedan.
“We have the individual’s name, and we do have a last known address. So we’re pretty confident we know who the shooter is,” said Small.
With help from witnesses and surveillance cameras, investigators are confident they can track down the suspect. Still, neighbors say the violence is unsettling.
“I’m sure everybody in the neighborhood is upset about this, including myself. I don’t like to see this kind of stuff happen,” said a resident.
Police said the homicide does not appear to be related to any Thanksgiving festivities.
No arrests have been made, and a weapon was not recovered at the scene. The identity of the victim is being withheld pending family notification.
The investigation is ongoing with the Philadelphia Police Department Homicide Unit. Police are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to call the PPD’s tipline at 215-686-TIPS (8477).
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