Cops probe 5 shootings; SEPTA bus hit by gunfire
CHESTER » Police are investigating five separate shooting incidents in the city over the past two days that left several people injured and include gunfire hitting a SEPTA bus.
The most serious incident occurred just after 11:30 p.m. Saturday night, when city officers were dispatched to West 10th and Tilghman streets for a report of shots fired.
Upon arrival, Chester Police officers along with Chester Housing officers immediately observed one subject lying in the roadway. The 20-year-old black male was suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck, according to a press release from Chester Police. The victim was treated on location by paramedics from Crozer Chester Medical Center and then transported to Crozer Chester Medical Center.
When officers responded to CCMC to get additional information, it was learned that two additional gunshot victims had arrived at the hospital. Both victims had been struck by gunfire while walking in the area of the 1000 block of Tilghman Street, police said. The victims, both 18 years old, suffered gunshots to their left arms.
Anyone with any information concerning this incident is urged to contact Detective Brian Pot (CPD detective) at 610-447-8431, or by email at bpot302@chesterpolice.org.
The incident involving the SEPTA bus being struck by a bullet occurred after 11 p.m. Saturday at 22nd and Edgmont streets in Chester.
Chester Police said officers were on routine patrol in the area of East 15th and Upland streets when they heard what sounded like four to six loud bangs, believed to be gunfire, coming from the area of 21st or 22nd and Edgmont Avenue. As officers began to respond, police dispatch was receiving calls to confirm that shots were being fired in the area of the Sunoco gas station located at 2200 Edgmont Ave. Upon arrival, officers located a crime scene, but no victim.
Moments later, police dispatch informed officers that they received a call from SEPTA, stating a SEPTA bus was struck by gunfire. Officers responded to the location where the bus was located, and did confirm that the bus was struck by gunfire. No injuries were reported.
SEPTA Police Chief Thomas Nestel said the incident involved the Route 117 bus. The bus was stopped at 22nd and Edgmont in Chester when gunfire could be heard nearby. The operator immediately moved the bus from the area to the Brookhaven Shopping Center in the 5000 block of Edgmont in Brookhaven for safety.
The driver then checked on the three passengers to ensure no one was hit, according to Nestel. The operator discovered a bullet hole in a side window and a bullet fragment on the floor of the bus. No one on the bus was injured.
Here are details on several other city shootings being investigated:
Just after 9 p.m. Friday officers were dispatched to the area of West Seventh and Lloyd streets for a report of shots fired. Several calls were received, each giving a different location, but in the same general area. Once in the area, officers were directed to the 1300 block of West Ninth Street, Chester Apartments, where a shooting victim was said to be located. Officers arrived in the apartment complex and were told that the victim was inside a white SUV that was leaving for Crozer Chester Medical Center. Officers followed the vehicle to the hospital, where they observed a 23-year-old black male lying in the back seat. He had several gunshot wounds to the chest and back. He is listed in fair condition.
No arrests have been made in the shooting . Anyone with information concerning this incident is urged to contact Detective Brian Pot (CPD detective) at 610-447-8431, or by email at bpot302@chesterpolice.org.
In another Saturday night incident, officers were called to the 100 block of West 21st Street for a report of shots fired in the area. No victim was located, but a crime scene was discovered in the rear of the 100 block of West 21st Street. Officers then learned a gunshot victim had just walked in to Crozer Chester Medical Center. The victim, a 21-year-old black male, suffered a gunshot wound to the chest. He is listed in good condition.
No suspect is under arrest in this incident.
Finally, police also are investigating an incident that occurred just before 10:30 p.m. Saturday night. A 26-year-old black male walked into Crozer Chester Medical Center suffering from a gunshot wound to his arm.
He told police he had been walking to his vehicle parked in the area of Dorian Court (600 block of Lloyd Street) when he heard the sound of gunfire, then realized he was struck by bullets.