Surveillance video released from shooting near rec center in West Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPHL) — Police released surveillance video in connection with a shooting near a West Philadelphia recreation center Wednesday afternoon.

Video footage shows an armed suspect fleeing the scene, running east on Christian Street towards 55th Street. Using surveillance video, police tracked the armed suspect to an alley located on the 800 block of South 55th Street, where he removed his du-rag and black t-shirt, and was last seen attempting to board a SEPTA trolley at 55th and Baltimore Ave.

According to police, the shooting happened just after 4 p.m. near the intersection of South 56th and Christian Streets outside of the Christy Rec Center on Wednesday, July 30.

A 10-year-old and an 11-year-old were injured with graze wounds. Both were rushed to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in stable condition.

Another victim, a 16-year-old male, was taken by private vehicle to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania-Cedar Avenue, before being transferred to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition.

Wednesday night, police announced an additional 16-year-old male victim was also taken to Penn Presbyterian and is reported to be in stable condition.

The fourth shooting victim, a 32-year-old man, was injured with a graze wound on his hand and is expected to recover. According to reports, the man is a rec center employee.

Police have not announced any arrests, and the motive remains unknown.

If you see the suspects, authorities urge you not to approach and contact 9-1-1 immediately. Tips can be submitted by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477) or online. All tips will remain confidential.

Police are asking anyone with information about this crime or these suspects to contact the Shooting Investigations Group at 215-686-8270/71.