A 24-year-old convenience store employee was shot multiple times outside a West Philadelphia business Monday evening after an argument involving a female employee, according to Philadelphia police.
The shooting happened shortly after 7 p.m. on the 4800 block of Spruce Street, where officers responded to a report of a person being shot, Inspector D. F. Pace said.
Officers found the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was listed in serious but stable condition, Pace said.
Police Say Argument Preceded the Shooting
According to Pace, the suspected gunman first visited the convenience store at approximately 6:15 p.m. He returned about 40 minutes later and became involved in a heated discussion with a female employee.
The 24-year-old victim and another store employee reportedly attempted to intervene and calm the situation. Their efforts were unsuccessful, police said.
The suspect then allegedly told the 24-year-old employee to step outside the store. Once outside, the employee was shot three times, according to Pace.
The victim suffered gunshot wounds to his abdomen, upper thigh and back. Police recovered four spent shell casings from the scene.
Surveillance Video May Help Investigators
Pace said surveillance footage captured most, if not all, of the incident. According to his account, the suspect continued firing while running away from the scene.
Police described the suspect as a man who appears to be in his 20s. At the time of the shooting, he was reportedly wearing a black hat, a black long-sleeve shirt, light-colored pants and black shoes.
Investigators have not publicly established a motive for the shooting, Pace said.
The victim’s condition was reported as serious but stable following his transfer to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. The supplied information does not indicate whether police have identified or arrested a suspect.
Police Ask Public for Information
The Philadelphia Police Department is asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact investigators.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could help identify the suspect is encouraged to share it with police.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the motive for the shooting has not been determined.