Police: Suspect Wanted In Ambush Shooting Of Father, 21-Month-Old Son
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Philadelphia police say there is "no doubt" a double shooting in Southwest Philadelphia on Wednesday night was an ambush.
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A one-year-old boy remains in critical condition at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia after being shot three times, while his 21-year-old father, who police believe was the intended target, is listed in stable condition at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.
Investigators say the gunman was lying in wait for the target, who had just placed his son into the backseat of a parked car at 67th and Trinity Streets around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday.
After giving his son McDonald's and handing him a phone to play with, the man had intended to bring the boy back to his mother's home in North Philadelphia.
That's when investigators say the suspect fired multiple .40 caliber bullets, striking the 21-year-old in the forehead. The victim also has a broken femur, police say.
"The gunman walks right up to the car and fires eight times through the driver's side window," said Philadelphia Police Lt. John Walker of Southwest Detectives.
Walker says that gunman continued to fire as the car sped away.
Skid marks are still visible from the father driving away at a high rate of speed to the 12th Police district at 65th and Woodland Avenue.
Paramedics there rushed him and his son to the hospital. Authorities say the fact the father had the car seats reclined likely saved both lives.
"He's a nice guy; he loves his son very much. Wherever he goes, the boy goes," said neighbor Louis Dellavecchia. "Whoever shoots a kid ain't got no brains at all. I hope the baby pulls through, May God be with him."
Devastated neighbors say they're hopeful whoever fired those shots will be caught soon.
"They're heartless outlaws, heartless," said neighbor Wendy Myers, who says she is friends with the 21-year-old father.
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Meantime, Philadelphia Police are asking anyone with information to contact their tip line at 215-686-TIPS. They are not releasing a motive at this time.
"To the shooter, you know who you are we will find you eventually," Walker said. "You knew the kid was in the car. To fire shots with kids in the car is unacceptable. You need to do the right thing and turn yourself in."