Teen Killed In Triple Shooting Following Neighborhood Basketball Game In Cobbs Creek
By Dan Wing and Jan Carabeo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A 15-year-old boy is dead after what police are calling an ambush attack Monday night in Cobbs Creek following a neighborhood basketball game.
Philadelphia Police say the three teens between the ages of 14 and 16 had just finished playing in a basketball game as part of a neighborhood league when a man with a gun opened fire on them near Baltimore Avenue and Edgewood Street around 10 p.m.
The 14-year-old was hit in his arm, the 16-year-old was hit in the leg, and the 15-year-old boy was shot in his face.
"We have a loss of life of someone just trying to do the right thing. It really hurts."
Tyrone Sims founded the league 15 years ago as a way to keep kids busy during the summer. Monday through Friday evenings hundreds of kids come here to play in the park.
All three were taken to Penn Presbyterian Hospital, where the 15-year-old died from his injuries.
"He was a great young man, he was very respectful. He played the game of ball with passion. He loved the game."
Sims says the 15-year-old had gotten into an argument the week before with a spectator.
He says that spectator came back Monday night.
"For whatever reason, an individual hands a gun to another individual, and they start to fire," said Police Commissioner Richard Ross.
Heartbroken friends revisited the scene Tuesday morning. Meantime Sims has cancelled Tuesday's games but plans on speaking with his players on the court. And he's urging their parents to join.
"We need the support of the men, their fathers, to be involved, and to continue to stop what's going on here."
Lt. John Walker tells CBS 3 Eyewitness News that it seems these teens were targeted.
"This is just unacceptable."
The other two victims are in stable condition.
Walker says there were many other people in the area following the basketball tournament, and they are hoping someone can provide information that will lead to the shooter.
Anyone with information is asked to call police.