Person in custody after 3 teens shot near ice skating rink at Dilworth Park in Philadelphia
A person is in custody after three 14-year-olds were shot near the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink in Center City near 15th and Market streets, according to Philadelphia police.
Investigators believe shots were fired after an argument between the juveniles broke out next to the ice skating rink at around 4:30 p.m. Friday, according to Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore.
Vanore said the two 14-year-olds were struck and taken to Jefferson Hospital. One of the teens was shot in the face and is in critical condition and the other was hit in the left thigh and is in stable condition, police said.
Hours after the shooting, police said a third 14-year-old showed up at the hospital suffering from a gunshot wound to the calf. Inspector D F Pace said the third 14-year-old is stable.
A person in a similar age range to the 14-year-olds was detained by police. But Vanore said they're unsure at this time of the male's role in the shooting.
"Somebody at that age having a gun is dangerous at any venue, whether...it's here or anywhere else," Vanore said.
The Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink is a popular winter destination offering ice skating sessions seven days a week in the heart of Center City at Dilworth Park. The ice skating rink is in the area of Philadelphia's Christmas Village, an annual holiday market at Love Park and City Hall.
Witnesses described a chaotic sight with people grabbing their children and racing to their cars.
"There were four gunshots, people screaming, people grabbing their kids' hands, running away. So we just closed the lights, dropped to the ground... Me and Michelle were together holding hands, praying for the best," said Rachel Kueny, who was working at the Chaddsford Winery booth at Christmas Village. "I never thought I would find myself in this situation. It's just a sad world that we live in and I hope they find whoever did this."
Police urge anyone with information related to the shooting to contact them at 215-686-8270 or submit tips anonymously at 215-686-TIPS.
Police said Dilworth Park will be closed for the rest of the night on Friday and will reopen Saturday morning.
