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14-year-old charged after 3 teens shot in Philadelphia's Dilworth Park

3 teens injured, 1 in custody after shooting near Dilworth Park ice skating rink in Philadelphia
3 teens injured, 1 in custody after shooting near Dilworth Park ice skating rink in Philadelphia 02:35

A 14-year-old boy is in custody and has been criminally charged after three teenagers 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.

Police said two teenage boys, a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old, were taken to Jefferson University Hospital from the scene. The younger of the two was shot in the face and is in "extremely critical" condition, a police spokesperson said Saturday. The older boy was hit in the thigh and is in stable condition.

Hours after the shooting, police learned that another 14-year-old boy suffering from a gunshot wound to the calf was brought to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia by his mother. Inspector D F Pace said that the 14-year-old is stable.

Vanore said Friday that a teenage boy had been detained but their involvement was still being investigated. In an update on Saturday, a police spokesperson said that teen has been charged with aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, conspiracy and a weapons charge

There may be other suspects in the case, the spokesperson added.

Vanore said officers were close by the shooting and responded quickly.

"Officers were right here. They heard it, they responded right to it," Vanore said Friday. "But somebody at that age having a gun is dangerous at any venue, whether...it's here or anywhere else."

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CBS Philadelphia

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 the 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."

As police continue to investigate the shooting and search for video, many people showed up for a light show and were shocked to see the police presence.

"It was kinda crazy because we were over here in that exact spot earlier, like, maybe an hour ago, and then we went over to the other side and were just shopping around. And then came back for the light show," said Kelsey Goetz, who is from Marlton, New Jersey.

"We saw all the [police] tape and we saw the markers and I'm like 'what the heck is going on here,'" said Frank Tomaszewski, who is from Northeast Philly.

The Center City District said operations including the rink, cabin and market were shut down Friday night after the shooting. The rink opened two hours late on Saturday, at 1:30 p.m., due to the incident.

Police say visitors can expect to see an increased police presence in the area.

CCD officials said there is already additional non-police at the park and have increased staffing to accommodate for the busy holiday season.

"The safety of visitors, merchants and park staff is our highest priority," CCD President and CEO Prema Katari Gupta said in an emailed statement Saturday. "Today, and in the coming days, we will be working with police and city officials to ensure that Dilworth Park remains a safe and welcoming space for everyone. It is important to emphasize that this was an isolated incident at Dilworth Park, which has seen more than 11 million visitors so far this year."

Police urge anyone with information related to the shooting to contact them at 215-686-8270 or submit tips anonymously at 215-686-TIPS.

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