PHILADELPHIA (December 13, 2021) –District Attorney Larry Krasner on Monday announced the arrest and charging of an individual alleged to be responsible for a violent incident over the summer in which several dozen bullets were fired in a residential neighborhood, leaving three people wounded and cars and other private property damaged.
Following an investigation by Philadelphia Police with assistance from Chester City Police, Shaquan Francis (DOB: 12/20/1997), of Chester, Pennsylvania, was arrested and charged on Sunday for his role in the non-fatal shooting of three people, also residents of Chester, on the 400 block of South 13th Street on the evening of August 8, 2021.
The District Attorney’s Office has charged Francis with three counts each of Aggravated Assault (F1), Simple Assault (M2), and Recklessly Endangering Another Person (M2), as well as one count of Possession of an Instrument of Crime (M1). The DAO requested $999,999 bail for each transcript to help ensure Francis will be held in custody; $750,000 bail on all three cases was granted.
“I want to thank the Philadelphia Police for their hard work in investigating this crime, which resulted in bodily injury to the victims and damaged cars and other property belonging to residents of our city,” District Attorney Larry Krasner said. “As it happens, the defendant appears to have had a permit for his firearm. But any individual who uses a firearm against another person other than to defend themselves from imminent violence has no business owning a firearm, period.”
DA Krasner continued: “Law enforcement and all elected officials need to be clear with the public about the institutional failures and bad public policy that got us to this moment: Americans are literally outnumbered by mostly unregulated, untracked firearms that flooded our communities over decades. That any interaction with a stranger could result in instant bloodshed and death – whether at the site of a traffic accident, in a high school, or on a residential block on a hot summer night – means we are all functionally less safe than we deserve.
“At the same time, we should welcome relatives and visitors to our city this holiday season, for the joys that Philadelphia has to offer by way of our cultural, dining, leisure, and shopping attractions. Our population growth in recent years is proof of our growing status as a global destination for visitors, employers, and residents alike. Our law enforcement partners will be working, as always, to support the public’s safety this holiday season and every season.”
In addition to sharing his weekly update on incidents, arrests, and charges related to gun violence in Philadelphia, DA Krasner addressed a recent increase in armed carjackings and shared tips from the Philadelphia Police for prevention and for victims.
Krasner gave residents and visitors a grim message, “Any interaction with a stranger could result in instant bloodshed and death – whether at the site of a traffic accident, in a high school, or on a residential block.”
Just in case you decide to host a party or visit the city, here’s some steps Krasner’s office recommends to limit your chance of being a victim of violence in the city.
Tips to prevent carjackings, courtesy of the 19th Police District include:
- Park in well-lit areas
- Always be hyper-aware of your surroundings
- Equip your car with an anti-theft device
- Lock your doors while driving or parked
- Avoid driving alone at night when possible
- Don’t stop for apparently stranded strangers along the road. Note their location and pull over in a safe place once you’re passed to call for help.
If that doesn’t work, Krasner said to just give the carjacker your vehicle and don’t put up a fight.
“If you are threatened with a weapon, give up your car – your life is worth more,” he added.