PHILADELPHIA, PA – A 21-year-old Philadelphia Streets Department worker was fatally shot earlier Thursday at around 8:45 a.m. in a Point Breeze corner store. The incident occurred in the 2300 block of Oakford Street. Homicide detectives confirmed the worker did not survive his injuries.
The victim was part of a three-person Streets Department crew assigned to work in the area. He entered the store and became involved in a physical altercation with an individual inside.
The victim was shot twice, once in the back and once in the left forearm, and was later taken to the hospital in critical condition.
The alleged shooter fled the scene immediately after the incident. Police Sgt. Eric Gripp stated that there are a number of witnesses and surveillance cameras in the area that could aid the ongoing investigation.
Despite a decrease in shooting and homicide numbers in the city, incidents like this continue to occur. “We are not anywhere close to where we need to be. Things like this should not be happening,” said Sgt. Gripp.
Anyone with information relevant to this case is asked to contact the Philadelphia Police Department’s Homicide Unit.