Police crime scene investigation - File Photo

Gunfire exchange leaves two men wounded in west philadelphia overnight — Police crime scene investigation - File Photo

Police believe one of the injured men may have been involved in the initial shooting

Philadelphia police are investigating a chaotic overnight double shooting in West Philadelphia that detectives say may have involved an exchange of gunfire between the victims. Officers from the 18th District were first called to the 6000 block of Sansom Street around 12:07 a.m. Tuesday for reports of a person with a gun and shots fired.

When officers arrived, they found a 22-year-old man suffering from a single gunshot wound to the abdomen. Police transported the victim to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.

Update (10:27 am | Tuesday) – Police are still investigating and the second victim has become a suspect in the incident.

During the ride to the hospital, the victim told officers that three unidentified men exited a dark-colored SUV — possibly a Ford — and opened fire on him, according to investigators.

Police said the victim reported that two of the suspects were armed with handguns while a third carried a rifle.

Investigators say the 22-year-old told officers he returned fire using his legally owned firearm during the shooting. Police later recovered the weapon.

Less than 40 minutes later, officers responded to another shooting call around 12:44 a.m. on the 6000 block of Pine Street.

Inside an apartment, police found a 25-year-old man suffering from a graze wound to the head. He was also transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center for treatment.

Detectives now believe the second victim may match the description of one of the men involved in the initial shooting on Sansom Street.

Authorities have not announced any arrests, and a motive remains under investigation.

Police said the information remains preliminary and could change as detectives continue piecing together exactly what led to the exchange of gunfire.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.

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