Detectives are searching for two shooters who opened fire on a tow truck in Northeast Philadelphia, killing one person and critically injuring a woman, while bullets also pierced the windows of a senior center above the scene.
At a Glance
- Aaron Whitfield, 25, was shot in the head and body and pronounced dead at the scene.
- A 21-year-old woman suffered a leg wound and is hospitalized in stable condition.
- Roughly 15-20 shell casings were recovered; at least two rounds struck a second-floor senior facility.
- Police believe at least one victim was targeted, but no motive or suspects have been identified.
Why it matters: The brazen attack endangered seniors socializing after dinner and has left neighbors fearful in an area they describe as normally quiet.
Victim Identified as East Mount Airy Resident
According to News Of Philadelphia, officers were called to the 2100 block of Knorr Avenue at 7:52 p.m. Sunday after a gray Honda pulled alongside a parked tow truck and gunfire erupted.
Whitfield, who lived in East Mount Airy, was getting out of the truck to buy something from Smokers World when the shooting started, investigators said. Surveillance video obtained by News Of Philadelphia shows the Honda slowing on nearby Bustleton Avenue before shots are fired.
Whitfield’s family told News Of Philadelphia they are heartbroken, describing him as an upstanding, hardworking man loved by many.
Two Shooters, Dozens of Rounds Fired
Philadelphia Police Inspector DF Pace told reporters it appears two people opened fire on the passenger side of the tow truck:
> “It looks like two persons opened fire on that truck on the passenger side of that truck, striking both occupants.”
Crime-scene technicians recovered 15-20 spent shell casings. At least two bullets traveled through windows of the senior living center on the second floor of the building the truck was parked in front of.
> “There were multiple people inside when those bullets came through those windows,” Pace said. “Fortunately, no one on that floor was injured.”
Seniors Duck for Cover as Windows Shatter
Rachel Mei, whose parents reside in the facility, said roughly 17 seniors were socializing after dinner when the shots rang out.
> “My dad said there were three shots fired at the side window of the building, and there were holes on the windows,” Mei said. “It’s very dangerous in that area all of a sudden. I didn’t expect something going on like this. I used to live there. I just worry about the people in and out of the area.”
Residents reported ducking under tables until police arrived.
Investigation Ongoing, No Arrests
Detectives have not determined a motive but believe at least one of the people in the tow truck was targeted.
> “Clearly, one or both of those individuals inside that vehicle were being targeted by the shooters,” Pace said.
The gray Honda was last seen fleeing south on Bustleton Avenue. Police are asking anyone with surveillance footage or information to come forward.
Key Takeaways
- Aaron Whitfield, 25, died at the scene; a 21-year-old woman is stable after a leg wound.
- Two shooters fired 15-20 rounds from a gray Honda, endangering seniors in an adjacent living center.
- Detectives have no suspects but suspect at least one victim was specifically targeted.
