PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A 26-year-old man was shot and killed inside a University City market in broad daylight Monday afternoon, and police said the gunman fled the scene on an electric scooter.
Officers responded to the 4000 block of Market Street around 4:30 p.m. and found the victim inside the vestibule of the 40th and Market Grocery, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Police said the victim had been inside the store for some time, speaking with another individual, when the suspect entered with a gun drawn.
“Everything that transpired took place inside the store. There was approximately three other people inside that small store,” said Capt. Timothy Stephan of the Philadelphia Police Department.
Shoes, a hat and a cellphone were left behind in the store’s doorway–items investigators say belonged to the victim.
“The shoes that are inside the store that you can see behind me, along with the hat, belonged to the victim. They were being carried by the victim over his shoulder. Once he was shot, he then dropped items,” Stephan said.
According to police, an exchange occurred between the victim and the shooter moments before the gunfire.
“Inside that vestibule area, the victim, a 26-year-old black male, was approached by the shooter, who entered the store, gun drawn. Words were said between the shooter and the victim,” Stephan said.
Investigators said the suspect then fired two shots.
“Once intentionally to the lower area, leg area, and the victim then fell to the ground and the shooter, prior to leaving the scene, fired an additional round, striking the victim in the upper abdomen area, and it appears to have gone into the victim’s chest,” Stephan said.
The suspect then fled the store.
“Suspect actually fled the store and got onto an electric scooter or e bike and left the location,” Stephan said.
Police said the victim had been in the store “for quite some time” and was “having a conversation with an additional individual we haven’t located yet.” Two other witnesses were also inside at the time of the shooting.
Authorities have not yet identified the victim. Police said the suspect was dressed in all black and was wearing glasses and a ski mask.
Investigators said surveillance video suggests the suspect and victim may have known each other, but it is unclear whether the shooting was targeted.
The killing marks the second fatal shooting at the market in recent years. In 2023, a 21-year-old man was shot multiple times in the face and chest at the same location.
Community members expressed frustration and sadness over the violence.
“I come here like three times a week maybe more,” said Mahdi El, a University City resident. “I’m really hurt by that. I’m disappointed.”
“It’s really sad for the community because it keeps happening,” said Ibrahim Ibneamin, who owns a restaurant next door. “It’s really sad, a young man losing his life, it’s really sad.”
Ibneamin said the ongoing violence is also hurting nearby businesses.
“We’re locked up nobody can come inside. It’s bad for business. For the community. We need more security,” he said.
Anyone with information can call or text Philadelphia police at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip online.
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