Armed burglary suspect fatally shot by gun shop's owner in South Philadelphia, authorities say
PHILADEPHIA - An armed burglary suspect was shot and killed by the owner of a gun shop in South Philadelphia, police say.
The incident happened at approximately 4:11 a.m. on the 1500 block of Front Street in the Pennsport section of the city.
Officials say the owner of the gun store, Firing Line Inc, was inside his business guarding it because they had experienced a break in attempt on Sunday evening.
When a crew of armed burglary suspects reportedly attempted to break in, the store's owner saw them on surveillence video and then heard them coming up the steps of the store.
"One of the individuals that broke into the property, pointed a handgun at him," Chief Inspector Scott Smalls told FOX 29's Steve Keeley. "And that's when the store owner fired his own weapon -- striking the one perpetrator at least one time in the head and he collapsed, dropping his gun between his legs."
Medics pronounced that man dead at the scene. At least two or three other individuals involved in the attempted looting fled the scene.
At least two or three other individuals involved in the attempted looting fled the scene.
Officials say another man is at an area hospital with a gunshot wound to the shoulder and believe he is likely a member of the same looting crew.
Cops are however still to confirm that connection as they wait to get a bullet from surgeons.
A pair of large bolt cutters were found at the scene, officials confirmed.
An investigation remains underway.
RELATED COVERAGE:
- SEPTA suspends transit services in Center City until further notice
- Biden meets with black leaders at Delaware church amid unrest
- Amid weekend unrest, 7 killed in shootings across Philadelphia
- Krasner: Frank Rizzo statue 'should have never been erected' due to 'racist' history
- Fire Commissioner: Crews 'taking great risk to protect these businesses and to save lives'
For the latest local news, sports and weather, download the FOX 29 News app.
DOWNLOAD: FOX 29 NEWS APP