A manhunt is underway in Philadelphia for a suspect believed to be responsible for a shooting incident on a city bus that left four people injured, including three teenagers. The shooting occurred on a SEPTA bus near the Philadelphia Zoo around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, transforming an ordinary bus ride into a crime scene.
The Philadelphia Police Department and SEPTA officials are investigating the incident, which took place on Route 15 at 33rd and Girard. The bus, which was carrying approximately 30 passengers at the time of the shooting, has since been cleared of passengers and is currently being examined by investigators. So far, ten shell casings have been found on the bus.
Inspector D.F. Pace of the Philadelphia Police Department confirmed that the victims are three teenage boys, aged between 14 and 16, and a 39-year-old woman. The teenagers suffered injuries to their back, hand, and foot, while the woman was grazed by a bullet. All victims are reported to be in stable condition.
The suspect is described as a man in his 40s, but the motive behind the shooting remains unknown. The incident has left regular bus riders in shock. Dasha Zhukova, who rides the bus about six times a week, expressed her disbelief, stating, “You never think about these things happening to you.”
Investigators are currently reviewing video footage from the bus’s surveillance cameras to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. Despite a decrease in shootings and violence in the city this year, Inspector Pace acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by those affected by gun violence.
Philadelphia police are working diligently to identify the suspect and determine a motive for the shooting. They continue to urge the public to come forward with any information that might assist in their investigation.