Two West Philly children hospitalized for gunshot wounds in separate incidents
The shootings occurred within a few hours of and less than a mile away from one another.
Two young West Philadelphia children were hospitalized Monday afternoon after suffering separate gunshot wounds in unrelated incidents. The shootings occurred within a few hours of and less than a mile away from one another.
Philadelphia Police said it was investigating both incidents.
At around 1:45 p.m. a 2-year-old boy reportedly shot himself in the stomach inside his home on the 5200 block of Delancey Street. He was transported by police to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where he was listed as in critical condition.
Every day, eight children and teens are injured or killed nationally by an unlocked or unsupervised gun in the home, according to research from gun control group Brady United, whose data includes suicides. Advocates say gun locks, which can be obtained from multiple city agencies for free, can save lives and prevent lifelong injuries and trauma.
Just hours later, at about 4:20 p.m. a 5- or 6-year-old girl was struck in the leg by gunfire while on the front porch with her family at a home on the 5900 block of Pine Street, police said.
Police took her to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia as well. She was listed in stable condition. No motive has been determined, according to police.
Action News reported that the girl was injured when one shooter in a group opened fire on the home from across the street. The group of three or four people were dressed in all black. Four shell casings were found on the sidewalk nearby.
No arrests have been made regarding either incident.
“The Philadelphia Police Department is currently investigating two separate and tragic shooting incidents involving young children that occurred in the 18th District,” police said in a statement Monday afternoon. “All information provided is preliminary and subject to change as the investigations develop.”
Tips can be called in or texted to the Philadelphia police at 215-686-TIPS (8477). Anonymous tips can also be submitted online.
Staff writer Ellie Rushing contributed to this report.