PHILADELPHIA (TSWT) — A Saint Joseph University student is recovering after Philadelphia police say he was shot in an attempted carjacking near campus. There is still crime scene tape left at the scene in Wynnefield. Neighbors were surprised to hear the gunshots.
“I heard these two shots, someone screaming and screaming,” Theodore Andrews said.
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Andrews called 911 before rushing outside his Wynnefield home. It was there that he found a 21-year-old man who was bleeding after an attempted carjacking and shooting.
“He said he saw two masked men,” Andrews said. “They took his keys and fought but they shot him in the leg.”
Police say the victim is a St. Joe’s University student who was trying to park his blue Subaru Outback outside his apartment near campus on Tuesday night when two armed men approached him and announced a robbery.
“It’s happening more and more,” the Philadelphia police chief inspector said. says Franck Vanore.
While the student’s vehicle was ultimately not taken, Eyewitness News found that the number of successful armed carjackings in Philadelphia has skyrocketed, with more than 480 this year so far. This is much higher than in recent years.
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“We couldn’t explain that. It’s not just a Philadelphia problem, it’s happening across the country,” Vanore said. “Most of the people arrested, I would say most are between 16 and 21 years old.”
Police are therefore reminding people to keep your vehicle and house keys on separate rings, not to leave your car running unattended and to be aware of your surroundings at all times.
“Especially when you’re stopped and parked,” Vanore said.
The victim is currently recovering in hospital in Lankenau. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police.
Saint Joseph’s said in a statement: ‘Our first priority is always the safety and well-being of our students. Although these incidents are extremely rare in our community, they are nevertheless of great concern. We remind our community of the availability of 24/7 safety resources and ongoing support. Our Public Safety Department is working closely with our Philadelphia Police Department partners and increasing patrols in areas around campus. We remain in close contact with the affected student and are grateful that the injuries sustained are not life threatening.
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For a list of resources on gun violence in Philadelphia, Click here
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