Police investigate shots fired after large crowd gathers near Temple University

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Philadelphia Police have released images of a suspect they believe fired a gun near a crowd of hundreds of juveniles near Temple University’s campus Saturday evening.

The university’s Office of Public Safety says it was aware of a “meet up” advertised on social media near Broad Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue Saturday and officers were in place to monitor the crowd.

Still, video from the Citizen’s App show chaos ensuing. Around 4:30 p.m., up to 500 juveniles had gathered near the Liacouras Center. They could be seen running onto the street and weaving through traffic. Police say the crowd did not disperse until around 6 p.m., when shots were fired.

Police put out pictures of the individual they believe is responsible and are hoping someone recognizes him.

“We took the subway, we were in town and the only reason we knew about it was social media, but if we didn’t, we would’ve just took the subway to get here and we would’ve just, it could’ve been a lot worse,” said Jared, a junior at Temple, who says he avoided Broad Street after seeing videos of the crowd.

Police say no one was hurt when the shots were fired, but the violence still rattled students.

“We know what happens in this area and stuff and with more police patrols, it could cut down, but you don’t see them at all unless something actually happens,” said Dmar, a sophomore.

Police say the scene on Broad Street was clear by 8:30 p.m., but half a mile away, on 19th and Diamond streets, a separate violent incident broke out.

Philadelphia Police say there was a triple shooting during a party at an Airbnb around 1:20 a.m. Sunday. Police say a 15-year-old girl was grazed in the head, an 18-year-old male was shot in the arm, and a 17-year-old male was shot in the arm and head. The 17-year-old is in critical condition.

“Everybody just left at one time, there was a bus right here, people hopped on the bus, the bus was crowded after that,” said Ashiya Hopewell from North Philadelphia.

Temple says no students were involved in either incident.

Jennifer Griffin, the Vice President & Chief for Public Safety said of the mob on Broad Street “Keeping the community safe, informed and connected is our number 1 priority, and one we take very seriously.” Adding, “This behavior is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.”

“When you’ve lived here long enough you kind of disassociate from the idea you might get shot or whatever slightly more scared about,” said Khushi Kumar, a senior.

No arrests have been made in either incident at this point.

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