Suspects arrested in Juniata nightclub shooting
JUNIATA - September 3, 2011
It happened at Casa De Espana, a nightclub near the 4200 block of Whitaker Avenue in the Juniata section of Philadelphia.
Around 4:39 a.m. an officer from the 25th Police District was in the area investigating an earlier incident when shots were overheard coming from nightclub.
Police say a dispute broke out over a female.
The altercation escalated and two males pulled out handguns, one firing multiple times.
A 24-year-old male was struck in both legs and the stomach. He was taken to Temple University Hospital in serious condition.
A 25-year-old male was struck in the right foot. He was transported to Temple University Hospital, where he was treated and released.
An arriving officer witnessed 19-year-old Gabriel Antonio Rodriguez Diaz and 29-year-old Jonathan Ayala fleeing the scene in a small car.
The officer called for backup to pursue the suspects that fled the scene.
Police chased the fleeing vehicle for several blocks before the driver crashed, near the 4000 block of North Front Street.
The suspects tried to run away but were quickly apprehended by police.
Both men are facing numerous charges including aggravated assault.
