Woman struck by stray bullet in Germantown
GERMANTOWN - December 23, 2011
The 53 year old woman was shot in the face while lying on her bed Friday night.
UPDATE: Arrest made in Germantown bystander shooting
It happened at 3:00 p.m. in the 5800 block of Morton Street in Germantown.
The bullet went right through the woman, leaving bone fragments near her spine. Doctors at Einstein Medical Center are working to remove them.
Philadelphia Police say an altercation near Morton and Rittenhouse Street turned into a violent shooting.
Investigators say two armed men were firing shots a passing vehicle.
Neighbors say they heard the gunshots. Several shots hit cars, but one stray bullet went through the second floor window of Gwendolyn Knox's bedroom, hitting her in the face while she was lying in bed.
She was rushed to Albert Einstein Medical Center in critical condition.
"My heart goes out to the family," said Donita Cohen.
Donita Cohen is a friend of the family. She said Knox's daughter told her the bullet struck the 58 year old woman in her chin and went through her neck.
The community knows Knox as Miss. Gigi, and she runs a daycare in her home.
"She was well loved, I mean, people that I know loved her, and she loved the kids," Cohen said.
A number of kids were in her living room along with Knox's daughter when the shooting happened.
"I know those kids," said Cherlyn Ezekiel. "They could have been shot over something stupid."
Investigators were able to find the driver of the car that was targeted, but he claims he doesn't know the gunmen who got away.
"I just wish they would stop, because it's not doing anything but tearing out community apart," said Ezekiel.
Police still need information. They are asking anyone who might have information about the shooting to call Northeast Detectives.
