Police say the worker, identified as 52-year-old Aaron Hayes, suffered gunshots to the head, neck and arm. Hospital officials say he died of his injuries Thursday night.
Antoinette Taylor tells us, "It sounded like fireworks. I thought they were still celebrating the Memorial Day weekend."
But neighbors soon learned they were gunshots, fired just before 5:00 a.m. on the 7100 block of Elmwood Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia. Police say the 27-year employee of SEPTA had just left his home and was by his white van when he was shot.
Witnesses tell police that they heard a gunshot, and then saw the gunman run up to the victim and fire two more shots as he's laying on the ground.
A passing trolley driver told police a white man, between 5'5 and 5'9 with dark baggy clothing, then got into a black and gray Mitsubishi and took off. A woman was behind the wheel.
The vehicle was last seen traveling north on 71st Street and then west on Grays Avenue.
While motive is unclear, police believe this was not random act and that Hayes was targeted.
Police tell Action News they have spoken to Hayes' wife earlier. They are also interviewing his ex-wife and two girlfriends to learn more about his personal life and see how it may be connected with the shooting.
Neighbors told police the 52-year-old trolley driver was getting ready to retire and could often be seen playing music out of his van. Those who knew him describe him as a good neighbor, a good guy, and can't imagine who would want to harm him.
Police say they found some private surveillance cameras in the area, but it is not known if the incident was captured.
