Driver critical after shooting and crash in West Oak Lane

WEST OAK LANE (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police are investigating a shooting in the city's West Oak Lane neighborhood.

The nice weather on Tuesday brought many people outdoors to enjoy and engage in all sorts of activities.

Unfortunately, one guy thought it was also a good day to shoot at someone he was having a beef with on that same street.

The dramatic scene happened along the 7200 block of Rodney Street.

A 2011 Jaguar XJL crashed head on into a tree after the 22-year-old driver was struck by gunfire.

A woman who was sitting in the passenger seat told police that a man suddenly jumped in front of the car and started shooting.

Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said, "And bullets were striking the vehicle she was in, she immediately ducked down and was not able to give us any further information on him."

The driver was struck multiple times across his torso and taken by private auto to Einstein Medical Center where he is listed in critical.

The vehicle was struck at least 8 times by gunfire from the front and then several times through the passenger side doors. But somehow, the woman passenger was not struck.

"It's almost miraculous that the female who was in the front passenger seat was not struck by gunfire," said Chief Inspector Small.

At least 12 shots were fired with some of the bullets also flying across Rodney Street and striking two parked vehicles.

Those bullets shattered the glass window of a silver SUV that had a bible on the dashboard and a sign that read, member of the clergy.

Police say the area is generally a nice neighborhood.

"We're very fortunate in that regard that no one else was struck by gunfire with so many people out enjoying the weather," said Chief Inspector Small.

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