Bakery owner shot outside business in Overbrook

OVERBROOK (WPVI) -- A bakery owner was shot outside her business in the Overbrook section of Philadelphia on Friday morning.

The shooting happened just before 6 a.m. at the Best Cake Bakery in the 7500 block of Haverford Avenue.

Police say the two suspects walked through the back door of the bakery where they encountered the 56-year-old victim. A struggle ensued and one of the suspects fired a shot, hitting the victim. Her attackers took her apron where she keeps her money.

The bullet passed through her windpipe and lodged in her spine, but the victim was able to call 911.

She was taken to the hospital and is listed in critical condition.

The suspects fled the scene.

Police only briefly talked to the victim when they arrived, though she was able to hold up her fingers to let them know there were two attackers.

Investigators also say the woman was the victim of an attempted robbery last Friday, but she was able to fight off her attacker. Police say she never reported that incident.

Police believe today's armed robbery was planned.

"What we're understanding from people is that she pays her employees on Fridays. So this is why they're targeting her on Fridays. So it clearly was a setup robbery as far as we're concerned. They clearly cased this out, knew what she did, and had familiarity with this particular business," said Lt. John Walker of Southwest Detectives.

Taliah Thornton's cousin has worked at the kosher bakery for years. She says the owner is always in at 4 a.m. on Fridays. Her cousin is usually in early too, but was running late today.

He was shocked when he showed up.

"I got a knock at my door and he was there, crying and everything. He had just found out what happened," Thornton said.

The owner is well known in the neighborhood for her kindness, for helping the less fortunate, and for giving people who need jobs second chances.

"She always welcomed them back. Even if they didn't show up for a few days, she's always take them back," said Guy Shitrit of Shalom Pizza.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Philadelphia police.