The shooting happened around 4:15 a.m. on the 1800 block of East Thayer Street.
Police say a deaf man in his 20s was sitting on the front steps of a house with some friends when a suspect approached and announced a robbery.
Investigators say the suspect demanded money from the victim but the man did not understand.
That is when the suspect fired a shot, hitting the victim in the stomach.
The victim was taken to the hospital and is listed in critical condition.
According to officials, the suspect fled the scene in a gold colored Chevrolet Impala.
Anyone with information can contact Philadelphia Police at 215-686-TIPS, text a tip to PPDTIP (773847) or through phillypolice.com.
