Snyder Middle School student ID'd as 14-year-old killed in Bensalem shooting; 2 other teens injured

BENSALEM, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Police have identified the middle school student who was fatally shot when gunfire rang out during a large fight in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, on Halloween night.

It happened around 7:35 p.m. Tuesday in the area of Bristol Pike and Woodbine Avenue.

"What we do know is that it started as a fight. It quickly upgraded to a shooting and now we have one individual dead and two others shot," said Bensalem Police Director of Public Safety William McVey.

Police say officers were initially called to the scene for a report of a large group of juveniles fighting. When officers arrived, they found three shooting victims identified as a 14-year-old, a 17-year-old, and a 19-year-old.

The 14-year-old, who was shot in the chest, was pronounced dead at Jefferson Torresdale Hospital. He has since been identified as Pietro "Peter" Romano. He was a student at Snyder Middle School, police said.

Superintendent Samuel Lee issued a statement Wednesday saying his thoughts and prayers go out to the affected individuals and their families.

"The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community members are of the utmost importance to us. We understand the profound impact that such traumatic events can have on our community, and we are committed to providing the support and resources needed to heal and recover," he said.

The two other victims suffered gunshot wounds to their legs. The 17-year-old was placed in stable condition and will have surgery, while the 19-year-old has already been treated and released, according to officials.

According to police, the gunman opened fire from a vehicle into the large crowd of people. The vehicle was parked at Woodbine Avenue and Bristol Pike.

It's still unclear if the suspect was involved in the large fight, police say.

"This was just an independent tragedy that you don't want to see happen anywhere -- especially on Halloween -- when you have literally thousands of kids walking around the streets," said McVey.

Police say a single shooter fled the scene northbound on Bristol Pike in an unknown vehicle after firing about a dozen shots.

A bullet hole could be seen in the door of a shopping center nearby. The business owner said he was very upset about the shooting.

"It's unfortunate but on Halloween, a lot of crime happens," said Pandeli Hajioannou, the owner of Philadelphia Private Gym. "It's sad. It's all sad, I feel bad for the families and everyone else."

Officers are still working to get a description of the gunman and vehicle.

"If something happens like if a robbery happens or incidents happen, I have cameras in place. I call the police they're normally here right away. But shootings? This is the first time anything like this has ever happened," Hajioanno added.

Bensalem police hope witnesses - or anyone with information - will come forward.

"This was a horrific night in Bensalem. We have all our resources out here now. We're actively investigating it. We're asking anyone who was in the area - there were multiple kids who fled the scene - to please contact us," McVey said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Bensalem police.

A GoFundMe has been set up by Peter's family.