Images released of suspect's car after 10-year-old Philadelphia boy shot in head walking home from school
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A 10-year-old boy walking home from school was shot in the head when gunfire erupted from a passing car, according to Philadelphia police.
It happened around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at Margaret Street near Torresdale Avenue in the city's Frankford section.
Deputy Commissioner Joe Sullivan said the gunfire came from the backseat of a red or maroon Pontiac G6.
"Another child has been hit with gunfire at the hands of a coward," said Sullivan.
On Thursday morning, Philadelphia police released numerous surveillance images of the vehicle.
Acting Philadelphia Police Commissioner Christine Coulter said there were eyes on the block at the time of the shooting.
"There were a lot of people out there, there are a lot of people who either knows or saw something that happened," she said.
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The boy, who family members identified as Semaj O'Branty, fell to the sidewalk after being shot.
Witness Harry Stork said he saw a woman trying to save the boy's life.
"She cupped his head and tried to stop the bleeding and they took him to the hospital," said Stork.
O'Branty was rushed to the hospital in critical but stable condition. He is expected to survive.
Immediately after the shooting, dozens of Philadelphia officers were deployed around the city to find the red Pontiac.
Sullivan vowed to use all department resources to find the vehicle.
"This is unacceptable. We have to join police and community, come together and work together to get people like this off the street before another one of our children are injured," said Sullivan.
Philadelphia Police Captain John Walker said a person who shot back at the Pontiac has been taken into custody. Walker said they've recovered that man's gun inside a recycling bin.
The shooter remains at large.
Around 8 p.m. Wednesday, members from O'Branty's church came out to sing and pray for him. They say the 10-year-old, who has two sisters including one twin, loves to volunteer.
"He'd put his apron on and gloves and he'll serve the kids the food," said Pastor Richard Smith with Faith Assembly of God.
The pastor also had some words he hoped somehow the boy would hear.
"I love him. I'm holding on with God for him and he's going to be OK," said Smith.
Anyone with any information is asked to call police at 215-686-TIPS.
This shooting comes less than a month after a two shootings that left a 2-year-old girl dead and an 11-month-old toddler fighting for his life.
