2 stabbed, 1 shot in North Philadelphia; suspect in custody

NORTH PHILADELPHIA -- A man has been arrested after three people were injured in a double stabbing and errant shooting in North Philadelphia.

It happened at 8:20 p.m. Wednesday at 18th Street and Girard Avenue.

Police say the suspect stabbed a man in the back and a woman in the head at that location. The victims, both 24 years old, were with the woman's three children, ages 5, 3 and an infant, at the time of the attack.

The suspect then pulled a gun and fired four shots, police say. A barmaid at a nearby tavern who overhead the commotion and came outside was shot in the leg, and a bullet grazed her face.

All three victims were rushed to Hahnemann University Hospital, where they were listed in stable condition.

Police spotted the 25-year-old suspect running from the scene near 18th and Master.

"The officers went in foot pursuit of this male. The male tried to hide behind some cars. Police caught up to him. He quickly took off his jacket, and threw it onto the ground," said Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small. "When police apprehended him, they picked up the jacket. They found a handgun in that jacket."

Police have not identified the victims or a motive for the attack.