Police ID teen in custody, high school student critical after drug deal shooting in Havertown

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Haverford shooting suspect arraigned; to be tried as adult: Gray Hall reports on Action News at 6 p.m., February 13, 2019

HAVERTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) -- Police say a drug deal in Delaware County went bad leading to a high school student being shot in the face and a teenager taken into custody.

Marquis Mays, a Haverford High School student, remains in the hospital in critical condition.

"Police officers found our victim lying on his back in the center of roadway with a gunshot wound to his face in a large pool of blood around his head," said District Attorney Katayoun Copeland in a press conference Wednesday.

James McCauley, 17, of the 100 block of Friendship Road in Haverford Township, is currently in police custody.

Police said McCauley is charged with criminal attempt to commit homicide, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, firearms without a license, possession of an instrument of crime, and receiving stolen property.

The shooting happened around 8:15 p.m. Tuesday along Glen Gary Drive and Rose Tree Lane in Havertown.

Haverford Township Police Chief John Viola says Mays arrived at that intersection with two other males for an apparent drug deal.

Haverford High School student shot in face over ounce of marijuana, police say: Gray Hall reports on Action News at 4 p.m., February 13, 2019

Viola said it was determined that Mays and another male arranged to purchase one ounce of marijuana for $150 cash from three unknown male actors. The district attorney's office said the three males, including McCauley who was driving the car, arrived at the pre-arranged meet location.

The shooting victim entered the rear seat of the vehicle to purchase the one ounce of marijuana, according to investigators. However, during the exchange, one of the males in the rear of the vehicle became aggressive with the victim and a physical fight ensued between the individuals.

Police said McCauley then pulled out a black semi-automatic pistol and shot Mays in the face.

Drug deal leads to shooting in Havertown. Gray Hall reports during Action News at Noon on February 13, 2019.

All the suspects took off running.

"It's tragic to have a shooting for an 18-year-old committed by a 17-year-old," Viola said. Police believe the gun used was stolen.

Man shot in head in Havertown. Katherine Scott reports during Action News Mornings on February 13, 2019.

The crime has stunned police and residents. In fact, the chief says it's odd the shooting happening in the neighborhood.

RELATED: Haverford High School student, James McCauley, arraigned on murder charges

"It doesn't happen. It's very, very odd that it happened in that neighborhood, a very residential neighborhood. We're concerned like everyone else would be," Viola said.

So far, police have not released the names of any other individuals involved in the shooting, but promise to get to the bottom of the crime.

Investigators say they were able to make a quick arrest thanks to the cooperation from the community who provided statements and surveillance video.

"A shooting just for $150 for a small amount of marijuana is extremely, extremely troubling for all of us," said Haverford Township Police Chief John Viola. "I mean what it takes someone to shoot somebody in the face over a $150 dollars to even think about it, that you can carry a gun in a violent nature, a 17 year old. It worries us."

McCauley is facing felony charges and will be charged as an adult.

Police say more arrests are likely.