Suspect in custody after officer witnesses shooting in Hunting Park
HUNTING PARK (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police say a shooting suspect is in custody after an officer on patrol saw the man open fire during a robbery attempt in Hunting Park.
The suspect is identified as 24-year-old Niajee Cooper from the unit block of South Redfield Street.
Cooper is charged with Robbery, Violation of the Uniform Firearms Act, Simple Assault, Harassment and related offenses.
The incident happened approximately 12:30 a.m. Monday on the North Broad Street subway platform at Hunting Park Avenue.
Police say a 27-year-old male victim and two witnesses were waiting for the southbound train when they were approached by the suspect who was believed to be intoxicated.
The suspect pulled out a stainless steel revolver, pointed it at them and demanded, "You got something for me!"
Police say the male victim froze in fear of being shot while the other two witnesses ran up the steps to call 911.
The suspect then again stated, "You got something for me!"
The victim fled up the steps with the male close behind.
Police say the victim fell on the steps leading outside and the male pointed the loaded .357 magnum at his head again demanding money.
The victim regained his footing, made it up to the sidewalk, and was shot one time in the left hand and torso.
The victim dropped to the ground and the suspect fled on foot.
Police say just as officers were about to cross over Hunting Park Avenue traveling southbound on Broad Street, they saw the shooting and went into a foot pursuit after the suspect who attempted to discard the loaded firearm over a nearby fence on the 4300 block of North Carlisle Street.
Officers recovered the gun.
The victim was transported to Einstein Medical Center in critical condition.
The witnesses positively identified the suspect as the shooter.
"In addition to police actually witnessing this incident, and making an arrest, and getting a positive identification, we also have several cameras that may have recorded this shooting," said Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small.
