Philadelphia police chase, crash involving U-Haul linked to homicide investigation: Officials

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A police chase involving a U-Haul truck that ended in a crash in Philadelphia Sunday afternoon was connected with a fatal shooting investigation, authorities confirm to Action News.

The shooting took place around noon on the 1500 block of 68th Avenue in the city's West Oak Lane.

Police say a 26-year-old man was shot in the head. Medics pronounced him dead at the scene.

Neighbors who were inside at the time of the shooting said they initially thought the loud bangs were from a movie they were watching.

"We heard something but we weren't sure what it is until one of my neighbors said someone was lying on the ground, and that's when everybody came outside," said neighbor Monique Young.

Young, who didn't personally know the 26-year-old victim, says she's seen him frequently walking by in the neighborhood.

"We'd say what's up to him, see him smoke cigarettes... it was shocking it was him. I just feel bad for his family," said Young.

Jade Mormon has lived in West Oak Lane since she was little. She's still in shock that someone was killed right outside her home.

"You always hear it, 'Oh that was around the corner.' But you never expect it to be your sidewalk. You never expect it to be where your children sleep at night," said Mormon.

Shortly after the shooting, police began pursuing a U-Haul following reports that it was involved in a shooting.

Police say the U-Haul driver crashed into a tree near the intersection of Wayne Avenue and Aspley Street in the city's Germantown section.

Police say two males were taken into custody.

No further information on the U-Haul truck's connection with the investigation has been released.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 215-686-TIPS.