Robbers shoot woman, boyfriend returns fire in Philadelphia's Port Richmond section

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A woman is recovering after being shot during a struggle amid a violent robbery that led to her boyfriend returning fire on the suspects, according to Philadelphia police.

It happened Tuesday night at around 10 p.m. on East Clearfield Street near Aramingo Avenue in Port Richmond.

This is where investigators said a 27-year-old man and his 26-year-old girlfriend were walking after they had just parked, police said.

That's when two men approached and held them at gunpoint, but the victims didn't back down.

Police said the boyfriend got into a fight with the men and that when the girlfriend intervened, one of the suspects shot her in the leg.

The men then pistol-whipped and stole $1,000 in cash from the couple. But as the suspects were leaving in a getaway vehicle, police said the boyfriend -- who was licensed to carry -- pulled out his own gun and fired off 16 shots at the car.

"Which is described as a gray sedan, possibly a Buick," said Chief Inspector Scott Small. "And we know he fired 16 shots at that vehicle that was fleeing the scene."

It's unknown if either of the suspects were hit.

"I think people have guns they shouldn't have today and it's getting close to where I'm gonna get out of Philadelphia. Because there's too much of that going on," said Port Richmond resident Lisa Grillo-Bruse.

Action News spoke to the victim's mother, who said her daughter is in surgery and the boyfriend is doing okay.

Investigators said they're checking cameras in hopes of tracking the vehicle and suspects.