Shooting sparks investigation into illegal speakeasy operation in Southwest Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A shooting in Southwest Philadelphia has sparked an investigation into an illegal speakeasy. However, local Liberians call it a community center.

Crime tape blocked off a line of trailers parked in a grassy lot off 60th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard after a 37-year-old man was shot in the back at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday.

He is said to be in stable condition.

Local Liberians tell Action News they were celebrating Liberian Independence Day when the shooting allegedly happened in a nearby alley.

Jeffrey Harmon walked Action News through what appears to be a makeshift outdoor area under a canopy of trees.

He says the area is a community center, adding that it's been there for years.

But police say it was there that an argument broke out between two unidentified men, leading to one man being shot.

Surveillance captured the two men arguing before they went out of view and shots were heard, police said.

Police transported one victim to the hospital where he remains in stable condition at last check.

"We were just celebrating. The shooting went on outside the perimeter," Harmon said. "So, there is not a speakeasy being ran here."

Harmon said he hasn't been charged for running a speakeasy.

He admitted that members of his center pooled money for drinks and alcohol on Sunday, adding that a few dozen people were at the location but he's adamant he isn't running an illegal speakeasy.

"No we don't sell alcohol. They put their money together and buy own food and stuff," he said when asked if he was selling alcohol.

"Clearly an illegal operation, which we will be addressing immediately," Pace said.

However, the grounds are so vast, police are still searching for evidence as to who shot the man and why.

Action News is still trying to get to the bottom of who actually owns this property.

Police say SEPTA owns the property adjacent to the tracks.

No other information has been released at this time.