Amazon delivery partner fires gunshots in South Philly during altercation with bus aide
Police say the school bus was full of children transporting campers.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police are investigating after a delivery partner for Amazon fired gunshots during an altercation with a school bus aide.
The alleged gunman has been identified as 28-year-old Terrel Hall-Williams. He has been charged with aggravated assault and other offenses.
It happened shortly after 3 p.m. Wednesday on the corner of 17th and Christian streets in South Philadelphia.
This all started when police say a camp bus driver was unable to make a turn due to a parked Amazon van.
Officials tell Action News the aide on the bus got out and asked one of the delivery drivers to move. That's when an altercation ensued and at some point, police say, Hall-Williams retrieved a gun from the Amazon truck and opened fire.
Action News has learned that camp staff tried to intervene, but the suspect still fired at least three shots.
No injuries were reported.
Police say the bus was full of children transporting campers. The students were able to take shelter inside the nearby Edwin M. Stanton School.
"My kids go to daycare right there," said Evan Finch, who is among the many parents concerned.
"Elementary school, day care, YMCA -- kids are out, it's summertime. They're walking to places going to the playgrounds," added Finch.
Hall-Williams is also no longer delivering packages on behalf of Amazon.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to call police at 215-686-TIPS.
Officers say they are using camera footage from the bus as part of the investigation.
Amazon released a statement saying, "We are relieved no one was physically harmed during this event. This type of behavior is unacceptable and does not reflect the standards we hold for drivers who deliver on our behalf. We are actively working with law enforcement to support their ongoing investigation."
Amazon adds that it's against company policy for people delivering on behalf of the company to carry weapons.
At this same location almost exactly one year ago, another shooting rattled the neighborhood.
In that incident, an 18-year-old was gunned down in a targeted shooting.
"I hope it's not a trend. I hope it's just a coincidence, but obviously you don't like to see it," Finch noted.
Neighbors say they still feel safe in the community but do acknowledge that these incidents are distressing.
Police data shows that in this district, there have been eight shootings so far in 2024. That's down from 23 this time last year.
"I feel safe, I mean like, you know, I mean a stray bullet doesn't have a name on it," said Finch.
