Survivor describes North Philly triple shooting caught on surveillance video

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Police are investigating a shooting that left one man dead and two others wounded Tuesday afternoon in the 2200 block of Ridge Avenue.

The investigation includes surveillance video that was newly obtained by Action News that shows the entire shooting.

Kevin O'Neal, 71, was one of three people shot in the incident. He said he is grateful to have survived after being struck twice in the back.

"I'm feeling great," O'Neal said within about an hour of being released from the hospital.

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Surgeons removed both of the bullets from O'Neal's back. He marvels at the fact that the bullets didn't go through his body.

"That's a blessing by itself," he said.

According to O'Neal and residents, the location is a gathering place where neighborhood elders often spend time together talking and socializing.

Surveillance video recorded shortly before 5 p.m. shows O'Neal and others gathered outside having a good time.

"We was just sitting out there playing," O'Neal said.

The video then shows a silver or light-colored SUV stopping near the scene. Four people dressed in black exited the vehicle and fired more than 50 shots, according to police.

"I felt a tingle in the back," O'Neal said. "They told me to stay down because I was hit. So I stayed down," he added.

O'Neal was struck just below his neck and on the upper left side of his back.

Police said a 31-year-old man and a 78-year-old man also were shot. The 31-year-old survived, while the 78-year-old died.

Residents said the violence has left the community unsettled.

"For that to happen to him, it definitely leaves you in the mindset like (sigh)," Sydney said.

"We all just kind of scared because we don't know who it was, we got no information," resident Kamiah Hawkins said.

Police believe the 31-year-old man was the intended target. Evidence marker stickers remained at the scene 24 hours later, indicating where multiple bullets struck a nearby building.

O'Neal said he finds it hard to believe such a shooting could happen during the daytime. He said surviving the attack is even harder to comprehend.

"It was amazing to me," O'Neal said.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Police are searching for the silver or light-colored SUV used by the shooters and are asking anyone with information to call Philadelphia police at 215-686-TIPS.