Video shows man chasing, shooting at woman 10 times in Philadelphia's Olney section
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police are trying to identify the shooter who chased a woman and fired 10 shots at her as she was heading to work on Monday.
Investigators say the victim was walking along Roosevelt Boulevard when she noticed something was off. Within seconds, she was running down this street trying to escape a man as he fired.
On Thursday, police released a compilation of doorbell and surveillance videos in the area.
The victim can be heard screaming for help as the man chases her down the 4800 block of North Lawrence Street in Olney.
Neighbors are disturbed by the incident. So are police.
"It's extremely troubling that someone would have complete disregard for human life to act in this manner," said Captain John Craig, Commanding Officer of Northwest Detectives with the Philadelphia Police Department.
The scary situation unfolded Monday morning at about 6:55 a.m. The woman was walking to work in the 400 block of Roosevelt Boulevard when she noticed a black Nissan Juke SUV parked with its flashers on.
"She noticed the vehicle began creeping towards her, which startled her. She began to walk away towards the 4800 block of Lawrence Street," said Craig.
Investigators say the shooter got out of the passenger side of the car and started following the woman.
"The female victim began to run, at which point the offender began to fire as she fled northbound on the 4800 block of North Lawrence Street," Craig said.
Police say the shooter fired his weapon about ten times.
"That is definitely in broad daylight, something that should not have happened," said one shocked neighbor who did not want to be identified.
It's especially surprising during the morning rush, just off one of the busiest streets in the city.
"It's a miracle that no one was struck because 4th and (Roosevelt) Boulevard is quite a busy area at 6:50 in the morning," said Craig.
Investigators are trying to figure out if the shooter knew the victim or if he was targeting her.
Amazingly, that victim - who is in her 30s or 40s - was not hurt.
"Obviously, she's very distraught and shaken," said Craig. "All credit in the world to her. She's very brave and still cooperating with investigators."
As the victim called 911, the suspect got away in the same car that dropped him off: the Nissan Juke. It was last seen going southbound on Roosevelt Boulevard.
"We're asking for any information from the public. Please contact Northwest detectives," said Craig.
The shooter is about 5'7" with a medium to stocky build. He was wearing a grey hoodie pulled over his face, black pants, black shoes and white gloves.
Anyone with information can call or text Philadelphia police at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip online.
