Children among 5 shot at rec center; Philly police release video of wanted suspects
Police said the shooting may have been a result of an earlier fight at the rec center.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Police are searching for several suspects in connection with a West Philadelphia recreation center shooting that left five people injured, including two children.
Video released by police shows several suspects approaching the Christy Rec Center at South 56th and Christian streets just after 4 p.m. Wednesday
Within seconds, several individuals are seen running from the area, including the alleged shooter, police said.
WATCH: Police release video of suspects wanted in rec center shooting
According to Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, a 10-year-old and an 11-year-old were both grazed by bullets that were fired outside of the pool area along 56th Street. They were rushed to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in stable condition.
Two 16-year-olds were also shot; one is listed as critical and the other is stable.
Police say a fifth victim, identified as a 32-year-old man working as a staff member at the rec center, was grazed and is expected to recover.
"We didn't see nothing, but you heard it, and hearing it is just as traumatic," said one neighborhood resident. "They were all screaming and yelling."
Bethel said the shooting may have been a result of an earlier fight at the rec center.
The pool just opened on Wednesday, according to Mayor Cherelle Parker.
"I want to be very clear that our swimming pools have to be, must be, and will be, safe havens for our young people and families, especially as we deal with the elements of this summer," Parker said. "We're going to do whatever it takes to make sure that that is the reality that we live."
City leaders say they've been working hard to make this rec center and the area safer after a 2021 shooting that claimed the life of a 16-year-old.
"This is unacceptable. We have to make sure that we're doing everything we possibly can. The police are also here at our pools to ensure that there are safe places for our young people," said Susan Slawson, the director and Parks and Recreation.
The center will be closed on Thursday, but resources are available to those who were impacted while detectives investigate.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 215-686-TIPS.
