PHILADELPHIA, PA – Two teenagers are under arrest following a shooting incident at a Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) platform that left a 16-year-old severely injured. The suspects, who are 16 and 17, have been charged as adults by the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. The shooting took place around 9:30 p.m. Thursday on the 15th Street Station’s westbound platform in Center City, Philadelphia.
Authorities revealed both suspects were previously involved in criminal activities. The 17-year-old, in particular, had already been arrested for a weapons offense and unauthorized use of a vehicle. According to Chief of SEPTA Transit Police, Charles Lawson, the 17-year-old fired on a crowd, hitting a 16-year-old bystander in the head. The victim was unconscious after the shooting and remains in critical condition at the hospital.
According to detectives, the suspects met up on the 15th Street platform, where the shooting occurred. Authorities said the victim was not known to the suspects, and it seemed there was no interaction between them prior to the shooting.
Lawson stated that the majority of criminal activities on SEPTA involve juveniles, with groups of young people often meeting up and causing problems. He noted that despite a decrease in overall violent crime in Philadelphia, gun violence is increasing on SEPTA.
The alleged shooter is facing several charges, including aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, and evading arrest, while his accomplice is also charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, and recklessly endangering another person. If the victim dies from the injuries, the charges could be increased.