Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Philadelphia police have made a significant arrest in connection with a recent shooting incident at a SEPTA bus stop that left eight students injured. The authorities announced the apprehension of a fifth suspect during a press conference, revealing that a 15-year-old boy played a role in carrying out the mass shooting on March 6. Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore noted that evidence suggests the suspect was in contact with the individuals inside the vehicle involved in the shooting.
The four other suspects implicated in the crime have already been taken into custody. Surveillance footage captured them exiting a dark-colored vehicle just before the shooting occurred. The suspects have been identified as Asir Boone, 17, Jermahd Carter, 19, Jamaal Tucker, 18, and Ahnile Buggs, 18. Notably, Buggs is also facing murder charges in connection with the killing of 20-year-old Kristofer Dowling in February.
According to Vanore, the fifth suspect identified the victims to the others while inside a Dunkin’ store and even signaled them to proceed before the shooting took place. All five suspects are currently facing charges of attempted murder and aggravated assault. The shooting incident happened at Cottman and Rising Sun avenues in the Burholme neighborhood, where multiple Northeast High School students were waiting for the bus. The victims, aged between 15 and 17, sustained injuries, with one 16-year-old boy being shot nine times and hospitalized in critical condition. Fortunately, all the victims have since stabilized.
Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the shooting and are looking into possible connections with another recent shooting that tragically took the life of 17-year-old Imhotep Charter High School student Dayemen Taylor. Taylor was shot on March 4 while waiting at a SEPTA bus stop in Ogontz, resulting in injuries to two other students and two bus passengers. The police are working diligently to determine if there is any link between the two incidents.